Advance Freshmen English Grammar Boot Camp Semicolon Comma

Advance Freshmen English Grammar Boot Camp Semicolon, Comma

Phrases and Clauses �A phrase is a collection of words that may have nouns or verbs, but it does not have a subject doing a verb. �leaving behind the dog �smashing into a fence �before the first test �A clause is a collection of words that has a subject that is actively doing a verb. �I despise individuals of lower character �When the saints go marching in �Because she smiled at him

Review: �Independent Clause – A clause that can stand by itself as a sentence. �I despise individuals of low character. �Dependent clauses have a subject doing a verb, but they have a subordinate conjunction placed in front of the clause. They need to be attached to more words. �Because she smiled at him

Practice: �Phrase, Independent Clause, or Dependent Clause �The Beatles are the greatest band of all time. � Independent clause �Between The Beatles and Bob Dylan. � Phrase (no subject) �Because of their songwriters. � Phrase (subject isn’t doing a verb) �Because John Lennon is a brilliant song writer. � Dependent clause �When I figure it out. � Independent clause or dependent clause (when can be a subordinate conjunction)

Comma �Rule #1: After every item in a series except the last. �Wilco, The Rolling Stones , Arcade Fire, and Radiohead are also some of my favorite bands. �This summer I saw Paul Mccartney in Milwaukee, Pearl Jam at Wrigley, and Glen Hansard, Robert Plant, and The Shins at smaller venues. �The professor explained what a recession is, why it happens, and how the economy can recover from it. �Rule #2: Use commas after the adverbs first, second, third, and so on, when these adverbs introduce a series of parallel items. �This is how we got publicity: first, we buy Mentos; second, we buy Pepsi; third, we put them together.

Comma �Rule #3: When two or more adjectives come before a noun, use a comma after each adjective except the last one. �Larry has a fast, sporty car. �The XX have a small, minimal sound to their music. �Rule #4: Use a comma to separate in introductory word, phrase, or clause from the rest of a sentence. �No, I do not like reality television. �When playing basketball, wear suitable shoes. �Because the world is round, it blows my mind.

Comma �Rule #5: Use commas to set off words or groups of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. -Use commas before and after parenthetical expressions (by-the-way phrases). �The Pearl Jam show, we believed, had been canceled. �Betsy, however, was sure of the answer. �They usually cost, if you get a good deal, about $230. �Interrupters: moreover, I suppose, I think, nevertheless, on the other hand, to tell the truth…

Practice: �After being stuck under the rock for 127 hours the hiker cut off his own arm. �After being stuck under the rock for 127 hours, the hiker cut off his own arm. (Introductory clause) �With my leftover student loan money, I visited exciting countries like France Switzerland Italy. �While on my cruise, I visited exciting countries like Greece, Turkey, and Italy. (Introductory clause and series) �Toads however have rougher skin. �Toads, however, have rougher skin. (Parenthetical expression) �The tired hungry searchers refused to give up. �The tired, hungry searchers refused to give up. (Adjectives before a noun)

Semicolon �Rule #1: Join the parts of a compound sentence. �This replaces the comma + FANBOYS �Ex: I tried the water fountain; it was not working

Semicolon �Rule #2: When there are commas within items in a series, use semicolons to separate the items. � Carson has lived in Selma, Alabama; Syracuse, New York; and Bismarck, North Dakota. �Rule #3: Use a semicolon before a word that joins the clauses of a compound sentence. Joining words: therefore, however, hence, so , then, moreover, besides, nevertheless, yet, consequently �Sara has never taken lessons; however, she plays very well.

Practice: 1. The loudspeakers were broken no one could hear the music. � The loudspeakers were broken; no one could hear the music. 2. Popular ocean resorts include Atlantic City, New Jersey Ocean City, Maryland Virginia Beach, Virginia and Nags Head, North Carolina. � Popular ocean resorts include Atlantic City, New Jersey; Ocean City, Maryland; Virginia Beach, Virginia and Nags Head, North Carolina. 3. Bud is an excellent player however, he didn’t make the team. � Bud is an excellent player; however, he didn’t make the team.

Colon �Cannot follow a verb �Rule #1: Use a colon before some lists �Before these phrases: these are, there are, the following, as follows, such as , these things. �My favorite sports are the following: baseball, basketball. Soccer, and freeze tag. �Rule #2: Use a colon before a long, formal quotation �Governor Smith stated to the press: “I think that children should study grammar for a least six hours a day. . . ”

Colon �Rule #3: When you want to say “here comes an example” or “here’s what I’m talking about. ” �There’s only one sport for me: alligator wrestling

Practice �When you are getting ready for camp, be sure you pack these things toothbrush, sleeping bag, and pillow. � When you are getting ready for camp, be sure you pack these things: toothbrush, sleeping bag, and pillow. �There’s one thing I love more than anything else in the world pizza. � There’s one thing I love more than anything else in the world: pizza. �Mr. K stated the following “I love grammar boot camp so much that I sleep with my grammar packet under my pillow! I loved being able to apply the tools I learned in class to my perfect paragraph so that it really is perfect!” � Mr. K stated the following: “I love grammar boot camp so much that I sleep with my grammar packet under my pillow! I loved being able to apply the tools I learned in class to my perfect paragraph so that it really is perfect!”