1. Grammar Notes Mrs. Creel Language Arts/Writing

2. Clauses  Independent Clauses ( Main Clauses )  Group of words that contains a subject and verb  Expresses a complete thought  Example: Jim studied at the computer lab for his chemistry quiz.  Dependent Clauses ( Subordinate Clauses )  Group of words that contains a subject and verb  Does not express a complete thought  Example: When Jim studied at the computer lab for his chemistry quiz…

3. Dependent Marker Word  Definition  Word added at the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause  Example: When Jim studied in the computer lab for his chemistry quiz, it was very noisy.  Common dependent marker words:  After, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, while

4. Independent Marker Word  Definition:  Connecting word used at the beginning of an independent clause  Also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, and therefore  These words can always begin a sentence that can stand alone  When the second independent clause in a sentence has an independent marker word, a semicolon is needed before the independent marker word  Example: Jim studied in the computer lab for his chemistry quiz ; however, it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

5. Coordinating Conjunction  Used as connecting words at the beginning of an independent clause  When the second independent clause in a sentence begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction  Example: Jim studied at the computer lab for his chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.  7 coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so and yet

6. Practice  Punctuate this example correctly: I went to the store I didn’t buy any bread  Use a period  Use a semicolon  Use a comma and coordinating conjunction  Use a semicolon and independent marker word  Use dependent marker word and a comma

7. Practice I went to the store I didn’t buy any bread  Use a period- I went to the store. I didn’t buy any bread.  Use a semicolon- I went to the store; I didn’t buy any bread.  Use a comma and coordinating conjunction- I went to the store, but didn’t buy any bread.  Use a semicolon and independent marker word- I went to the store; however, I didn’t buy any bread.  Use dependent marker word and a comma- When I went to the store, I didn’t buy any bread.

8. Errors to Avoid  Comma splice  Use of a comma between two independent clauses  Incorrect : I like this class, it is very interesting.  Correct : I like this class. It is very interesting. What are other ways you can correct this sentence?  I like this class; it is very interesting.  I like this class, and it is very interesting.  I like this class because it is very interesting  Because it is interesting, I like this class.

9. Fused (Run-on) Sentences  Two independent clauses not separated by any form of punctuation.  Incorrect : My mom is intelligent I’ve learned a lot from her.  Correct : My mom is intelligent. I’ve learned a lot from her. What are other ways you can correct this sentence?  My mom is intelligent; I’ve learned a lot from her.  My mom is intelligent, and I’ve learned a lot from her.  My mom is intelligent; moreover, I’ve learned a lot from her.

10. Sentence Fragments  Treating a dependent clause as a complete sentence  Incorrect : Because I forgot the exam was today.  Correct : Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn’t study.  Correct : I forgot the exam was today.

11. Comma Rules

12. Comma Rule 1  Use commas between items in a series of three or more.  Example (words): The frigid, snowy, windy day was typical of Minnesota in January.  Example (phrases): Three reasons for closing the school were insufficient enrollment, poor educational materials, and inadequate funds.

13. Comma Rule 2  Use commas to separate multiple adjectives  The expensive, fancy meal was enjoyed by the hungry, posh guests.

14. Comma Rule 3  Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction- (FANBOYS- f or, a nd, n or, b ut, o r, y et, s o) that separates two independent clauses.  You do not need a comma before the FANBOYS if the second group of words is not a complete thought.  Example: I love popcorn, and the popcorn at the movie theater is my favorite.  Example: I love popcorn so I eat a lot of it.

15. Comma Rule 4  Use commas around words (interrupters) in the middle of a sentence when they aren’t essential to the meaning of the sentence.  Example: Numerous studies, however, have shown that sitting too close to the TV can impair your vision.  Example: The two hosts, admittedly, had not made enough food for everyone.

16. Comma Rule 5  Use commas around phrases, clauses and appositives in the middle of a sentence when they aren’t essential to the meaning of the sentence.  Example: Martin Luther King Jr., an important activist in the civil rights movement, believed in equality and opportunity for all.  Example: Reading programs, which greatly increases children’s vocabulary, have been used in elementary schools for years.  H.G. Wells, the author of The Time Machine, wrote The Invisible Man in 1897.

17. Comma Rule 6  Use commas before and after a quotation within a sentence.  The band leader said, “Rock and roll is my life.”  “We must work together”, said the president, “if we want to change the world.”  Use commas to set off words of direct address.  Dr. Jekyll, come here!  I believe, Mrs. Clarkson, that your son is eligible for the football team.

18. Comma Rule 7  Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause. These are like transition words and phrases.  Yes, will, no, in fact, however, first, second, third  These words introduce the main part of the sentence and the comma shows that the introduction has come to a close.  You will always hear a natural pause when reading out loud.  Example: First, the hummingbird is one of nature’s most complex and beautiful creatures.

19. Comma Rule 8  Use a comma after an introductory dependent phrase or clause. These are like transition words and phrases.  Example: In fact, the hummingbird’s heart beats 1400 beats a minute.  Example: Since the hummingbird is one of nature’s most unique creatures, people have formed clubs to watch and analyze this beautiful creature.

20. Comma Rule 9  Use commas to set off geographical names, items in a date, and professional titles.  Example (geographical names): The speaker was from Atlanta, Georgia.  Example (items in date): Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Illinois.  Example (professional titles): Jordan Glenn, Ph.D., will be the main speaker at the banquet.

21. Comma Rule 10  Use a comma before an afterthought  Example: For Canada, the War of 1812 was extremely important, far more important than it was for Britain.