Grammar Rule: Use the correct form of: It’s=it is Its=possessive Example of Grammar Rule It’s about time that 2nd semester started. The school had its prom at the Benton Convention Center.

Sentence Correction: Its never a good idea to have an acerbic tone when you are in trouble, the school will stick to the punishment set by its rules.

Tone Word for Today: Acerbic Definition: sour or bitter; intended to cause hurt feelings Sentence using word: Acerbic Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: biting sharp smart-aleck

Grammar Rule: Use the correct form of: You’re=You are Your=possessive Example of Grammar Rule You’re going to the game tonight for free! Your friends are throwing you a surprise party!

Sentence Correction: Your going to have to make a decision; do not be ambivalent with your thoughts.

Tone Word for Today: Ambivalent Definition: Uncertainty or indecisiveness as to which course to follow Sentence using word: Ambivalent Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: doubtful questioning hesitant

Use the correct form of: They’re=they are Their=possessive Grammar Rule: Use the correct form of: They’re=they are Their=possessive There=a place Example of Grammar Rule They’re excited about summer coming. Their friends are all coming to the party. I would like to take a nap over there.

Sentence Correction: Their apathetic when there deciding on their classes for next year.

Tone Word for Today: Apathetic Definition: Lacking interest or concern; indifferent Sentence using word: Apathetic Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Disinterested Unconcerned Nonchalant

Grammar Rule: Use the correct form of: to=preposition, towards something too=also Example of Grammar Rule Let’s go to fifth period! He wanted to go to the party, too.

Sentence Correction: She was bemused too learn that not only was she in trouble, but her best friend was, to.

Tone Word for Today: Bemused Definition: Suffering from mental confusion Sentence using word: Bemused Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Confused Bewildered Shell-shocked

Grammar Rule: Accept=to receive Except=to take or leave out Example of Grammar Rule (DO NOT COPY—INFO. ONLY) He accepts defeat well. Take all of the books except the red one.

Sentence Correction: All of the benevolent millionaires were excepted into the club, accept for the one recently arrested.

Tone Word for Today: Benevolent Definition: Suggestive of doing good; concerned with charity Sentence using word: Benevolent Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Charitable Kindly Good-hearted

Grammar Rule: Affect=to influence Effect=the result; to accomplish Example of Grammar Rule (DO NOT COPY—INFO. ONLY) Lack of sleep affects the quality of your work. The effect of the lighting made the room look ominous.

Sentence Correction: The teacher’s blithe attitude effected the class; the effect was that everyone became happy and relaxed.

Tone Word for Today: Blithe Definition: Carefree and light-hearted Sentence using word: Blithe Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Cheerful Lighthearted Unconcerned

Example of Grammar Rule (DO NOT COPY—INFO. ONLY) Principal=a person in authority; most important Principle=a general or fundamental truth Example of Grammar Rule (DO NOT COPY—INFO. ONLY) The principal does the announcements each morning. The study was based on the principle of gravity.

Sentence Correction: The parents were conciliatory about the cheating incident when the principle brought up the principle of honesty.

Tone Word for Today: Conciliatory Definition: To try to regain friendship by pleasant behavior Sentence using word: Conciliatory Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Pacify Flexible Yielding

Grammar Rule: Lie=to lay down (people or animals) Lay=to lay an object down Example of Grammar Rule (DO NOT COPY—INFO. ONLY) I am going to lie down. Lay down that shotgun!

Sentence Correction: The soldier refuses to lie down his weapons when he lies down for a nap; the derisive comments of the enemy keeps him on his guard.

Tone Word for Today: Derisive Definition: Mocking, jeering Sentence using word: Derisive Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Disrespectful Taunting

Grammar Rule: A pronoun should agree in number and gender with its antecedent. Example of Grammar Rule Gloria Estefan records her songs in Spanish and in English. My cousins brought their backgammon game.

Sentence Correction: General Zaroff’s diabolic plot to hunt Rainsford ended in their own demise.

Tone Word for Today: Diabolic Definition: Having the qualities of a devil; devilish; fiendish; outrageously wicked Sentence using word: Diabolic Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Devilish Unpleasant Shocking

Example of Grammar Rule Use a singular personal pronoun with two or more singular antecedents joined by or or nor. Example of Grammar Rule Neither Marco nor Juan agreed to give his opinion on the subject. Paul or Dennis arranged to have his car repaired by the mechanic.

Sentence Correction: Jessica or Sarah will deliver the food to the homeless shelter; then they will return to school in an ebullient mood.

Tone Word for Today: Ebullient Definition: Overflowing with enthusiasm or excitement; high-spirited Sentence using word: Ebullient Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Exuberant Vivacious Effervescent

Example of Grammar Rule Use a plural pronoun to refer to two or more antecedents joined by and. Example of Grammar Rule The waiters and the manager at the restaurant will do their best to assist you. Marley and Simone are practicing their duet because they perform tonight.

Sentence Correction: Dennis and his father were effusive on graduation day, he could barely contain his excitement.

Tone Word for Today: Effusive Definition: Extravagantly demonstrative of emotion; gushing Sentence using word: Effusive Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Enthusiastic Unrestrained Overflowing

Example of Grammar Rule Use a singular personal pronoun when the antecedent is a singular indefinite pronoun. Example of Grammar Rule Some singular indefinite pronouns: anybody, anyone, either, everybody, each, everything, neither, nobody, one, somebody, and someone. Each of the girls has her own room. Neither of those books has much useful information in it.

Sentence Correction: The moment was euphoric and everyone expressed their joy by jumping up and down.

Tone Word for Today: Euphoric Definition: A feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being Sentence using word: Euphoric Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Jubilation Elation Exhilaration

Example of Grammar Rule Use a plural personal pronoun when the antecedent is a plural indefinite pronoun (both, few, many, others, several). Example of Grammar Rule Both of the trained gymnasts moved their bodies with ease and grace.

Sentence Correction: Several of my teachers are facetious; he likes to make fun of students who is not paying attention.

Tone Word for Today: Facetious Definition: Not meant to be taken seriously or literally Sentence using word: Facetious Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Sarcastic Ridiculous

Example of Grammar Rule Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on their meaning in a sentence (all, any, more, most, none, some). Example of Grammar Rule Some of the students lost their homework assignments. Some of the pizza has pepperoni on it.

Sentence Correction: Most Elizabethans was fatalistic and believed that his or her destiny was predetermined.

Tone Word for Today: Fatalistic Definition: Accepting of all things and events as inevitable; submission to fate Sentence using word: Fatalistic Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Hopeless Morbid

Grammar Rule: Pronouns and antecedents must agree. Example of Grammar Rule Either Patrick or Ted will bring his CD player to the party. Where will Sam and Nicholas take their parents tonight?

Sentence Correction: Romeo and Juliet had a fervent desire to be married however he should have known this was a bad idea.

Tone Word for Today: Fervent Definition: Sentence using word: Having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, or enthusiasm Sentence using word: Fervent Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Passionate Emotional Heartfelt

Grammar Rule: Indefinite pronouns and their antecedents must agree. Example of Grammar Rule Each of the girls thinks she can help. Someone forgot his or her jacket.

Sentence Correction: Some of the students in my classes has flippant attitudes; I hope he or she will mature soon.

Tone Word for Today: Flippant Definition: Frivolously disrespectful, shallow, or lacking in seriousness Sentence using word: Flippant Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Disrespectful Superficial

Grammar Rule: A singular subject must have a singular verb. Example of Grammar Rule Hungary is a small European country. Juliet seems naïve about love.

Sentence Correction: Before the Capulet party Romeo dream a foreboding dream that something negative will happen.

Tone Word for Today: Foreboding Definition: Marked by a sense of impending doom or evil Sentence using word: Foreboding Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: ominous threatening looming

A plural subject must have a plural verb. Grammar Rule: A plural subject must have a plural verb. Example of Grammar Rule Americans vote in free elections. Shakespearean sonnets have fourteen lines.

Sentence Correction: The greeks was not forthright about there intent for the Trojan Horse.

Tone Word for Today: Forthright Definition: Direct; straightforward Sentence using word: Forthright Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: honest candid frank

Example of Grammar Rule A phrase or clause that interrupts a subject and its verb does not affect subject-verb agreement. Example of Grammar Rule The legislature, which has 386 members, is called the National Assembly. Ninth graders in my class love to read Romeo and Juliet.

Sentence Correction: The team that had beaten us before were haughty about the win therefore they lost this game.

Tone Word for Today: Haughty Definition: Condescendingly proud; scornful Sentence using word: Haughty Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: arrogant superior

Example of Grammar Rule A compound subject joined by and is generally plural and must have a plural verb. Example of Grammar Rule The coach and the players are going to meet after school. The teacher and her students discuss a new poem each week.

Sentence Correction: President Obama and Americans needs to be introspective about education funding.

Tone Word for Today: Introspective Definition: Contemplative or looking inward to one’s own thoughts and feelings Sentence using word: Introspective Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: reflective thoughtful

Example of Grammar Rule If the parts of the compound subject are the same thing or are thought of as one item, then a singular verb is needed. A singular verb is also needed if the word every or each comes before a compound subject. Example of Grammar Rule Give and take is a rule of negotiations. Each issue and proposal is discussed

Sentence Correction: Each thanksgiving and Christmas are full of jovial family and friends so have fun!

Tone Word for Today: Jovial Definition: Marked by conviviality and good cheer Sentence using word: Jovial Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: jolly cheerful merry

Example of Grammar Rule Two or more singular subjects joined by or or nor must have a singular verb. Example of Grammar Rule Tabor or Reagan was going to win. Katherine nor Josh wants to go to the library today.

Sentence Correction: Hector or Achilles deserves laudatory remarks for their bravery in the trojan war.

Tone Word for Today: Laudatory Definition: Expressing praise Sentence using word: Laudatory Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: commendable admirable

Rule: A verb that comes before its subject must still agree with the subject in number. Examples: (do not copy) -On the wall are slogans. (Slogans are on the wall.) Is the message clear? (The message is clear.) Copy and correct: does the students usual act mirthful at the end of the school year or are they sad to be leaving there teachers for the summer

Sentence Correction: does the students usually act mirthful at the end of the school year or are they sad to be leaving there teachers for the summer

Mirthful Definition: Adjective; Joyous; jolly; amusing Sentence using word: Mirthful Sentence illustrating tone: Synonyms: Carefree Cheerful playful

Rule: A collective noun takes a singular verb when the group it names acts as a single unit. It takes a plural verb when the group it names act as individuals with different points of view. Examples (do not copy): Singular: The committee votes on the issue. Plural: The committee have split their votes. the appalachian state football team were nostalgic when he watched the documentary about the appalachian state vs michigan game

Sentence Correction: the appalachian state football team were nostalgic when they watched the documentary about the app state vs michigan game

Nostalgic Definition: Sentence using word: Adjective; A wistful desire to return in thought or fact to a previous time in one’s life; a bittersweet longing for the past Sentence using word: Nostalgic Sentence illustrating the tone: Synonyms: Longing Homesick Sentimental yearning

Example of Grammar Rule Two sentences can be combined by changing one sentence into a subordinate clause, creating a complex sentence. Example of Grammar Rule -We were frightened. We thought the lion we saw on safari was hungry. CHANGE TO: We were frightened because we thought the lion we saw on safari was hungry.

Sentence Correction: Sally was in a pensive mood. Her best friend had moved away.

Tone Word for Today: Pensive Definition: Deeply or dreamily thoughtful Sentence using word: Pensive Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: melancholy reflective sad

Sentences can be combined by changing one of them into a phrase. Grammar Rule: Sentences can be combined by changing one of them into a phrase. Example of Grammar Rule -My team plays tomorrow. We play the Cougars. CHANGE TO: My team plays against the Cougars tomorrow. The Cougars scored quickly. The Cougars jumped out to a two-goal lead. CHANGE TO: Scoring quickly, the Cougars jumped to a two-goal lead.

Sentence Correction: Lake Michigan is very placid. It is one of the five great lakes.

Tone Word for Today: Placid Definition: Undisturbed by disorder; calm Sentence using word: Placid Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: serene cool peaceful

Example of Grammar Rule It is important to reduce wordiness and sentence length and structure within a work. Example of Grammar Rule My cousin enjoys her job. She is a counselor at a summer camp. She teaches crafts during the day. She sleeps in a cabin with the ten-year-olds. She says that some of them are homesick at first. They usually get over it after a couple of days. CHANGE TO: My cousin enjoys her job as a summer camp counselor. During the day, she teaches crafts, and at night she sleeps in a cabin with the ten-year-olds. At first, many of the youngsters are homesick, but they usually recover after a couple of days.

Sentence Correction: Gale-force winds buffeted the tiny seacoast village, including Judd’s old, single-masted sloop, which was tied to the rotting town dock, and the sloop’s lines strained against rusty cleats until first one and then another gave way, and this was very poignant to Judd since he had gotten the sloop from his grandfather.

Tone Word for Today: Poignant Definition: Profoundly moving; touching/ piercing, intense or stimulating Sentence using word: Poignant Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: painful intense

Grammar Rule: Reduce wordiness and sentence length and type when editing.

Sentence Correction: Helen was feeling sanguine because she was feeling good; she was going to the big race which was a a very long and lengthy race.

Tone Word for Today: Sanguine Definition: Cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident Sentence using word: Sanguine Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: optimistic hopeful

Grammar Rule: A declarative statement states an idea or says a fact/opinion. Example of Grammar Rule I like basketball. Declarative Who is winning the game? NO Go to the game right now! NO That team is losing. Declarative

Sentence Correction: Directions: Turn this into a declarative sentence. Did Tim make a speculative comment about who will win the NCAA tournament yesterday?

Tone Word for Today: Speculative Definition: Making a conclusion or opinion using incomplete facts Sentence using word: Speculative Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Provisional Tentative guessing

Example of Grammar Rule An interrogative statement asks a question and ends with a question mark. Example of Grammar Rule Did you go to the store? Interrogative I went to the store. Declarative

Sentence Correction: what are it like outside today_ Directions: punctuate each sentence correctly and fix any errors. Label each sentence as interrogative or declarative! what are it like outside today_ i think it is about 80 degrees and very tranquil_

Tone Word for Today: Tranquil Definition: Calm, without anxiety, no disturbances Sentence using word: Tranquil Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Calm Peaceful still

Grammar Rule: An imperative sentence gives a command or an order. Example of Grammar Rule Go to the store. Imperative I went to the store. Declarative Will you go to the store? Interrogative

Bring i some water right now or else_ Sentence Correction: Directions: punctuate each sentence correctly and fix any errors. Label each sentence as well. Bring i some water right now or else_ the whimsical story are both charming and have a happy ending_

Tone Word for Today: Whimsical Definition: Imaginative, playfully humorous Sentence using word: Whimsical Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Fanciful Imaginative quirky

Example of Grammar Rule An exclamatory sentence conveys a strong emotion and ends with an exclamation mark. Example of Grammar Rule The house is on fire! Exclamatory I saw a frog today. Declarative I am going to throw up! Exclamatory I feel a little strange about this. Declarative

Sentence Correction: That man just stolen my purse with all me money_ Directions: punctuate each sentence correctly and fix any errors. Label each sentence as well. That man just stolen my purse with all me money_ Where is you going_ A zealous person truly believes in what they say_

Tone Word for Today: Zealous Definition: Actively enthusiastic Sentence using word: Zealous Part of Speech: Adjective Synonyms: Fervent Ardent fanatical