GETTIN’ DOWN WITH

GRAMMAR GIRL

Introduction

As you complete this independent study, you’ll need to be… A good listener Focused Willing to ask questions An independent worker

Are you up for the challenge?

Let’s Go!

Instructions First, you will need to access your Gathering Sheet

by clicking here. Once it is opened, save it to Neff Storage. (when returning to do another lesson in the future, you’ll need to open it from Neff Storage – not here!)

Then, you’ll follow these LESSON INSTRUCTIONS: Proceed to the List of Topics. Click on the first lesson. On the lesson page, read all of the text. Then, click the link to hear what Grammar Girl has to say. Fill in the Gathering Sheet. SAVE YOUR WORK! Repeat these steps for all 12 lessons!

Let’s Get Started!

List of TopicsClick on any topic to jump to that page:1. Comma Splice2. Appositives3. Apostrophes4. Good vs. Well5. Transition Words6. Metaphors and Similes7. Pronouns and Antecedents8. Sentence Fragments9. Run-On Sentences10. Title Capitalization Rules11. Bad vs. Badly12. Yoda Grammar

1. Comma Splice

A comma splice is when two sentences are combined simply by joining them with a comma. Usually, they need to be combined with a comma AND a coordinating conjunction.

Comma Splice (wrong!)We went to the store, we bought ice cream.

Correct Example (right!)We went to the store, and we bought ice cream.

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

2. Appositives

Appositives are used to rename a noun or enclose information. The “renaming” must always be set off with commas. Check out these examples:

Example 1.My father, a police officer, won an award.

Example 2.Florida, my favorite vacation spot, has beautiful beaches.

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

3. Apostrophes

Apostrophes are used to Create contractions

Ex. Don’t, shouldn’t Show possession

Ex. Mike’s bike, the rabbits’ tails Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl

audio.

4. Good vs. Well

Are you good at using “well?” Well, are you? That’s good! Or is it well?

Enough of the silliness. Let’s learn when to use them!

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

5. Transition Words

When we go from one idea to another, our goal is to do it (transition) smoothly and to organize our thoughts for the listener/reader.

Examples of transition words: First, second, then, next, however

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

6. Metaphors and Similes

Similes make comparisons using “like” or “as.” It’s as easy as pie.

Metaphors compare two things (nouns) but don’t use “like” or “as.” My little brother is a tornado around the

house! Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl

audio.

7. Pronouns and Antecedents

Pronouns take the place of another noun. The noun that is replaced is a pronoun’s antecedent. Pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, we, they, … Sample sentences:

Mark likes to go fishing. He’s the best fisherman I know. (He = pronoun, Mark = antecedent).

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

8. Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment doesn’t express a complete thought. It is often lacking a subject or predicate.

Examples: The boy in the blue shirt. Went to the fair.

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

9. Run-On Sentences

Run-on sentences combine sentences or parts of sentences without following grammatical rules.

Example:At the concert, I shook the hand of my favorite singer it was awesome!

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

10. Title Capitalization Rules

When writing titles of books, movies, bands, etc., there are certain capitalization rules to be followed.

Examples: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Night at the Museum

Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl audio.

11. Bad vs. Badly

Do you feel bad or badly? Did the baseball player throw bad or

badly? Grammar Girl’s got the answers! Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl

audio.

12. Yoda Grammar

This one is some language fun. ENJOY! Click HERE to hear the Grammar Girl

audio.