Grammar Review

Question 1

independent clause

Answer 1

• a complete thought
• subject and verb

Example:

Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.

• subject: Jim
• verb: studied

Note: The rest is descriptive and can be safely crossed out to declutter the sentence.

Question 2

dependent clause

Answer 2

• an incomplete thought
• subject and verb
• dependent marker

Example:

When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz…

• subject: Jim
• verb: studied
• dependent marker: When

Question 3

conjunctions

Answer 3

• *F**or
• *A**nd
• *N**or
• *B**ut
• *O**r
• *Y**et
• *S**o

Question 4

dependent marker

Answer 4

a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause

Examples:

after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, while, etc.

Question 5

independent marker

Answer 5

a connecting word used at the beginning of an independent clause; remains an independent clause

Examples:

also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, therefore, etc.

However, it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

Question 6

Oxford comma

Answer 6

in a list of three or more items, the comma before the last item; though not always required by modern style guides, the ACT requires it

Example:

Larry, Moe, and Curly

Question 7

coordinating conjunction

Answer 7

when a conjunction connects two independent clauses, a comma is needed before the conjunction

Example:

Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

Question 8

comma(s) for nonessential elements

Answer 8

used for information that is not crucial to the message or intent of the sentence; can be safely crossed out to declutter a sentence

double commas (function like parentheses)

• John’s truck, a red Chevrolet, needs new tires.

single comma

• When he realized he had overslept, Matt rushed to his car and hurried to work.

Question 9

comma between coordinate adjectives

Answer 9

adjectives that are equal and reversible are separated by a comma

Examples:

• The irritable, fidgety crowd waited impatiently for the rally speeches to begin.*
• The sturdy, compact suitcase made a perfect gift.*

Question 10

comma after a transitional element

Answer 10

transitional elements:

however, therefore, nonetheless, also, otherwise, finally, instead, thus, of course, above all, for example, in other words, as a result, on the other hand, in conclusion, in addition

Examples:

For example, the Red Sox, Yankees, and Indians are popular baseball teams.

If you really want to get a good grade this semester, however, you must complete all assignments, attend class, and study your notes.

Question 11

comma with quoted words

Answer 11

Example:

“Yes,” she promised. Todd replied, saying, “I will be back this afternoon.”

Question 12

comma in a date

Answer 12

Examples:

• October 25, 1999*
• Monday, October 25, 1999*
• 25 October 1999*

Question 13

comma in a number

Answer 13

Examples:

• 15,000,000*
• 1614 High Street*

Question 14

comma in a personal title

Answer 14

Examples:

• Pam Smith, MD*
• Mike Rose, Chief Financial Officer for Operations, reported the quarter’s earnings.*

Question 15

comma to separate a city name from the state

Answer 15

Examples:

• West Lafayette, Indiana*
• She moved to Dallas, Texas, five years ago.*

Question 16

semicolon to combine two independent clauses

Answer 16

use when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis

Example:

Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel around town; streets have become covered with bulldozers, trucks, and cones.​

an independent marker can be used with the second clause as a conjunctive adverb

Example:

Terrorism in the United States has become a recent concern; in fact, the concern for America’s safety has led to an awareness of global terrorism.

Question 17

semicolon to join elements of a series

Answer 17

use when individual items of the series already include commas

Example:

Recent sites of the Olympic Games include Athens, Greece; Salt Lake City, Utah; Sydney, Australia; and Nagano, Japan.

Question 18

reflexive pronouns

Answer 18

used for emphasis only

Example:

The Grinch himself carved the roast beast!