1 st Q 2014 – SAT Grammar Tips

8/20 You need to use a semicolon to join main (independent) clauses when a coordinating conjunction is not there. Ha’aheo takes hula; Ulu takes ukulele.

8/21 A semicolon needs to go before a conjunctive adverb to join independent clauses together. Ha’aheo takes hula; however, Ulu takes ukulele.

8/22 Use a semicolon to separate items in a series that already contains commas. I packed my suitcase with cloying, expensive perfume; a whimsical, translucent dress; and a diamond tiara.

8/25 Whatever you do, do not use semicolons to separate unparallel items (such as one dependent clause and one independent clause).

8/26 Wrong: Before starting the race; the novice team did a pule. Correct: Before starting the race the novice team did a pule.

8/27 Here is a list of transitional words and phrases that use a semicolon when joining coordinating clauses:

8/28 Accordingly, besides, eventually, however, otherwise, for example, afterwards, consequently, evidently, moreover, perhaps, for instance, again, doubtless, furthermore, nevertheless, therefore, and in addition.

8/29 Colons are mostly used to end a main clause that then has additional information and modifications with it. I had to go grocery shopping for food: milk, cheese, salad stuff, bread, and chips.

9/3 You can also use a colon in the place of a comma when setting apart dialog. Dan, a.k.a. The Troll, wailed in frustration: “I can’t believe I was killed again in ‘World of War Craft.’”

9/4 Colons link independent clauses when the second modifies the first. Keola learned a valuable lesson after finals: never wait until the last minute to study for your tests.

9/5 You can use a colon when writing a business letter following the salutation. Dear Mrs. Laepa’a:

9/8 Colons are used to separate the title and the subtitle of something. Studying for Finals: A Student’s Complete Guide

9/9 Colons are also used in a biblical citation between the chapter and passage. Genesis 1:1

9/10 You must have a colon in between the city and publishing company when doing a sources cited list. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

9/11 Remember that a colon cannot go inside a main clause. Wrong: John’s favorite movie is: The Whale Rider. Correct: John’s favorite movie is The Whale Rider.

9/12 You need to use apostrophes along with an “s” (‘s) to form the possessive of singular and plural nouns and indefinite pronouns that do not end in “s” or with an “s” or “z” sound. mother’sanyone’swomen’s

9/15 You must add an “’s” to form the possessive of singular nouns ending in “s” or with an “s” or “z” sound. Chris’sLiz’s

9/16 Add only an apostrophe to form the possessive of plural nouns ending in “s” or with an “s” or “z” sound. cats’ toys

9/17 Apostrophes #4 Use an apostrophe to form the possessive of compound nouns. However, make sure that you add the “’s” to only the last word. sister-in-law’s book

Next time? More punctuation (lucky you).