Definition and Tips
False: Sometimes a simple sentence can pack a powerful punch.
For a sentence to be correct in English, what two parts of speech does it need to contain?
A subject and a verb.
Explain the comma rule at work in the sentence below:
Knowing I have to run a 5K tomorrow, I took a rest day.
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before or after the main clause.
A simple sentence doesn't have a dependent clause; it's just a single independent clause.
1) To separate items in a list when some of those items already contain commas.
2) To join two independent clauses that are closely related idea-wise.
What is the most basic function of a good sentence?
To express a complete and clear thought.
It is not a complete thought (although a dependent clause can contain a subject and a verb).
Define a comma splice.
When two complete sentences are joined by a comma.
Combine the simple sentences below into one complex sentence:
I like wearing sweaters. I like oversized sweaters. All my sweaters shrunk in the dryer.
Something like:
I like wearing oversized sweaters, but all my sweaters shrunk in the dryer.
What is the colon drawing attention to in the sentence below:
I made sure I packed everything I needed for the hike: a first aid kit, a flashlight, bug spray, and extra food and water.
A list.
According to the article we read, what is one of the four things that contribute to good sentence construction?
1) It is a complete sentence.
2) It conjures a particular mood.
3) It paints a picture with sensory imagery.
4) It has flow (good pacing, cadence, etc.).
Name one of the two ways you can correct a fragment.
1) Combine it with a nearby independent clause.
2) Add more words.
Name one of the three ways you can fix a comma splice.
1) Make two complete sentences.
2) Add a FANBOYS conjunction.
3) Add a semicolon if the two sentences are related.
Combine the simple sentences below into one complex sentence:
I like drinking coffee. I like drinking it iced in the spring and summer. I prefer it hot in the fall and winter. I only drink it with oat milk year-round.
Something like:
I like drinking iced coffee in the spring and summer and hot coffee in the fall and winter, although I only drink it with oat milk year-round.
Name the two times you should use an en dash.
1) To show connections between words working as a unit.
2) To spell certain words.
Define the term "parallelism."
When there is agreement in a sentence's grammatical structure.
Examples include: 1) I came; I saw; I conquered. 2) Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
Define a run-on sentence.
Run-ons are two or more independent clauses that are combined without proper punctuation or connecting words.
Define a disruptive comma.
When the comma separates a dependent clause (incomplete sentence) from the independent clause (complete sentence)
Name three coordinating conjunctions.
What is the purpose of the em dash in the sentence below:
A guest—my oldest, closest, and most cherished friend—is coming to visit this weekend, so I need to prepare.
Define the term "concrete rhetoric."
Concrete rhetoric is direct language that conveys your purpose as a writer to a reader.
Examples of this include: delivering a strong image, conveying significance, creating an emotional appeal, etc.
Name one of the two ways to fix a run-on sentence.
1) Use a comma and a conjunction.
2) Make the independent clauses their own sentences.
Name one of the two ways you can fix a disruptive comma.
1) Remove the unnecessary comma.
2) Make the dependent clause an independent clause.
Name three subordinating conjunctions.
Answers include: unless, because, even though, while, although, though.
What two things need to be corrected about the use of the semicolon in the sentence below:
We can't leave the movie theater yet; Because the end credits.
1) The second clause is not a complete thought, which makes it dependent. A semicolon connects two independent clauses.
2) The "B" in "Because" needs to be lowercase.