Grammar Proficiency Study Packet

What does this packet cover?

This study packet is designed for students who want to improve their scores on the NHC
Grammar Proficiency Exam or to improve their grammar skills. These topics are covered
!entence Patterns "simple# compound# complex$
!entence !tructure "fragments# run%ons# comma splices$
!emicolons and Colons
!u&'ect%(er& )greement
Pronoun%)ntecedent )greement
Parallel !tructure
*isplaced *odifiers
!hifts in Tense# (oice# *ood# Person and Num&er
Commas
)postrophes
+uotation *arks
+uestion *arks
Capital ,etters
Each topic &egins with a short explanation followed &y a practice exercise. !tudy the
explanations first# and then do the exercises. -ou can check your work with the answer key in
the .riting Center.
How can I get more help?
/f you are enrolled in an English class# &egin &y asking your teacher how much grammar
will &e reviewed in class. Then# study your own text&ook and take advantage of any class
discussions on proofing and editing.
The NHC .riting Center offers more support free tutors# handouts and answer keys# a
practice version of the Grammar Proficiency Exam "hardcopy or on%line$# and computer
software. !ee a mem&er of the .riting Center staff for help in finding the materials you need.
Tara Edwards
.riting Center Coordinator
012%321%4516
7evised 3899 2
) fragment is a part of a sentence. /t is merely a dependent clause do not write is as though it
were a complete sentence. 7ead through the following examples of sentence fragments
2. :ecause there are two telephones on his desk.
0. *aking his visitors wait outside while he pretends to &e &usy.
6. ;or example match%&oxes.
5. Not necessarily the student who makes the &est grades in high school.
) fragment<s first word is usually a su&ordinate con'unction or a relative pronoun. .hen you
spot one of these words at the &eginning of a would%&e sentence# you should dou&le check to
make sure the unit is properly 'oined to a main clause.
Subordinate Conunctions
after# although# as# as if# as though# &ecause# &efore# except# if# since# though# unless# until# when#
whereas
!elative Pronouns
that# what# whatever# which# who# whoever# whom# whose
Note an independent clause is a sentence it can stand alone and make sense. ) dependent
clause is a fragment. /t cannot stand alone and make sense.
,ook over the su&ordinate con'unctions and relative pronouns for a few minutes# then take the
test on the sentence fragment.
7evised 3899 5
"#S"
Put a check "$ in the left%hand column if the sentence is actually a fragment.
=== 2. /f it is going to &e used for pro'ects such as pu&lic works or roads.
=== 0. )lthough this year / haven<t had time to swim very often.
=== 6. .e won the district championship.
=== 5. / love music.
=== 4. )s he comes in each morning# glancing keenly a&out at the clerks in the outer office.
=== 3. ;ather took me to the >oo.
=== ?. Eventually losing himself in the &usiness section of the city.
=== 1. .hen the driver lost control of the car.
=== 9. The lifeguard &lew his whistle to call the man closer to shore. :ecause he was
swimming alone in a restricted area.
=== 2@. ;our of us were in the taxi.
=== 22. .hile he dreamed of &eing a masterful ship<s captain.
=== 20. There has &een a lot of flu in town &ut we have escaped for which we are very
thankful.
=== 26. Asually age# education# health# and working experience.
=== 25. The a&ility to understand and to speak a second language is worth cultivating or
preserving.
=== 24. *em&ers of the tour will en'oy overnight accommodation at the leading hotels and an
occasional lodge or inn.
=== 23. .ith the &arometer hitting an ominous 01.? and storm warnings posted from the
:ahamas to Cape Cod.
=== 2?. Eugene B<Neill and 7o&ert :. !herwood.
=== 21. Thinking only of his sister# Tom running wildly through the tur&ulent night.
=== 29. The scene &etween :ess and the ro&&er in the dark innyard with the creaking wicket
gate.
=== 0@. The story of research is the great story of men and women whose goal is always 'ust
over the hori>on.
7evised 3899 4
Correcting !un$ons and Comma Splices
Now that you know how to 'oin ideas together with coordination con'unctions# here are two
pro&lems to avoid.
%& !un on '& Comma Splice
Note that &oth the run%on and the comma splice contain two complete and independent ideas.
The run%on has no con'unction to 'oin the ideas together.
The comma splice has only a comma to 'oin the ideas together "&ut no con'unction$. Ase a
coordinating con'unction and a comma to 'oin together two complete and independent ideas.
(& Corrected
Cirections Correct these run%ons and comma splices &y using a coordinating con'unction and a
comma.
2. The &ooks are on the ta&le near the window / don<t know where the papers are.
0. The cat drank her milk noisily the dog 'ust gulped down his raw meat.
6. / will go to Canada this summer# / want to hike in the mountains.
5. !he made that dress from a pattern she can<t sew a &utton to save her soul.
4. The ta&le will have to go near the piano# we have to rearrange the whole room.
3. He always makes the &ase&all team this year his &ad leg kept him on the &ench most of the
time.
?. This was the &est movie / have ever seen# / am glad / saw it.
1. !he was the &est student in her class# naturally she got the highest grade.
9. He<s going to medical school his lifelong am&ition is to &e a doctor.
Comma Splices
Bne sentence in each of the following group of four "5$ sentences is grammatically incorrect.
Pick out the incorrect sentence and circle its letter.
2. ). The girl was not interested in taking a math courseD she was only interested in history
courses.
:. Eating is something we all must do# however# 'unk food can &e harmful to our health.
C. The test was a difficult one &ut was only a small part of my grade.
C. :ecause the car is &eing fixed# / must find a ride to work each day.
7evised 3899 3
The air is filled with the
sound of &irds the grass is a
&eautiful shade of green.
The air is filled with the
sound of &irds# the grass is a
&eautiful shade of green.
The air is filled with the sound of &irds# and the grass is a &eautiful shade of green.
0. ). .hile she wrote her research paper# Carol spent many hours in the li&rary.
:. Tourists &ring money and pu&licity to vacation resorts &ut inconsiderately scatter their
trash along the roadsides and in the parks.
C. The corporation has &een losing moneyD investors are worrying that their stock will
fall in price.
C. *ovies use too much &ad language# however their plots usually keep the viewer
entertained.
6. ). The &oy is five years old# he rides his tricycle# clim&s trees# and plays with his dog.
:. The drivers will# conseEuently# slow down when the road construction sign appears.
C. ) restaurant usually contains a waiting area with &enches# a &ar with stools# and a
smoking and non%smoking section of ta&les.
C. Credit is availa&le without a finance chargeD the store provides a three month contract
plan consisting of eEual payments.
5. ). / trained the dogs# &ut / always had misgivings that they would not mind me# their
unpredicta&le &ehavior made me afraid to take them walking in pu&lic places.
:. The drivers will# however# slow their speed to a minimum limit as they approach the
pedestrian >one.
C. .henever the teacher<s lecture was humorous# the entire class laughed loudly.
C. No one likes FaneD she always insults her acEuaintances.
7evised 3899 ?
Semicolons and Colons
"he Semicolon
)etween two independent clauses
Ase a semicolon &etween independent clauses not 'oined &y and, but, or, not, for, so, yet.
.e hiked to the top of the mountainD we looked out over a valley covered with
wildflowers.
Ase a semicolon with a con'unctive adver& when it is followed &y an independent clause.
.e stayed until late afternoonD then we made our way &ack to camp.
Ase a semicolon to separate independent clauses that are long and complex or that have internal
punctuation.
Central City# located near Cenver# was once a mining townD &ut now it is noted for its
summer opera program.
)etween items in a series
Ase semicolons in a series &etween items that have internal punctuation.
/n his closet :ill kept a photograph al&um# which was emptyD several tennis shoes# all with
holes in themD and the radiator cap from his first car# which he sold in his first year in
college.
Co not use a semicolon &etween elements that are not coordinate.
/NCB77ECT
)fter pu&lishing The Day of the Jackal and several other popular novelsD ;rederick
;orsyth wrote his most exciting &ook# The Devil's Alternative. "Ase a comma# not a
semicolon.$
"he Colon
Ase the colon &efore Euotations# statements# and series that are introduced formally.
The geologist &egan his speech with a distur&ing statement GThis country is short of rare
metals.G
Ase a colon to introduce a formal series.
:ring the following items food for a week# warm clothes# &edding# and a canteen.
7evised 3899 1
Semicolons
!upply semicolons as needed in the following sentences.
2. ;or most of us the lecture was a &ore# for Grace# however# it was stimulating.
0. Con<t ask if this assignment involves you# it does.
6. )lthough the &ridge was damaged# we were a&le to cross the rampaging river.
5. The lecture delivered# Professor :rooks asked if there were any Euestions.
4. )rthur is a carefree fellow# nothing seems to &other him.
3. However dangerous my plan appears to you# / am certain it will &e successful.
?. -our English class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays# doesn<t itH
1. The spectators were thrilled &y Gi&son<s long touchdown run# they roared their approval.
9. The storm having passed# we continued our fifty%mile hike.
2@. /f Coach Perrin says he will retire in Fune# / am certain that we will win the state
championship next year.
22. The crops were severely damaged &y the drought# therefore# we were forced to a&andon our
little farm.
20. .e must &egin to prepare for final exams# they are only a week away.
26. *ayor .ilson is a &usy man# in fact# he is seldom availa&le for pu&lic interview.
25. / have studied the text carefully# thus# / shall surely do well in the examination.
24. )lthough / have several ho&&ies# stamp collecting is still my favorite.
23. :eing exhausted# / lay down for a short nap# then the telephone rang.
2?. / have never done well in foreign language classes# in fact# / once failed &oth ;rench and
7ussian.
21. Ned has always respected my 'udgement and has never ridiculed my opinions.
29. -ou are under arrest# come with us to the police station.
7evised 3899 9
Subect and *erb +greement
2. .hen the su&'ect of a sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected &y
and# use a plural ver&.
%%she and her friends are
.hen two singular su&'ects refer to the same person# a singular ver& is reEuired.
%%*y friend and cousin was responsi&le for my &ecoming a teacher.
0. .hen two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected &y or or nor# use a singular
ver&.
%%the &ook or the pen is
6. .hen a compound su&'ect contains &oth a singular and plural noun or pronoun 'oined &y or
or nor# the ver& should agree with the part of the su&'ect that is nearer the ver&. This rule is
also used for either/or and neither/nor.
%%the &oy or his friends run
%%his friends or the &oy runs
%%neither ,arry nor his classmates were
/f compound su&'ects are thought of as &elonging together# a singular ver& is used.
%%ham and eggs
%%horse and &uggy
%%gin and tonic
5. Doesn't is a contraction of does not and should &e used only with a singular su&'ect. Con<t is
a contraction of do not and should &e used only with a plural su&'ect.
%%he doesn<t
%%they don<t
4. Co not &e misled &y a phrase that comes &etween the su&'ect and the ver&. The ver& agrees
with the su&'ect# not with a noun or pronoun in this phrase.
%%one of the &oxes is
%%the people who listen to the music are
%%the team captain# as well as his players# is
%%the &ook# including all the chapters in the first section# is
%%the woman with all the dogs walks
3. !ingular or Plural (er&s Ased with 7elative Pronouns
7elative pronouns usually refer to the nearest noun "not necessarily the su&'ect of the
sentence$. ConseEuently# a relative pronoun is singular or plural according to the num&er of
the word it refers to. This relationship determines the su&'ect%ver& agreement pattern.
Fones and !mith are like the fellow who "throws# throw$ the &a&y out with the
&ath water.
Who refers to fellow# making who singular and reEuiring throws for correct
pronoun%ver& agreement.
7evised 3899 2@
?. The words each, each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody,
somebody, someone# and no one are singular and reEuire a singular ver&.
%%each one of these hot dogs is
%%every&ody knows
%%either is
1. Nouns such as civics, dollars, mathematics, measles, and news reEuire singular ver&s even
though they are plural in form.
%%The news is &oring.
%%*athematics is my favorite su&'ect.
9. Nouns such as scissors, tweezers, trousers, and shears reEuire plural ver&s. "There are two
parts to these things.$
2@. Celayed !u&'ects %% in sentences &eginning with there is or there are# the su&'ect follows the
ver&. !ince there is not the su&'ect# the ver& agrees with what follows.
%%there are many Euestions
%%there is a Euestion
22. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person &ut that are considered singular
as one unit and take a singular ver&# such as grou, team, committee, class, family, !ury. /n a
very few cases# the plural ver& is used if the individuals in the group are thought of and
specifically referred to.
%%The team runs.
%%The 'ury has left the courtroom for its hotel.
%%The committee decides.
%%The family holds an annual reunion.
%%*y family have never &een a&le to agree.
20. !eparated !u&'ects are often called parenthetical expressions and include along with, as well
as, together with, accomanied by, and in addition to. These expressions should &e
disregardedD they do not change the num&er of the su&'ect from singular to plural. /f the
su&'ect is singular# the ver& is too.
%%Elaine as well as her sister &elongs to the Girl !couts.
7evised 3899 22
!u&'ect%(er& )greement
7eview !u&'ect%ver& agreement reEuires the correct ending on the ver& to match the singular or
plural su&'ect. )greement is an issue only in the present tense# since all ver&s in other tenses are
exactly the same for singular or plural su&'ects "except was and were$.
The 7ule
/f a noun ends in s# it is plural# usually.
/f a ver& ends in s# it is singular.
Example Fohn "do# does$ his work.
John is singular# so you need a singular ver&. Does is singular &ecause it ends in
s.
Cirections Anderline the su&'ect in each of the following sentences and then circle the ver& in
parentheses that correctly completes the sentence.
2. Each of the math pro&lems "take# takes$ twenty minutes to solve.
0. !ome of the spectators "are# is$ already leaving the stadium.
6. Neither of your arguments "are# is$ very convincing.
5. )ll of the time%outs "has# have$ &een used.
4. No one on the highways "is# are$ exempt from the traffic rules.
3. !everal of the group "have# has$ taken the trip &efore.
?. )nyone with glasses "need# needs$ to wear them for the driving exam.
1. None of the car &reakdowns "were# was$ reported in the newspaper.
9. The shears "were# was$ left outside in the rain.
2@. *s. :urns# as well as Cr. Carroll# "teach# teaches$ home economics.
22. Neither of the girls "has# have$ seen the movie.
20. )ny one of the three car routes "is# are$ &etter than the one that goes through town.
26. :oth of the &oys in the family "has# have$ red hair.
25. Either of those answers "is# are$ correct.
24. The family "plan# plans$ to go swimming.
23. !ome fans in the grandstand "were# was$ shouting at the umpire.
2?. Three dollars "is# are$ a lot of money for that maga>ine.
21. )ll of the trou&le &etween the settlers and the natives who lived there "were# was$ the result
of a misunderstanding.
29. ;ew of the airlines "offer# offers$ direct service &etween those cities.
7evised 3899 20
!u&'ect%(er& )greement
7eview !u&'ect%ver& agreement reEuires the correct ending on the ver& to match the singular or
plural su&'ect. )greement is an issue only in the present tense# since all ver&s in other tenses are
exactly the same for singular or plural su&'ects "except was and were$.
!u&'ect%(er& )greement
Cirections Choose the right word from the two given in parentheses.
2. Bne of the most dangerous kinds of mushrooms "are# is$ the death angel.
0. The glass in these doors "have# has$ &een treated to prevent sweating.
6. ;ilms of our team in action "is# are$ shown after every game.
5. ) schedule of arrivals and departures "are# is$ posted on the wall.
4. His arrogance# as well as his ignorance# "annoy# annoys$ them.
3. *any of the ship<s passengers "was# were$ seasick.
?. Bne of Grant .ood<s &est%known paintings "are# is$ G)merican Gothic.G
1. "Co# Coes$ either of you have change for a dollarH
9. No&ody in the House or !enate "dare# dares$ oppose the &ill.
2@. !everal of the fuses "have# has$ &lown.
22. Either my &rothers or my sister "are# is$ going with me.
20. Neither the Euarter&ack nor the two tackles "was# were$ eligi&le.
26. "Have# Has$ either the doctor or his assistant made an appointment for youH
25. .hich "is# are$ more &eautiful# spring flowers or autumn flowersH
24. /n the &asement "is# are$ a power saw and an electric drill.
23. The main unfinished &usiness "is# are$ the disarmament negotiations.
2?. "Here<s# Here are$ some economic forecasts that point to a &right future.
21. Posted on every &ulletin &oard "is# are$ a copy of the rules.
29. Politics "are# is$ not for those who cannot stand ridicule.
0@. -ou are the only one of the mem&ers who "has# have$ failed to vote.
02. This is the longest of the selections that "is# are$ to &e played.
00. This is one of the European cars that "has# have$ automatic transmission.
06. The rose is one of the flowers which "reEuires# reEuire$ great care.
05. The &lue'ay is one species which "visits# visit$ the feeder freEuently.
7evised 3899 26
04. The spruce is one of the evergreens which "grow# grows$ a&undantly in New England.
03. Bf all the sports that "develops# develop$ strong &odies# swimming is the &est.
+greement of Pronoun and +ntecedent
The antecedent of a pronoun is the word to which the pronoun refers. /n the sentence G"arcie
washed her hair#G "arcie is the antecedent of the pronoun her. ) pronoun always agrees with its
antecedent in &oth num&er and gender. Thus in the sentence a&ove# her# like "arcie# is &oth
singular and feminine. ) plural pronoun is used when the antecedent is plural GThe singers
finished their erformance.G /n regard to pronoun gender# the pronoun is masculine "he, his,
him$ when the antecedent is masculine# feminine when the antecedent is feminine "she, her,
hers$# and neuter "it, its$ when the antecedent is neither masculine nor feminine "bo#, car, house$.
/f you need some review of pronoun gender &efore going into the exercises for this module
element on pronoun antecedent agreement# turn &ack to the pronoun chart on page sixteen for a
&rief review &efore continuing. !tudy these examples of pronouns agreeing with their
antecedents
The student disliked his English class. "$is is the masculine# singular form of the third person
pronoun which agrees with the singular noun student.$
The girls learned that their term pro'ects were satisfactory. "Their is the plural possessive form
of the third person pronoun which agrees with the plural noun girls.$
Fanice expressed her opinion on the new styles. "$er is the feminine possessive form of the third
person singular pronoun which agrees with the noun Janice.$
The committee mem&ers will present their report next week. "Their is the plural possessive form
of the third person pronoun which agrees with the plural noun committee members.$
7evised 3899 25
+greement of Pronoun and +ntecedent
#,ercise %
Anderline the correct form of the pronoun. Co not &e misled &y nouns or pronouns intervening
&etween the pronoun and its antecedent.
2. Fim and Fohn declared that "he# they$ were too tired to play.
0. Neither *ary nor Patricia was willing to admit that "she# they$ was defeated.
6. Every man knows that "his# their$ sex is credited with the first murder.
5. The organi>ation functioned until "its# their$ charter expired.
4. /s a man &asically violent in "their# his$ dealings with other menH
3. /s a woman &asically dangerous in "her# their$ a&ility to seduce a man to sinH
?. .hen woman defines man as necessarily violent# "she# they$ defines herself.
1. ) characteristic of many women in mythology is "her# their$ ina&ility to communicate "her#
their$ understanding of the needs of men.
9. Anfortunately# men also seldom understand the needs of "his# their$ womenfolk.
2@. Each man knows that "his# their$ species has responsi&ilities to other forms of life on earth.
22. Neither the scientist nor the humanist should forget that "he# they$ is held responsi&le for the
earth which they inha&it.
7evised 3899 24
Pronoun Case
Pronoun case is really a very simple matter. There are three cases.
2. !u&'ective case pronouns used as su&'ect.
0. B&'ective case pronouns used as o&'ect of ver&s or prepositions.
6. Possessive case pronouns which express ownership.
Subects -bects Possession
/ me my "mine$
you you your "yours$
he him his
she her her "hers$
it it its
we us our "ours$
they them their "theirs$
who whom whose
The pronouns this, that, these, those# and which do not change form.
!ome pro&lems of case
2. /n compound structures# where there are two pronouns or a noun and a pronoun# drop the
other noun for a moment. Then you can see which case you want.
Not :o& and me travel a good deal. ".ould you say# Gme travelGH$
Not .e gave the flowers to Fane and /. ".ould you say GHe gave the flowers to /GH$
Not As men like the coach. ".ould you say GAs like the coachGH$
0. /n comparisonD comparisons usually follow than or as
He is taller than / "am tall$.
This helps you as much as "it helps$ me.
!he is as noisy as / "am$.
Comparisons are really shorthand sentences which usually omit words# such as those in the
parentheses in the sentences a&ove. /f you complete the comparison in your head# you can
choose the correct case for the pronoun.
Not He is taller than me. ".ould you say Gthan me am tallGH$
6. /n formal and semi%formal writing%%
%%use the o&'ective form after a form of the ver& to be.
;ormal /t is /
/nformal /t is me.
%%use whom in the o&'ective case.
;ormal To whom am / talkingH
/nformal .ho am / talking toH
7evised 3899 23
Parallel Structure
#,press similar ideas in similar grammatical form&
Not parallel Fane is tall# &londe# and with &lue eyes.
Parallel Fane is tall# &londe# and &lue%eyed.
Ase similar grammatical form for
2. /tems in a series
Not parallel /n spincasting# your stance# how you hold the rod# and the way in which you
swing may affect distance and accuracy.
Parallel /n spincasting# your stance# your manner of holding the rod# and your swing may
affect distance and accuracy.
Not parallel He asked me to return his &ike and that / should lock it up.
Parallel He asked me to return his &ike and to lock it up.
or
He asked that / return his &ike and that / lock it up.
0. /tems to &e compared
Not parallel / like tennis &etter than to play indoor games.
Parallel / like tennis &etter than indoor games.
6. !entence parts separated &y dou&le con'unctions
eitherIor
neitherInor
&othIand not
onlyI&ut also
notInor
Not parallel / like either foot&all or taking part in track events.
Parallel / like either foot&all or track events.
and
&ut
or
for
nor
yet
noun noun
ver& ver&
prep. phrase prep. phrase
/tems in a sentence 'oined &y a coordinating con'unction should always &elong to the same
grammatical category.
An&alanced / find it easier to study in the morning and goofing off in the evening.
7evised 3899 2?
/ find it easier Gto ver&G and Gver& J ing.G
:alanced / find it easier to study in the morning and to goof off in the evening.
/ find it easier Gto ver&G and Gto ver&.G
Exercise Create as many different sentences as you can using the following grammatical
patterns
2. Example He told us to attend class every day and to study hard.
Pattern He told us Gto ===G and Gto ===.G
Example He told us to work very hard and to write home for money twice a week.
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
0. Example Professor ,ecterne told us that C.!. ,ewis was a great writer and that we should
read his &ooks carefully.
Pattern GNounG told us "that J sentence$ and "that J sentence$.
Example *y mother told us that we had to take our &aths and that we had to go to &ed.
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
6. Example %tereo &eview suggests washing your records in warm water and lending them to
no one &ut close friends.
Pattern GNounG suggests G=== ingG and G=== ing.G
Example / suggest closing your term paper and turning it in immediately.
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
5. Example *avis is studying either in her room or in the li&rary.
Pattern GNounG is G=== ingG either "prep. phrase$ or "prep. phrase$.
Example Fohn is working either on this term paper or on his final speech.
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
7evised 3899 21
Parallel Construction "est +
*ost%% &ut not all%% of these sentences lack parallel construction. Cross out any part that is not
parallel and write the correction a&ove.
2. /<ve done the exercise# passed the test# and all my papers written.
0. The officer said / was speeding# had no tail lights# and in the wrong lane.
6. .alking Euietly# looking intently# and never giving up# we finally found the child.
5. / like drinking cokes and pi>>a.
4. / like his casual manner# his concern for me# and he can &e depended on.
3. !he<s planning to &e a photographer# a model# or go into commercial art.
?. ,eave space at the top of the page# have even margins# and use dou&le spacing.
1. !he wore a suede 'acket# &lue 'eans# and her shoes had high heels.
9. Coing these exercises is not only helpful &ut a necessity.
2@. To graduate from college and securing a good 'o& were his goals.
22. He was energetic# dedicated# and had enthusiasm.
20. / needed to do my laundry# tidy the house# and then my homework had to &e done.
Parallel Construction "est )
*ost%% &ut not all%% of these sentences lack parallel construction. Cross out any part that is not
parallel and write the correction a&ove.
2. *y father speaks with authority# honesty# and with kindness.
0. !he was waiting for a tall# dark# handsome man.
6. The one who came was short# &lond# and he was rather plain.
5. / wrote my paper# checked the spelling# and then / always read it aloud.
4. !he<s interested in &asket&all# tennis# and entering track meets.
3. !lowly# Euietly# and with care# the &ird watchers moved forward.
?. The lecture was interesting# had lots of humor# and informative.
1. His tutor was patient# thorough# and had enthusiasm.
9. :y hard work# patience# and a &it of luck# she won.
2@. !he wanted to &e a teacher# a lawyer# or go into medicine.
22. He liked not only to play# &ut winning.
20. /t<s important to have a Euiet place to study and allowing plenty of time.
7evised 3899 29
.isplaced .odifiers
.hen a modifier is separated from the word it modifies or when its placement &lurs
relationships# the result is confusion for the reader.
*isplaced /n agony over his tragic life# the pins from his wife and mother<s dress &ecame
weapons for Bedipus to gouge out his eyes.
:ecause the introductory phrase precedes ins# the sentence seems to say that inanimate pins
were in agony.
7evised /n agony over his tragic life# Bedipus uses the pins from his wife and mother<s
dress to gouge out his eyes.
Words
)void misplacing words &y placing most modifiers directly &efore or after the words they
modify and &y placing certain modifiers "such as almost, only, even, hardly, nearly# and !ust$
directly &efore the words they modify.
*isplaced /nnocent and uncomprehending# Bthello strangles Cesdemona.
7evised Bthello strangles innocent and uncomprehending Cesdemona.
)void sEuinting modifiers# words placed so that they may modify either the word directly &efore
or the word directly following.
!Euinting The role of Camille that everyone thought would suit -vonne completely disgusted
her. "/s she suited completely or completely disgustedH$
7evised The role of Camille that everyone thought would completely suit -vonne disgusted her.
7evised The role of Camille that everyone thought would suit -vonne disgusted her completely.
Phrases
)void misplacing phrases &y placing ver&al phrases near the words they modify and most
prepositional phrases immediately following the words they modify.
*isplaced Tam&urlaine rides in triumph through Persepolis# exalting in his power.
7evised Exalting in his power# Tam&urlaine rides in triumph through Persepolis.
*isplaced 'veryman is a medieval morality play that dramati>es every person<s death and
impending 'udgment with allegorical characters.
7evised 'veryman is a medieval morality play with allegorical charactersD it dramati>es every
person<s death and impending 'udgment. "Notice that without the change to a compound
sentence in the revision# the final clause might &e misconstrued to mean that characters 'udge.$
Note !ome adver&ial prepositional phrases can appear in different positions.
;or a long time Hamlet plots his revenge. Hamlet plots his revenge for a long time. :ut to
avoid am&iguity Hamlet plans to revenge his father<s death in his mind. "Cid the death take
place in Hamlet<s mindH$
7evised 3899 0@
Subordinating Clauses
)void am&iguity &y placing su&ordinate clauses near the words they modify.
*isplaced Agamemnom is the first play in the (resteia# a dramatic trilogy which depicts the
tragic homecoming of a king. "Bnly Agamemnon depicts the homecoming.$
7evised Agamemnon# which depicts the tragic homecoming of a king# is the first play in the
(resteia# a dramatic trilogy.
Intrusive .odifiers
)void inserting modifiers intrusively &etween the parts of a ver& phrase or &etween the parts of
an infinitive.
)wkward Hamlet will# if he ever decides to act# revenge his father<s death.
7evised /f he ever decides to act# Hamlet will revenge his father<s death.
)wkward To fully avenge his father<s death# Brestes must kill Clytemnestra# his mother.
7evised To avenge his father<s death fully# Brestes must kill Clytemnestra# his mother.
/angling .odifiers
.hen the word modified is missing from the sentence# the modifier is left dangling.
!elling his soul to the devil# his life &ecomes a series or triumphs and pleasures. ".ho
sold his soulH$
To correct the dangling modifier# you may do one of two things.
2. Change the su&'ect of the main clause.
!elling his soul to the devil# ;austus en'oys his life of triumphs and pleasures.
0. Expand the dangling phrase to a su&ordinate clause.
)fter ;austus sells his soul to the devil# his life &ecomes a series of triumphs and pleasures.
*erbal Phrases
) participial or infinitive phrase dangles when the word it modifies is implied rather than directly
stated in the sentence.
Cangling !urfeited with life<s pleasures# the conseEuences for eternity are forgotten. ".ho is
surfeitedH$
7evised !urfeited with life<s pleasures# ;austus forgets the conseEuences for eternity.
Cangling Power and pleasure seemed to carry ;austus<s mind away from reality to forget a&out
a future in hell. ".ho forgotH$
7evised Power and pleasure seemed to carry ;austus<s mind away from reality so that he forgot
a&out a future in hell.
Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases# which may serve as either ad'ectives or adver&s# dangle when there is no
word in the sentence that they can reasona&ly modify.
Cangling .ith hundreds of lines to memori>e# the role of ;austus is overwhelming. ".ho must
memori>e the linesH The role cannot.$
7evised .ith hundreds of lines to memori>e# ;ranklin was overwhelmed &y the role of ;austus.
7evised :ecause there are hundreds of lines to memori>e# the role of ;austus is overwhelming.
7evised 3899 02
#lliptical Clauses
Elliptical clauses "clauses from which words have &een omitted and must &e inferred from the
context$ also dangle if the sentence lacks the word modified.
Cangling .hile on stage# no itch# ache# or desire to snee>e can &e given in to. ")re the itch#
ache# or desire on stageH$
7evised .hile on stage# the actor cannot give in to the desire to snee>e# scratch an itch# or
soothe an ache.
/angling .odifiers$ #,ercise %
7ewrite the following sentences# ridding them of any dangling modifiers.
2. Not having studied the text&ook# my experiment was a failure.
0. :y rereading chapters one and two# the rest of the &ook was easy to understand.
6. :y pulling the curtains# the room was darkened.
5. :eing in Euestiona&le taste# many teachers are hesitant to teach Catcher /n the 7ye.
4. To avoid pu&lic censure# Catcher in the 7ye is not taught in pu&lic classrooms.
3. )s a horror movie# we were all disappointed in The Exorcist.
?. To &e a well%informed citi>en# The ,afayette Fournal Courier should &e read daily.
1. :y leaving out most of the spices# the meatloaf tasted even &etter.
9. .hile proofreading the essay# four dangling modifiers were found.
2@. To maintain a good relationship with your neigh&ors# your stereo must &e turned down.
Post Test
!ome of the sentences are correctD some contain misplaced modifiers. Ander )nswers# write C if
the sentence is correctD write ** if the sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
=== 2. *other gave date muffins to my friends with pecans in them.
=== 0. Taking our seats# we watched the opening of the game.
=== 6. The evening passed very pleasantly# eating candy and playing the radio.
=== 5. / agreed to help him on the next day.
=== 4. To run efficiently# proper oiling is needed.
=== 3. :y mowing the grass high and infreEuently# you can have a &eautiful lawn.
=== ?. The tug that was whistling noisily chugged up the river.
=== 1. .eather permitting# we will have a cookout.
=== 9. .hen only a small &oy# my father took me with him to Cenver.
7evised 3899 00
Circle the num&er &efore any sentence in which you find a shift in tense# mood# person# voice# or
num&er or a mixed construction. 7evise each error &y crossing out the incorrect word or words
and writing the correct word or words a&ove the line.
2
.hat is play and why do people playH
0
;or many# play is when they practice physical
and social skills.
6
.hen you were an infant# you played with &rightly colored mo&iles to
develop eye and hand coordination.
5
)s a toddler# play Ghide and seekG and Gdodge &allG
to develop strategies for getting along with others.
4
Competition# which often makes
adulthood a rat race# ten%year%olds learn to deal with it &y running races and playing
mar&les.
3
)s teenagers# more complex social interactions are learned in team play.
?
.hen
human &eings &ecome adults# they continue to play%% to relieve tension# to experience
victory# to feel in control of life.
Shifts
Tense# voice# mood# person# and num&er are like ground rules. They may change from game to
game or from writing task or writing task# &ut once laid down for a specific situation# they should
&e followed consistently. !hifting from one set of rules to another after the game or sentence or
paragraph has &egun confuses the participants%% that is# the players and spectators or the writers
and readers. Take# for instance# the following paragraph
To play the game of parcheesi# you need two or more players# a game &oard# dice# and
four markers for each player. ;irst# roll the dice. The player with the highest num&er
starts the play. They placed their markers on the starting place on the &oard. Then roll
the dice again and they will advance their markers the num&er of spaces indicated on the
dice. .hen the markers have reached home# the game has &een won.
The shifts in tense# voice# mood# person# and num&er make this paragraph difficult to follow.
.ho rolls the dice% the implied you of sentence 0# rolling perhaps for all players# or the
individual player of sentence 6H Co all players advance all their markers for every roll of the
dice# as sentence 4 suggestsH /f so# what is the point of the game# since all will reach home
togetherH 7ewriting the paragraph to eliminate shifts clarifies its meaning.
Playing the game of parcessi reEuires two or more players# a game &oard# dice# and four
markers for each player. ;irst# each player rolls the dice. The player with the highest
num&er starts the play. !he places her markers on the starting place on the &oard. Then
she rolls the dice again and advances a marker the num&er of spaces indicated on the
dice. The player whose markers reach home first wins the game.
%& "ense
)void tense shifts that do not follow a logical seEuence.
Confused The *onopoly player plans to &uy Park Place &ut went instead Gdirectly to 'ailG
without Gpassing GB.G "shifts from present to past tense$
7evised The *onopoly player had planned to &uy Park Place &ut went instead Gdirectly to 'ailG
without Gpassing GB.G
7evised The *onopoly player plans to &uy Park Place &ut goes instead Gdirectly to 'ailG
without Gpassing GB.G
7evised 3899 06
'& *oice
)void shifts in voice when they confuse# mislead# or sound awkward.
Confused !oon after the chess game &egan# my rook was captured &y my opponent. "shifts from
active to passive voice.$
7evised !oon after the chess game &egan# my opponent captured my rook.
(& .ood
)void a shift in mood if it sounds awkward or confuses the reader.
Confused Bpen &y moving Pawn to rank four# then you should follow with +ueen<s :ishop to
rank three. "shift from imperative to indicative mood.$
7evised Bpen &y moving Pawn to rank fourD then follow with +ueen<s :ishop to rank three.
0& Person and 1umber
Person is a characteristic of pronouns and ver&s that indicates the speaker<s or speaker<s position
relative to the pattern of communication. ;irst person ") am, we are$ indicates the person or
persons speakingD second person "you are, we are$# those spoken toD and third person "he, she, it
is and they are$# those spoken a&out.
) "first person$ am talking to you "second person$ a&out him "third person$.
Num&er is a characteristic of nouns# pronouns# demonstrative ad'ectives# and ver&s. The num&er
of game# she, this# and seems is singular# indicating one. The num&er of games# they, these, and
seem is plural# indicating more than one.
;aulty shifts in person or num&er are confusing. Bne common error is shifting from first or third
person to second person.
Confused / en'oy playing *onopoly# &ut you can never tell how long a game will take. "shift
from first to second person.$
7evised / en'oy playing *onopoly# &ut / can never tell how long a game will take.
To avoid referring to an indefinite pronoun or noun with a sexist his or an awkward his or her#
some writers will shift from third person singular to third person plural. ) &etter solution is to
revise the antecedent.
Confused Everyone who plays strip poker risks em&arrassing themselves.
7evised )ll of those who play strip poker risk em&arrassing themselves.
2& /irect to Indirect /iscourse
Cirect Euotations# the exact words of the speakers enclosed in Euotation marks# constitute direct
discourse He said G,et<s play.G Paraphrases%% telling Gwhat#G Gthat#G or GhowG and Euestioning
GifG or GwhyG without using the exact words of the speaker%% constitutes indirect discourse He
said that we should play. !hifts from one kind of discourse to another are unnecessary when they
confuse or result in awkward shifts in tense.
*ixed /n *nderhanded +hess# Ferry !ohl advises# G)lways lose to a kung fu expert and that is
often sporting to allow a sick friend to win.G
7evised 3899 05
7evised /n *nderhanded +hess Ferry !ohl advises# G)lways lose to a kung fu expert or to a
sick friend.G "revised so that &oth Euotations are direct$
7evised /n *nderhanded +hess# Ferry !ohl advises that the prudent player always loses to a
kung fu expert and a compassionate player to a sick friend. "revised so that &oth Euotations are
indirect$
Shifts
Cirections /ndicate the shift in the following sentences.
*ark ) if the shift is in person or num&er.
*ark : if the shift is in tense.
*ark C if the shift is in voice.
2. .hen you have good health# one should feel fortunate.
0. *ost children remem&er the time they learned there is no !anta Claus &ecause that was a day
when you felt grown%up.
6. Each student is reEuired to take ten minor competencies if they are to pass the course.
5. *y friend called to invite me to visit and also catches me up on the news in *idland.
4. Everyone must have eaten a lotD even the cake with purple icing was gone.
3. (olunteers made the dangerous 'ourney after dark# &ut no wolves were encountered.
?. !ince he knew that a&ility to speak well &efore a group is important to success# a course in
pu&lic speaking was taken &y him.
1. )t this point the President reads a prepared statement &ut refused to answer any Euestions.
9. !he made some flippant remarks and rushes off down the hall.
2@. ) man should &uild his house to suit himself# and then you will &e happy with it.
22. The detective went to the scene of the ro&&ery# &ut no important clues were found.
20. Fohn gave her the Euestions# &ut they were not finished.
7evised 3899 04
Commas .ark Pauses
The comma is a valua&le# useful tool in a sentence. .hen we use it correctly# we help the reader
see the necessary separations &etween ideas within the sentence. .hen we misuse the commas#
we are chopping ideas into wrong pieces or confusing the reader with unnecessary pauses.
2. Ase commas to separate independent clauses when they are 'oined &y and, but, for, or, nor.
The game was over# &ut the crowd refused to leave.
0. Ase commas to separate words# phrases# and clauses written in a series of three or more
coordinate elements.
) trio of *arie# Ellen# and ;rances sang at the entertainment.
Fack walked into my office# took off his hat# and sat down.
Co not separate two ver&s which follow the same su&'ect.
Fohn ran out of the house and leaped into his car.
6. Ase commas to separate two or more coordinate ad'ectives that descri&e or modify the same
noun. "Coordinate ad'ectives can &e interchanged.$
The noisy# enthusiastic group applauded the speech.
"The group is noisy and enthusiastic or enthusiastic and noisy.$
:ut The new tennis court will soon &e open.
"The court is not new and tennis.$
5. Ase commas in the &eginning of the sentence after an introductory clause or phrase which
has a ver& or ver& form.
Hearing his owner call him# the dog ran forward.
.hile / was reading# the cat scratched at the door.
To get a seat# / had to arrive &y ?6@ p.m.
*y schedule having &een arranged# / went home for the week%end.
4. Ase commas at the &eginning of the sentence to set off exclamations or comments such as
Gyes#G Gno#G Gwell#G Goh#G etc.
-es# /<ll think a&out it.
3. Ase commas in the middle of the sentence to set off phrases and clauses which are not
essential to the meaning of the sentence. Ase these commas in pairs# one &efore the phrase or
clause to indicate the &eginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the
pause.
!ara Clark# who lives in my dorm# is in my chemistry class.
Comma K2 at the &eginning. Comma K0 at the end.
:ut# commas are not used in this GwhoG clause &ecause it is a necessary part of the sentence.
The girl who is sitting at the ta&le next to you is in my chemistry class.
7evised 3899 03
Ase a pair of commas in a similar manner
%% to set off nonessential appositives "phrases which identify a noun$.
Tom# the captain of the team# was in'ured in the game.
The person in'ured in the game was Tom# the captain of the team.
%% to set off words or names used in direct address.
/t is up to you# Fane# to finish the assignment.
%% to set off nonessential comments which interrupt the sentence.
/ was# however# too tired to make the trip.
?. Ase commas near the end of the sentence to separate sharply contrasted coordinate elements
in the sentence.
He was merely ignorant# not stupid.
1. Ase commas to set off all geographical names# items in dates "except the month a day$#
addresses "except the street name and num&er$# and titles in names.
:irmingham# )la&ama# gets its name from :irmingham# England.
Fuly 00# 293?# was a momentous day in his life.
.ho lives at 23@@ Pennsylvania )venue# .ashington# C.C.H
Conald :. ,ake# *.C.# will &e the principal speaker.
9. Ase commas after Ghe said#G etc. to set off direct Euotations.
Fohn said# G/<ll see you tomorrow.G
G/ was a&le#G she answered# Gto complete the assignment this morning.G
2@. Ase commas to prevent possi&le confusion or misreading.
To Fohn# Harrison had &een a sort of idol.
)&ove# the mountains rose like purple shadows.
7evised 3899 0?
Punctuation$ Commas
!ome of the following sentences need commas. Put in the commas where they are needed# and
leave the sentence alone or no punctuation is needed.
2. The girl with the &right friendly smile wore a &right green scarf to cele&rate !t. Patrick<s Cay.
0. )s he read the Chekhov story he &ecame aware of the 7ussian<s genius.
6. Cauphin /sland located off the coast of )la&ama is a favorite spot for fishermen.
5. !he was as a matter of fact mainly interested in showing off her voca&ulary.
4. / often go to the seashore and collect rocks there.
3. :efore reaching the summit the clim&ers were forced &y a storm to turn &ack.
?. Cid you know that Fames )gee the novelist and poet was also a film criticH
1. ,ady Fane Grey was the Eueen of England from Fuly 2@ 2446 to Fuly 29 2446.
9. Foseph registered for English 2@2 History 0@5 and :iology 2@3.
2@. )fter discussing G7ainG we agreed that !omerset *augham could really tell a good story.
22. !Euaw (alley California the scene of the winter Blympics in 293@ is a ski resort.
20. Tomorrow / &elieve is the last day to register to vote in the Novem&er general election.
26. To perform well on !aturday afternoon the athlete must train every day of the week.
25. Anderstanding history increases your understanding of today<s world.
24. Ellen Green my cousin hopes to graduate from law school in two years.
23. He reads everything road maps want ads and cereal &oxes.
2?. Having cut the roses she decided to &ring them to her friend in the hospital.
21. G.henG Fane asked Gwill you return my &ookHG
"he +postrophe
Possessive nouns always take apostrophes.
singular L <s *ary<s hat
&oy<s &ook
secretary<s typewriter
Charles<s aunt
plurals which use an GsG L < &oys< games
!miths< house
secretaries< typewriter
plurals which don<t need an s L <s men<s meeting
mice<s tails
children<s story
Possessive pronouns "such as my, your, their, her, its, yours, theirs, ours, hers, his# etc.$ never
take apostrophes.
His car is outside.
That dog is theirs.
The cat hurt its paw.
7evised 3899 01
Contractions always take apostrophes.
it is L it<s
he does not L he doesn<t
let us go L let<s go
she is going L she<s going
2916 L <16
;or clarity# plurals of letters of the alpha&et# a&&reviations# and num&ers also take apostrophes.
four ?<s
six )<s
"he +postrophe
Punctuate the following sentences with apostrophes according to the rules you have learned for
the use of the apostrophe.
2. .hos the partys candidate for the vice president this yearH
0. The fox had its right foreleg caught securely in the traps 'aws.
6. Bur neigh&ors car is an old Chrysler# and its 'ust a&out to fall apart.
5. /n three weeks time well have to &egin school again.
4. .henever / think of the stories / read as a child# / remem&er Cinderellas glass slipper and
!now .hites wicked stepmother.
3. .e claimed the picnic ta&le was ours# &ut the !miths children looked so disappointed that we
found another spot.
?. /ts important that the kitten learn to find its way home.
1. !he did not hear her childrens cries.
9. *y address has three ?s# and Tims phone num&er has four 0s.
2@. /ts such a &eautiful day that /ve decided to take a sun&ath.
22. !he said the watch Fack found was hers# &ut she couldnMt identify the manufacturers name on
it.
20. ,adies wear and little girls clothing is on the first floor# and the mens department is on the
second.
26. The dogs &ark was far worse than its &ite.
25. The moons rays shone fee&ly on the path# and / heard the insects chirpings and whistlings.
24. Theyre not afraid to go ahead with the plans# though the choice is not theirs.
23. The man# whose face was tan# said that he had spent his two weeks vacation in the
mountains.
2?. *y professors advice was to try to get at least two )s.
21. Fohns 39 ;ord is his proudest possession.
7evised 3899 09
3uotation .arks
2. Ase Euotation marks to enclose direct Euotations "the actual words of a speaker$# &ut do not
use them to enclose indirect Euotations or summaries of what was said.
He said# G-ou are old enough to know &etter.G
He said that / was old enough to know &etter.
0. /f the direct Euotation is interrupted &y expressions such as Ghe said#G or Ghe stated#G use the
Euotation marks to enclose only the Euoted words.
G.e may find#G he said# Gthat population control is not the answer.G
6. Place the comma and the period inside the Euotation marks# and the semicolon outside. Put
the exclamation mark and the Euestion mark inside the Euotation marks when they apply to
the Euoted material# &ut put them outside when they apply to the whole sentence.
GBf course#G he replied# G/ remem&er you.G
The witness said# G/ swear to the truth of my statement.GD however# the 'ury remained
unconvinced.
He asked# G.here are you goingHG
Cid she really say# G/ accept your invitationGH
5. /f you are Euoting two or more sentences together# use only one set of Euotation marks to
enclose all the sentences.
*ary shouted# G.ait for me. /<ll &e ready in two minutes.G
4. Ase Euotation marks to enclose parts of longer works "such as chapter titles# articles# essays#
etc.$ and titles of short works "such as short stories# short poems# one%act plays# songs#
speeches# etc.$ Anderline "to indicate italics$ long# separate works such as &ook titles#
maga>ines# newspapers# movies# and plays. Names of ships# airplanes# and trains are also
underlined.
:enet<s story# GThe Cevil and Caniel .e&sterG was first pu&lished in the !aturday
Evening Post.
GEvery *ondayG was a favorite song of hers.
3. Ase Euotation marks to identify words which are &eing discussed as words.
His favorite expressions were Gyou knowG and Glike.G
?. Ase single Euotes to indicate a Euotation within a Euotation.
)lice explained# G*ary said to me# <:e careful#< &ut / forgot.G
/irect 3uotations
+uotation marks always set off the exact words of a speaker. Periods and commas are usually
placed inside the Euotation marks. +uestion and exclamation marks are placed inside the
Euotation marks if they pertain to the Euotation.
Place Euotation marks and correct punctuation in the following sentences. Anderline the
Euotation.
2. /<ll see you in 7oom 5000 after school said *rs. Thomas
0. Carolyn and :ar&ara answered together Present
6. 7uth inEuired .hat is the temperature today
5. Time to rise and shine called *other
4. *r. :randt asked .ho is responsi&le for this
7evised 3899 6@
3. Patrick Henry said Give me li&erty or give me death
?. .ho said ) penny saved is a penny earned
1. :o& called .e<re over here
9. -ou must answer that note at once remarked )nne
2@. !he said .hat a delicious dinner that was
22. !omeone once said ) thing of &eauty is a 'oy forever
20. Coach &eckoned to Charles and said Go into that game and play hard
26. .hy don<t you come over to my house asked Feff
25. Anless you attend all the rehearsals# you cannot &e in the play the director said
Capitali>e and punctuate the following sentences.
2. ;ull speed ahead &ellowed the skipper and ram that &oat
0. )ll the evidence points to your guilt insisted the prosecutor
6. / can see said Cr. 7ichmond that you have a fever
5. !ergeant :owers said at ease men
4. Take a vote shouted the crowd
3. .ho will go for water asked the leader
?. Bver the pu&lic address system a voice announced please remain in your seats
1. /f you &uy the &oardwalk property explained *arty you<ll pro&a&ly win the game
9. The nurse asked will you pay your &ill now
2@. Cid you see the movie wondered ,inda
4sing 3uestion .arks
) Euestion mark# used to end sentences or phrases that ask direct Euestions# is also primarily end
punctuation# &ut it may &e used within a sentence to indicate dou&t a&out the accuracy of dates or
num&ers.
*arking the end of a direct Euestion
Ase the Euestion mark to end a direct Euestion. ) direct Euestion repeats the exact words of the
speaker in the order in which he or she spoke them and often &egins with an interrogative word
such as who# what# why# or when or with a ver&.
.hat is the difference &etween a &it and a &yteH "Euestion &eginning with an interrogative
word$
!hould we &uy a mainframe# a minicomputer# or a microcomputerH "Euestion &eginning with
a ver&$
.hen a sentence contains a direct Euestion in Euotations# parentheses# or dashes# the Euestion
mark will directly follow the exact words of the Euestion.
G/s you company<s computer user%friendlyHG the &uyer asked. "declarative sentence opening
with a Euestion$
The &uyer asked# G/s your company<s computer user%friendlyHG "declarative sentence closing
with a Euestion$
:ut
7evised 3899 62
Cid the salesman state GThe )pple //c is user friendlyGH "Euestion containing declarative
sentence$
!omeone%% an anxious studentH%% is accessing midterm grades on the registrar<s computer.
/n a very short time "one or two nanosecondsH$ the mainframe can make a decision.
Place Euestion marks and exclamation points inside or outside final Euotation marks# depending
upon the meaning of the sentence.
.hen the Euotation itself is an exclamation or a Euestion# put the exclamation point or
Euestion mark inside the Euotation marks.
G!even at a &lowNG exclaimed the tailor.
GCid / kill seven at a &lowHG asked the tailor.
.hen the sentence of which the Euotation is a part rather than the Euotation itself is an
exclamation or Euestion# put the exclamation point or Euestion mark inside the Euotation
marks.
Cid he say Gseven at a &lowGH
He did say Gseven at a &lowGN
Place semicolons and colons outside final Euotation marks.
Cinderella told her father that she loved him Glike saltGD yet she meant that without him life
would &e Glike food without saltG flavorless.
Ase a colon instead of a comma after the introductory tag to a long or formal Euotation.
The Oing sent forth a proclamation GHe who slays the dragon and saves the kingdom will
win the hand of my daughter# the peerless Princess )lena# as his &ride.G
Capital 5etters
Capital letters are used for the following
2. ;irst word of every sentence.
0. ;irst word of each line of poetry.
6. ;irst and last words and all important words in the titles of &ooks# poems# stories# and songs.
5. ;irst word of a direct Euotation.
4. ;irst word in the complimentary close of a letter.
3. /mportant words in the salutation of a letter.
?. /nitials.
1. Names of persons.
9. Names of towns# cities# ships# states# countries# languages# and nationalities.
2@. Names of streets and avenues.
22. Names of rivers# oceans# seas# lakes# and mountains.
20. Names of schools# special &uildings# and firms.
26. Names of the days of the week# the months of the year# and special days.
25. Names of churches and religious denominations.
24. Names of the points of the compass when they refer to a section of the country.
23. / and B when used as words.
2?. Titles of people.
21. !acred names and all words that stand for sacred names.
29. *any a&&reviations.
7evised 3899 60
/n the following sentence draw a line through each letter that should &e capitali>ed and write
a&ove it the capital letter.
,- my friend has 'ust read katherine marko<s the sod turners.
.- charles and / go to the lamar elementary school.
/- uncle &en and his family drove through ari>ona# new mexico# and colorado.
0- wallmart pharmacy is located on franklin street.
1- doesn<t your school always open the second monday in septem&erH
2- you will find the recent issue of the saturday review on the li&rary ta&le.
3- isn<t &ra>il larger in area than the united statesH
4- my uncle once crossed the atlantic in the famous ship the 5ueen mary-
6- radio city music hall is the largest indoor theater in the world.
,7- washington<s pennsylvania avenue is one of the most famous streets in the world.
,,- the canadian river &egins in new mexico.
,.- uncle her&ert and aunt carolyn have moved from fort smith# arkansas# to wichita# kansas.
,/- mark twain lived in the small town of hanni&al# missouri.
,0- the fall creek falls in tennessee are higher than niagra falls.
,1- 'uan# have you read the story of astronaut 'ohn glennH
,2- hasn<t col. a.e. andrews returned from his trip to south vietnamH
/n the following sentence draw a line through each letter that should &e capitali>ed and write
a&ove it the capital letter.
2. i have &een reading a&out the solomon islands.
0. dover strait connects the english channel with the north sea.
6. we have planned to spend christmas with aunt irene who now lives in nashville# tennessee.
5. the words i and o should &e capitali>ed.
4. &ill mauldin is a famous cartoonist on the staff of the chicago sun times.
3. aviators often have trou&le flying over the rugged peaks of the rocky mountains.
?. thomas 'efferson and george washington were famous americans.
1. who wrote the poem Gthe children<s hourGH
9. didn<t samuel f. &. morse invent the telegraphH
2@. this package# which came from my uncle milton# is postmarked detroit# michigan.
22. at thirteen sam houston moved to tennessee from lexington# virginia.
20. the pacific ocean covers more than one%third of the earth<s surface.
26. isn<t st. augustine# florida# the oldest city in the united statesH
25. governor winthrop &rought the first ta&le fork to &oston in 2366.
/n the following sentence draw a line through each letter that should &e capitali>ed and write
a&ove it the capital letter.
2. al&any is the capital of new york.
0. francis scott key# the author of Gthe star%spangled &anner#G was once an attorney in &altimore#
maryland.
6. tuesday is lucy<s &irthday.
5. was paul revere &orn in massachusettsH
4. miss sneed# may al&ert and i collect the note&ooksH
3. mr. '. d. &urkett is our new coach.
?. septem&er# novem&er# april# and 'une have thirty days.
7evised 3899 66
1. henry w. longfellow was &orn in portland# maine.
9. i have 'ust finished a letter to my cousin# walton warren# who lives in hot springs# arkansas.
2@. &o&&y saunders and pete salinas are two of the &est players on the marvin school team.
22. isn<t new orleans the world<s greatest &anana portH
20. charleston# south carolina# is famous for its &eautiful gardens.
26. isn<t mt. mckinley the highest mountain in north americaH
25. we spent the months of 'uly and august in denver colorado.
24. it took the united states government five years to &uild hoover dam.
4sage
Grammar usage refers to spelling and word choice such as lie/lay, rise/raise, sit/set, to/too/two.
There are too many different usage choices to explain in one handout. /nstead# look in your own
text&ook to review the section on usage and word choice. /f you cannot find this section in your
text&ook# your teacher or a writing tutor can help you find it.
)nother usage resource is the )lan *eyers work&ook# .riting .ith Confidence# 6
rd
edition. !ee
chapters 24# pp. 655%633# for examples and practice. This text is on reserve in the tutor room#
with the answer key availa&le in the teacher<s manual.
Conclusion
Bnce this packet is complete# you should take the practice Grammar Proficiency Test ";orm P$#
which is availa&le on%line or on paper. )sk for it in the .riting Center. ) score of 03 is passing.
-our score on the practice test will let you know whether you are ready to take the actual test.
)fter you take the practice test# you may want to take your results to a writing tutor to go over
the errors you made. -our goal is not only to o&tain a passing score of the exam# &ut also to
write clearly and correctly in your English class# your other college classes# and in your
profession. Good luckN
)ssem&led &y Pete Gregson# ?89@
7evised &y Pete Gregson and :ar&ara Crow# 2892
0
nd
7evision &y :ar&ara Crow# 3896
6
rd
7evision &y Tara Edwards and Pat !>mania# 3899
7evised 3899 65