SENTENCE STRUCTURE AND PUNCTUATION

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

QUESTION MARK? Used at the end of a sentence that asks a

direct question (Interrogative Sentence)

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.

HOMEWORK

Grammar Worksheet Packet Due 6/28