Commas
Major Sentence Errors
Subject-Verb Agreement
Correct This Sentence
Misc.
100
What is the overall function of a comma?
A comma is an interrupter of sentences. The purpose of a comma is to divide different sentence elements. (Separating main elements of a sentence from each other or elements in a series; setting off dialogue and quotations; setting off omitted words)
100
A fragment is an incomplete sentence that is missing at least one of three things. What are all three things?
Subject, complete verb, or a complete thought.
100
What is the golden rule of subject-verb agreement?
Singular verbs should agree with singular subjects. Plural verbs should agree with plural subjects.
100
Identify what specific type of error this is and correct it: Swimming on a full stomach most of the time can be dangerous.
Swimming on a full stomach, most of the time, can be dangerous. (Missing commas to offset the interrupter.)
100
What is the most used punctuation mark?
Comma
200
What are all of the FANBOYS and where does the comma go with the FANBOY rules?
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So; the comma goes BEFORE the FANBOY in a sentence
200
What is the difference between a comma splice and a run-on sentence?
A comma splice is a type of run on sentence. A run on sentence is typically two or more independent clauses without any punctuation. A comma splice is created when a comma is put between two independent clauses without a conjunction.
200
Sometimes a sentence begins with a prepositional phrase. How often will you find the subject of the sentence in the prepositional phrase?
Never. A subject is NEVER found in a prepositional phrase.
200
Identify what specific type of error this is and correct it: Although SNHU has a great student center.
Although SNHU has a great student center, the gym is too small [or some variation]. (Fragment because it is a dependent clause)
200
FANBOYS are an example of what part of speech?
(Coordinating) Conjunction
300
What are three common introductory elements (That are not names) that must be offset with a comma?
Of course, above all, for example, in other words, as a result, on the other hand, in conclusion, in addition, however, therefore, nonetheless, also, otherwise, finally, instead, thus
300
What is an easy way to identify comma splices in your own writing?
Go through and find all of the commas Match subject and verb pairs
300
Identify the subject and verb in the following sentence: In the customs office wait the turtles I smuggled into the US.
In the customs office WAIT (verb) the TURTLES (subject) I smuggled into the US.
300
Identify what specific type of error this is and correct it: Neither of us want to go.
Neither of us wants to go. (This is subject-verb agreement error. Neither is a subject that is ALWAYS singular and takes the singular verb form of “wants”)
300
How many days per week is Writing Tutoring offered in The Learning Center on campus?
6- It is offered every day except for Saturdays.
400
When you are listing out three or more items, where do you place commas? What is the final comma's official name?
You place a comma after every item except the last one. (I love to read, eat, watch TV, and study.) The final comma is called the Oxford comma (or serial comma).
400
Dependent/subordinate clauses are a type of fragment because they often begin with a subordinate conjunction. Name three subordinate conjunctions.
After Although As As if Because Before Even though If In order that Once Since So that Than Though Unless Until When Where Whether While
400
What are the four indefinite pronouns that are always plural?
Both, Few, Many, Several
400
Identify what specific type of error this is and correct it: The Center for Disease Control said in their report “Swine flu is unlikely to infect many Americans.”
The Center for Disease Control said in their report, “Swine flu is unlikely to infect many Americans.” (missing comma before the direct quote)
400
What are the three citation styles you are expected to use as an undergraduate at SNHU?
MLA, APA, and Chicago/Turabian
500
What parts of a sentence should you never put a comma between? (There are three pair options)
Subject and Verb; Verb and Direct Object; Verb and Predicate Noun
500
There are three ways to fix a comma splice. What are all three ways?
1. Insert a period instead of the comma. 2. Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma. 3. Turn the comma into a semi-colon. Optional 4- Turn one part into a dependent clause.
500
The rules governing subject-verb agreement with a compound subject always depend on the word that combines the subject. There are three words that can do this: and, or, nor. What are the rules?
AND: When the word AND combines part of the subject, the verb is always PLURAL. OR or NOR: When the word OR or NOR combines the subject, the verb should agree to the part closest to it.
500
My favorite companions, including William Evans, whose smile and quick wit make him a favorite wherever he goes, and Eddie Burton, who is shy in public, but gregarious and clever when among friends, suddenly emerge from the limousine.
My favorite companions, including William Evans, whose smile and quick wit make him a favorite wherever he goes, and Eddie Burton, who is shy in public, but gregarious and clever when among friends, suddenly emerge from the limousine. (Subject-Verb agreement errors between the subject [companions] and verb [emerge])
500
Punctuate the following sentence correctly: a woman without her man is nothing
Two options: “A woman, without her man, is nothing.” OR “A woman, without her, man is nothing.”
M
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