Sunday, September 19, 2010

Junior Grammar Notes - 9/14

 YOUR and YOU’RE
       ‘You’re’ refers to ‘you are.’
       ‘Your’ shows ownership.

Comma Tip #1
       Use commas to set off introductory words and phrases that describe the subject or tell when, where, how, or why the main action of the sentences occurs.
       While the snow was falling, we drank hot chocolate by the fire.  [When]
       Slowly, she became aware of the severe problem. [How]
       To ace the test, John needed to study. [Why]
       Pen poised in anticipation, Logan waited for the test to be distributed. [Describes subject]

Comma Tip #2
       Use commas before a coordinating conjunction that join two independent clauses (parts) in a compound sentence.
       Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet
       Independent clauses: two clauses that can stand alone (subject and verb are present)
       The show started at last, and the crowd grew quiet.
       He saw the cake sitting on the counter unattended, so he took it and ran.
       We can go the movie tonight, or we can go the concert.
       My students in England said aluminium, and I said aluminum.

Comma Tip #3
       Use commas to separate items in a series (three items or more NOT two).
       Use commas to separate more than one adjective that describes a noun
       All the cafeteria’s vegetables—broccoli, green beans, peas, and carrots were cooked to a gray mush.
       I bought shoes, a shirt, socks, and trousers.
       He used yellow, green, and blue to color his picture.
       They are sincere, talented, and inquisitive researchers.
       The long, twisting, muddy road led to a shack in the woods.

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