Intro Phrases
Before the bell even rang the students rushed out the classroom.
Before the bell even rang, the students rushed out the classroom.
Does this need a comma?
The movie was long and the plot was confusing.
Yes
The movie was long**, and** the plot was confusing.
When addressing a married woman in a formal letter and you don't know her preference, which title is now generally preferred over "Mrs."?
Ms.
Which coordinating conjunction is used to show a contrast or contradiction between two ideas?
BUT
True or False: A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses.
True A compound sentence is formed by joining two or more independent (complete) clauses.
Because of the heavy snow school was canceled for the day.
Because of the heavy snow, school was canceled for the day.
Does this need a comma?
The librarian quickly stamped the book and handed it to me.
NO! The sentence is fine.
True or False: You should always use the title "Dr." when addressing someone who holds a medical degree (M.D.) or a doctoral degree (Ph.D.).
True
Which coordinating conjunction is used to connect two similar ideas and add information?
AND
True or False: All sentences containing the word "and" are automatically compound sentences.
False "And" can join many things (words, phrases, verbs), not just two independent clauses.
If we hurry up we can still catch the bus to the arena.
If we hurry up, we can still catch the bus to the arena.
Does this need a comma?
In the bright morning sun the dew glittered on the grass.
Yes
In the bright morning sun**,** the dew glittered on the grass.
What title should you use for an adult male whose marital status is unknown?
Mr.
Which coordinating conjunction is used to present an alternative or choice between two options?
OR
True or False: A comma must be placed before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
True This is the primary comma rule for compound sentences.
While the audience was cheering loudly the magician was doing his final performance.
While the audience was cheering loudly, the magician was doing his final performance.
Does this need a comma?
After lunch we will hold a brief meeting.
Yes and no but either or works
After lunch we will hold a brief meeting. OR After lunch**,** we will hold a brief meeting.
If someone is married, but you only know their husband's name, is it still standard practice to address her as "Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]"?
No.
Which coordinating conjunction means "because" or gives a reason?
FOR
True or False: The seven coordinating conjunctions are often remembered using the acronym FEARNOT.
False The correct acronym is FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).
During the storm we lost power for 3 hours.
During the storm, we lost power for 3 hours.
Does this need a comma?
She brought the snacks but she forgot the drinks.
Yes
She brought the snacks**, but** she forgot the drinks.
What is the correct way to address a professor who does not have a doctoral degree (Ph.D.)?
Professor [Last Name] (or Mr./Ms. [Last Name])
Which coordinating conjunction shows a result or consequence of the first idea?
SO
True or False: The sentence "The cat chased the mouse, but it escaped quickly" is a compound sentence.
True Both sides of the conjunction ("The cat chased the mouse" and "it escaped quickly") are complete sentences.