Chapter 2b Flashcards
When are commas appropriate in clarifying a sentence’s meaning?
Commas should show non-essential information in the sentence.
Ex. Our engineers have, without a doubt, worked tirelessly on this upcoming release.
Which of these sentences portrays the name Wayne as essential information, and which sentence portrays the name as non-essential information?
SENTENCE 1: My son, Wayne, majored in economics.
SENTENCE 2: My son Wayne majored in economics.
Both are correct. However, sentence 1 uses commas to show that Wayne is the only son and his name is extraneous to the conversation.
Sentence 2 uses no commas and shows that Wayne is one of multiple sons and so his name is essential information.
When should ‘which’ and ‘that’ be used?
‘Which’ is often used to give additional non-essential (Non-restrictive) information (And so commas are used).
Ex. Lobsters, which are crustaceans, are trendy pets.
‘That’ is often used to give essential (Restrictive) information (And so commas are not used).
Ex. Interns that arrive early will receive free breakfast.
Do introductory words, phrases, and clauses need commas after them?
Yes, they do.
If it is an introductory element, you should insert a comma.
(See what I did there?)
What is the exception to the rule that commas should separate clauses from each other?
If the first clause is independent and shorter than five words, then the comma is optional.
Ex. I will go and she will stay at home.
Should Oxford commas always be used (Regardless of whether it is a strict rule)?
Yes, they clarify the meaning of a list.
What are the coordinating conjunctions?
What is the acronym?
FANBOYS
For And Nor But Or Yet So
When are semicolons used?
To connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction; also, they may be used if a coordinating adverb is in place.
There is another situation; i.e. if i.e. or e.g. are used after the first independent clause.
Also, semicolons can be used as super-commas when other commas are present in a list.
Ex. Fidelity Investments builds operations centers in out-of-the-way places like Merrimack, New Hampshire; Smithfield, Rhode Island; Westlake, Texas; Covington, Kentucky; and Greenwood Village, Colorado.
What are some methods for inserting i.e. or e.g. into a sentence?
Semicolons and Commas
We have received approval for the new position; i.e., we can hire either one full-time employee or two part-time employees.
(Two independent clauses –> A semicolon is used)
This year, let’s focus on our greatest strength, i.e., our after-sales support.
(Only one independent clause. No semicolon needed)
Parentheses
We have received approval for the new position (i.e., we can hire either one full-time employee or two part-time employees).
This year, let’s focus on our greatest strength (i.e., our after-sales support).
When are colons used?
If a list follows a complete sentence.
Ex. I want to do the following three activities: make a sandwich, go for a run, and call my grandma.
Ex. The Volunteer Services intern will do the following three tasks:
- Help the National Volunteer Services team to increase capabilities.
- Develop strategies to enhance organizational volunteer engagement capability.
- Research and make recommendations for expanding volunteer use.
What three punctuation marks come in pairs and allow for the addition of nonessential information?
Commas, parentheses, and dashes
What are hyphens used for?
Compound adjectives that come before a noun
Ex. We received first-rate service.
Ex. The service was first rate.
What is a floating hyphen?
Incorrect: The company offers either a one-hour or two-hour orientation session.
(OK, but why repeat the word “hour”?)
Correct: The company offers either a one- or two-hour orientation session.
How are titles of books, movies, and works of art capitalized?
Capitalize the first and last words, and all verbs, adverbs, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns, regardless of the length of the word. For all other words – mainly articles and prepositions – capitalize only those that are more than four letters long.
Ex. The Call of the Wild
Ex. How I Met Your Mother
Ex. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
Are compass points capitalized?
Only if they refer to a specific region.
Ex. Head five blocks east, and then take a right.
Ex. He lived in the South for years.
