1. In order to be a complete sentence, every sentence needs a complete subject and a complete predicate (not just a noun and a verb). Subject -a noun/pronoun that tells who or what is doing something in a sentence. Predicate-what the subject is doing/being (the entire action). Ex. Joe Mauer roared into third base. Ex. Drew and Matt lost their homework. Ex. Johnny is crazy and eats pickles and ice cream.

2. If a sentence is missing either the subject or the predicate, it is called a fragment. Ex. The teacher was mad. Because I lost my homework. (Incorrect) The teacher was mad, because I lost my homework. (Correct) Ex. While Joe was sick. Ex. To hear Laura play piano. Ex. A hard working student who hands things in. Avoid starting a sentence with: 1. Conjunctions--and, but, or, so, yet, because, since, while, therefore, etc. 2. Wh-words--which, what, who, where, when, while, that 3. Verbs--*be careful*

3. A run-on is made up of two or more sentences that have been run together as if they were one thought. Ex. With gladness, we see the end of the year approaching the teachers share the joy with the students. (Incorrect) With gladness, we see the end of the year approaching. The teachers share the joy with the students. (Correct) Ex. I got up in the morning and I ate breakfast and I brushed my teeth and I washed my face and I combed my hair and I got dressed and I let the dog out. Ex. I tripped Joe he fell. 3 Ways to Fix a Run-on: Solution 1: Turn the run-on into two separate sentences. Solution 2: Use a semicolon (;) to separate the phrases. Solution 3: Use a comma and a conjunction (and, because, etc.)

4. Two or more phrases (groups of words) that are similar should be parallel in wording. This is a common problem when listing things. Each phrase should start with the same word or part of speech. (Note: Wh-words are typically the same part of speech) Ex. He learned to play tennis, swimming, and the art of horseback riding. (incorrect) He learned to swim, to play tennis, and to ride a horse. (correct) Ex. In her praises of summer camp, she mentioned the good food, that the climate was perfect, and what superb equipment they had. (Incorrect) In her praises of summer camp, she mentioned that the food was good, that the climate was perfect, and that the equipment was superb. (Correct) Ex. They studied about the past, mathematics, and how matter is constituted. They studied history, mathematics and chemistry.

5. Use a comma: 1. *To separate items in a series. Miss Davidson likes to yell, scream, kick and bite. 2. To separate adjectives before a noun when ‘and’ could replace the comma. The intelligent, witty teacher went by the name of Miss Davidson. 3. To set off an appositive phrase (a phrase that explains or identifies another word.) Miss Davidson, the winner of the Best Teacher of the Year award, teaches English. 4. Before a conjunction that connects two sentences (run-on) Miss Davidson accepted the award for Best Teacher of the Year, but she accepted it on behalf of her wonderful students. *CAN BE OPTIONAL

6. 5. After an introductory or transitional word or phrase. In addition, she thanked the other staff for losing on purpose. Consequently, the staff members weren’t angry. 6. To set off a long phrase (4 or more words) before the subject. During the really long ceremony, many people fell asleep. 7. To set off a name used in a direct address. “Bobby, bow when you address Miss Davidson.” 8. To set off a direct quotation. Bobby replied, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” 9. To set apart interruptions or interjections in the middle of a sentence, as if to say “by the way”. Bobby, in all actuality, is a very good student. 10. To separate units of time. She won the award on Friday, December 20 th, 2003. The most important rule to remember: WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT!