Q2 Grammar QUIZ Set Flashcards
This is to help my 8th grade students prepare for the Q2 grammar quiz.
When should you use a comma to separate items in a series?
Use commas to separate three or more items in a list to improve readability.
Example: “I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.”
Where should you place a comma when connecting two independent clauses with a conjunction?
Place a comma before the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connects two independent clauses.
Example: “She wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.”
How are commas used after introductory words or phrases?
Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses to separate them from the main clause.
Example: “After the movie, we went to dinner.”
What is the Oxford comma, and when is it used?
The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction in a list of three or more items. It is used to avoid ambiguity.
Example: “My favorite colors are red, white, and blue.”
Should you use a comma before the word “and” in a simple list?
Yes, using a comma before “and” in a list of three or more items (the Oxford comma) is recommended to prevent misreading.
Example: “We need to buy eggs, milk, and bread.”
When should you not use a comma between clauses?
Do not use a comma between clauses if they are not independent or if they are connected without a conjunction.
Incorrect: “She enjoys reading, and watching movies.”
Correct: “She enjoys reading and watching movies.”
When is it appropriate to use a semicolon between two independent clauses?
Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Example: “It was late; we decided to go home.”
How do semicolons work with conjunctive adverbs?
Place a semicolon before and a comma after conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, consequently) when connecting two independent clauses.
Example: “She didn’t see the step; therefore, she fell.”
Can you use a semicolon in a complex list?
Yes, use semicolons to separate items in a complex list when the items themselves contain commas.
Example: “We visited Albany, New York; Trenton, New Jersey; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.”
Should you capitalize the first word after a semicolon?
No, do not capitalize the first word after a semicolon unless it is a proper noun.
Can a semicolon be used before conjunctions like “and” or “but”?
Generally, no. Use a comma before conjunctions like “and” or “but” when connecting independent clauses.
Can you use a colon after a verb or preposition?
No, avoid using a colon directly after a verb or preposition.
Incorrect: “My favorite fruits are: apples, oranges, and bananas.”
Correct: “My favorite fruits are apples, oranges, and bananas.”
When should you use a colon to introduce a list?
Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items.
Example: “You need to bring the following: a pen, a notebook, and a calculator.”
What is the subjunctive mood?
The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, hypothetical situations, or conditions contrary to fact.
Example: “If I were taller, I could reach the shelf.”
How are colons used in titles or subtitles?
Use a colon to separate a title from a subtitle.
Example: “Grammar Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide”
How are colons used to emphasize a word or phrase?
Use a colon to emphasize or illustrate a single word or phrase that explains the preceding clause.
Example: “She had one hobby: painting.”
Should the clause before a colon be a complete sentence?
Yes, the clause before a colon must be a complete sentence to use the colon correctly.
What is the indicative mood?
The indicative mood states facts or asks questions.
Example: “She walks to school every day.”
What is the imperative mood?
The imperative mood expresses commands, requests, or instructions.
Example: “Please close the door.”
How is the subjunctive mood formed with the verb “to be”?
Use “were” instead of “was” for all subjects in the subjunctive mood.
Example: “If he were here, we could start the meeting.”
When do you use the subjunctive mood after certain verbs?
Use the subjunctive after verbs that express suggestions, demands, or recommendations.
Example: “I suggest that she study harder.”
How do you form the imperative mood?
Use the base form of the verb without a stated subject; the subject “you” is implied.
Example: “Listen carefully.”
Can the imperative mood be used with “please”?
Yes, adding “please” makes the command polite.
Example: “Please hand me the book.”
How can you identify the indicative mood?
Look for statements of fact or questions.
Example Statements: “They are happy.” “Is it raining?”
What punctuation is needed after introductory phrases?
Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.
Example: “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”
How do you correct a run-on sentence?
Separate independent clauses with a period, semicolon, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: “She loves to read she visits the library often.”
Correct: “She loves to read; she visits the library often.”
When correcting “It’s a beautiful day however I have to work,” what punctuation should you add?
Add a semicolon before “however” and a comma after.
Corrected: “It’s a beautiful day; however, I have to work.”
How do you fix a sentence that needs a colon for emphasis?
Place a colon before the word or phrase that you want to emphasize.
Incorrect: “There was one thing left to do pack our bags.”
Correct: “There was one thing left to do: pack our bags.”
What’s wrong with “She runs every morning she is training for a marathon”?
It’s a run-on sentence; add a semicolon or period between the clauses.
Corrected: “She runs every morning; she is training for a marathon.”
How can you identify if a comma splice is present?
If two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction, it’s a comma splice.
Incorrect: “I love chocolate, it’s my favorite treat.”
How do you correct a comma splice, such as
“I love chocolate, it’s my favorite treat.”
Use a semicolon, add a coordinating conjunction, or separate into two sentences.
Corrections:
“I love chocolate; it’s my favorite treat.”
“I love chocolate, and it’s my favorite treat.”
“I love chocolate. It’s my favorite treat.”
What are coordinating conjunctions, and how are they remembered?
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses. Remember them with the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
What’s the difference between “its” and “it’s”?
“Its” is possessive; “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
Examples:
“The dog wagged its tail.”
“It’s going to rain today.”
How do you use commas with direct quotations?
Use a comma to introduce a direct quotation.
Example: He said, “I’ll be there soon.”
When should you not use a comma?
Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object.
Incorrect: “The girl with the red hat, is my sister.”
Correct: “The girl with the red hat is my sister.”
What is a conjunctive adverb, and how is it used?
A conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between them. Use a semicolon before and a comma after it.
Examples: However, therefore, consequently.
Usage: “I was tired; therefore, I went to bed early.”
Correctly punctuate: “She didn’t see the car coming however she wasn’t hurt.”
“She didn’t see the car coming; however, she wasn’t hurt.”
Identify the verb mood: “Do not enter the restricted area.”
Imperative mood.
Choose the correct sentence:
A. “After lunch we will resume the meeting.”
B. “After lunch, we will resume the meeting.”
B. “After lunch, we will resume the meeting.”
What punctuation is needed: “He whispered be careful.”
Add a comma after “whispered” and quotation marks: “He whispered, ‘Be careful.’”
Identify the error: “My hobbies include reading cooking and hiking.”
Missing commas in a list; it should be “My hobbies include reading, cooking, and hiking.”
Identify the verb mood: “If she were here, she would help us.”
Subjunctive mood.
Correct the sentence: “It’s raining outside however we will still go hiking.”
“It’s raining outside; however, we will still go hiking.”
List the three primary verb moods covered.
Indicative, imperative, and subjunctive.
Summarize when to use semicolons.
Use semicolons to:
Connect closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
Separate items in a complex list with internal commas.
Connect independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs (e.g., however, therefore).
When is it appropriate to use a comma after “however”?
When “however” is used as a conjunctive adverb at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
Example: “However, we must proceed with caution.”
How can you fix a run-on sentence?
By adding punctuation (period, semicolon), using a comma with a coordinating conjunction, or restructuring the sentence.
What is a run-on sentence?
A sentence in which two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction.
Summarize the main uses of colons.
Use colons to:
Introduce a list after a complete sentence.
Emphasize a word, phrase, or clause that explains or illustrates the preceding clause.
Separate titles and subtitles.
What’s the difference between “that” and “which” in restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses?
“That” is used in restrictive clauses without commas; “which” is used in nonrestrictive clauses with commas.
Examples:
Restrictive: “The book that I borrowed is excellent.”
Nonrestrictive: “The book, which I borrowed, is excellent.”
