Post on 17-Dec-2015
SENTENCE
A sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought.
Has 5 characteristics Starts with an uppercase letter and ends with a
punctuation mark attached to the final word Has a subject. Has a verb. Has standard word order. Has an independent clause (a subject and verb
that can stand alone).
CLAUSES
Independent could stand by themselves as discrete sentences, except that when they do stand by themselves, separated from other clauses, they're normally referred to simply as sentences, not clauses.
Dependent cannot stand by themselves and make good sense. They must be combined with an independent clause so that they become part of a sentence that can stand by itself.
AVOID FRAGMENTS
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence, an error that occurs when a sentence is missing either a verb or an independent clause.
To correct a sentence fragment, use two of the following strategies: Introduce a verb. Link the fragment to an independent clause.
FIXING FRAGMENTS
Introduce a verb. Fragment: The pressure loss caused by a worn
gasket. How would you fix this sentence? The pressure loss was caused by a worn gasket.
Link the Fragment. Ex: The article was rejected for publication.
Because the data could not be verified. Which sentence is the fragment? How would you fix it?
SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
The subject and verb of a sentence must agree in number, even when a prepositional phrase comes between them.
If the subject is singular/plural, the verb must be singular/plural. Sentence 1: The result of the tests are promising. Sentence 2: The result of the tests is promising. Which sentence is correct?
COMMA
The comma is the most frequently used punctuation mark.
Uses: In a compound sentence To separate items in a series composed of three
or more elements To separate introductory words, phrases, and
clauses from the main clause of the sentence To separate a dependent clause from the main
clause
AVOID COMMA SPLICE
A comma splice is an error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined together by a comma.
Can be corrected 3 ways Use a comma and coordinating conjunction (and,
or, nor, but, for, so, or yet). Use a semicolon. Use a period or another form of terminal
punctuation. Ex: The 909 printer is our most popular model, it
offers an unequaled blend of power and versatility.
PERIOD. Uses:
At the end of sentences that do not ask questions or express strong emotion (Declarative Sentence)
Abbreviations
EXCLAMATION POINT ! Used at the end of a sentence that expresses
strong emotion. (Exclamatory Sentence)
SEMICOLONS ; Use a semicolon to separate independent
clauses not linked by a coordinating conjunction The second edition of the handbook is more up-
to-date; however, it is also more expensive. Use semicolon to separate items in a series
that already contains commas The members elected three officers: Jack
Resnick, president; Carol Wayshum, vice president; Ahmed Jamoogian, recording secretatry.
COLONS : Use a colon to introduce a word, phrase, or clause
that amplifies, illustrates, or explains a general statement. The project team lacked one crucial member: a
project leader. Use a colon to introduce items in a vertical list if
the sense of the introductory test would be incomplete without the list We found the following:
Potassium Cyanide Asbestos
Use a colon to introduce long or formal quotations The president began: “In the last year…”
HYPHEN - Use hyphens to form compound adjectives that
precede nouns General-purpose register
Use hyphens to form some compound nouns Go-between
Use hyphens to form fractions and compound numbers One-half
Use hyphens to attach some prefixes and suffixes Post-1945
Use hyphens to divide a word at the end of a line We will meet in the pavil- ion in one hour
DASHES -- To make a dash use two uninterrupted hyphens Use dash to set off a sudden change in thought
or tone. Ex: The committee found—can you believe this?—
that the company bore full responsibility for the accident.
Use dash to emphasize a parenthetical element Ex: The managers’ reports—all 10 of them—
recommend production cutbacks for the coming year.
Use dash to set off an introductory series from its explanation Ex: Wet suits, weight belts, tanks—everything will
have to be shipped in.
QUOTATION MARKS “”
Used to indicate titles of short works. Smith’s essay “Solar Heating Alternatives” was
short but informative. Used to call attention to a word or phrase
used in an unusual way or in an unusual context. A proposal is “wired” if the sponsoring agency
has already decided who will be granted the contract.
Used to indicate a direct quotation “In the future,” he said, “check with me before
authorizing any large purchases.”
PARENTHESES () Used to set off incidental information.
Ex: Galileo (1564-1642) is often considered the father of modern astronomy.
Used to enclose numbers and letters that label items listed in a sentence Ex: To transfer a call within the office, (1) place
the party on HOLD, (2) press TRANSFER, (3) press the extension number, and (4) hang up.
APOSTROPHES ‘ Used to indicate possession.
Ex: the manager’s lounge Used to form contractions
Ex: I’ve Shouldn’t It’s
AVOID RUN-ONS
In a run-on sentence, two independent clauses appear together with no punctuation between them.
Can be corrected in the same three ways as a comma splice.