Grammar

Question 1

when to use commas

Answer 1

• in a series (separate three or more items in a list)
• between independent clauses with a conjunction (use it before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet when they connect two independent clauses
• after introductory elements (ex: After the meeting, we went out for coffee OR yes, I will join you)
• to set off nonessential information (my brother, who lives in California, is visiting for the holidays)
• with adjectives of equal importance (to test it try to swap adjectives or add “and “ between them
• to set off direct address
  use commas to separate a name or title when addressing someone directly
• with dates, addresses, and titles (Monday, December 26, 2024, 123 Elm Street, Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Anna Smith, Ph.D)
• to set off quotations (“She said, “blah blah blah.”)
• to avoid confusion

Question 2

when to use colons (they follow a complete sentence)

Answer 2

• to introduce a list (bring the following items: fruit, blanket, etc.)
• to introduce an example or explanation (She only had one goal: to win the competition)
• to emphasize a point (There was only one thing she feared: failure)
• to introduce a quot after a complete sentence
• in title or subtitles
• in time
• in formal salutations
• in ratios

Question 3

when to use semicolons

Answer 3

• to join two closely related independent clauses (use a semicolon that are closely related and don’t have a conjunction) I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight
• with transitional phrases or conjunctive adverbs ( however, therefore, moreover, etc) The weather was terrible; however, we decided to go hiking
• to separate items in a complex list
• to add variety in a sentence structure

Question 4

what are complete subjects

Answer 4

includes the main noun or pronoun and all the words that modify or describe it

Question 5

what are simple subjects

Answer 5

the main noun or pronoun in a sentence that tells who or what the sentence is about

Question 6

what are complete predicates

Answer 6

a part of a sentence that includes the verb and all the words that describe it or complete its meaning

Question 7

what are simple predicates

Answer 7

the main verb or verb phrases (it can include helping verbs such as is, has, will, or could)

Question 8

what are fragments

Answer 8

incomplete sentences that lack one or more essential elements, such as a subject, a predicate, or a complete thought

Question 9

what are run-ons

Answer 9

sentences that improperly combine two or more independent clauses without the correct punctuation or conjuctions.