1. Choose the word in parentheses that best completes the sentence:
Subject-Verb Agreement:
There (are, is) several reasons why you should reconsider your decision.
Howard and Vincent, who (run, runs) a copy center in town, have decided to expand their business.
Both of the statues on the shelf (are, is) broken.
The fishing boat that has been tied up at the pier for three days (was, were) finally on its way this morning.
The chairman, along with his two assistants, (plan, plans) to attend the annual convention.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement:
One of the students must give (his or her, their) oral report tomorrow.
Everybody was hoping to have (his or her, their) lottery number picked.
If anyone doesn't like the music I'm playing, (he or she, they) can go somewhere else.
Each member of the committee must submit (their, his or her) response in writing.
Neither of the girls knew that (her, their) teacher had seen the police report.

2. Rules for Comma Usage:
#1. Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt sentence flow. Example: I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this.

3. Rules for Comma Usage:
#2. When starting a sentence with a subordinate clause, use a comma after it. Conversely, do not use a comma when the sentence starts with an independent clause followed by a subordinate clause. Examples: If you are not sure about this, let me know now. Let me know now if you are not sure about this.

4. Rules for Comma Usage:
#3. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor. Example: I have painted the entire house, but he is still working on sanding the doors.

5. Rules for Comma Usage:
#4. Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example: I can go, can't I?

6. Rules for Comma Usage:
#5. Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example: That is my money, not yours.

7. Rules for Comma Usage:
#6. Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes. Example: Yes, I do need that report.

8. Rules for Comma Usage:
#7. Use commas surrounding words such as therefore and however when they are used as interrupters. Examples: I would, therefore, like a response. I would be happy, however, to volunteer for the Red Cross.

9. Rules for Comma Usage: Watch out for:
comma splice -two independent clauses connected with a comma but without the conjunction.
Run-on sentence - two independent clauses connected without a comma or conjunction.

10. Which sentences above are RUN-ONS?
Practice: correct each sentence by adding a comma where needed. (re-write each sentence).
You can fix him right?
When you leave for school don’t forget to let the dog out.
Mr. Heffler my best friend’s dad is the assistant district attorney.
Yes you may begin the game at this time.
First I went to the store then I walked to the gym.
Before you play video games please do your chores.
You can however apply for the job online at our website.
We walked all night long but we never found our lost dog Toby.
I did my homework last night unlike you.
Homecoming is next week isn’t it?
Which sentences above are RUN-ONS?