Jestice/English 2
Name: ______
Period: ______
Date: ______
Grammar for Sophomores—40 points
I. Commas
Define an independent clause . . . ______
Big Kid Comma Rules . . .
Rule #1: Use commas to separate items in a series. This independent clause forms a simple sentence.
Examples: I love reading, writing, and hiking.
I wrote a book, went hiking, and cooked dinner.
Write two sentences, using the rule.
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Jestice/English 2
Rule #2: Use a comma after an introductory word group, which is called a dependent clause. This forms a complex sentence.
Examples: After the school year finishes, I am going on vacation.
Inside the cave, the mountain lion watches intruders.
Write two sentences, using the rule.
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Rule #3: Use a comma to combine independent clauses BEFORE a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). This forms a compound sentence.
Examples: The spaceship landed, and the alien opened the door.
I liked the cake, but the icing was too sweet.
Write two sentences, using the rule.
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Jestice/English 2
If you join independent clauses with only a comma, that is called a
COMMA SPLICE!!!!!!!!!
If you join independent clauses with only a conjunction, that is called a
RUN-ON SENTENCE!!!!!!!!
Rule #4: Use a comma between coordinating adjectives.
Examples: Fitness instruction is a rewarding, fascinating career.
The hot, sweet chocolate tasted delicious.
Write two sentences, using the rule.
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Rule #5: Use a comma for extraneous or parenthetical information—an appositive.
Examples: The new wafflespogger, a machine that spogs waffles, burned
my finger.
Mrs. Jestice, who enjoys silly verbiage, writes ridiculous
sentences whenever possible.
Write two sentences, using the rule.
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Jestice/English 2
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Rule #6: Use a comma at the end of a sentence to set off a tag phrase or a shift phrase.
Examples: We ate the pink birthday cake, not the green one.
Please hand me the red plate, not the white one.
Write 2 of your sentences.
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Rule #7: When combining independent clauses with a semi-colon, use a comma after a conjunctive adverb.
Examples: We wanted a snow day; however, the sun shone all day.
The students will learn how to write a research paper; additionally, they will also learn how to present.
Write your two sentences.
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Jestice/English 2
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II. Semi-Colons
Rule #1: Use a semi-colon to combine independent clauses that are related. This forms a compound sentence.
Examples: Dogs rule; cats drool.
Men and women are great at talking; neither are great at listening.
Write your two sentences.
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Rule #2: Use a semi-colon to combine items in a series that are already separated by commas.
Example: Next summer I would like to visit Dublin, Ireland; Kinsail, Ireland; and Cambridge, England.
Write your sentence.
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Jestice/English 2
III. Colons
Rule #1: Use a colon to introduce a list, NOT following a verb or preposition.
Example: I packed my backpack for hiking: clothing, first aid, and toiletries.
Write your sentence.
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Rule #2: Use a colon after the independent clause: the second half explains or defines the first half of the sentence. The first part MUST be an independent clause: the second half can be, or not. The second half may be capitalized to provide emphasis but doesn’t need to be.
Examples: If one is able read, yet chooses not to, he or she gives up educational freedoms: in the words of Mark Twain, “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.
OR
In the words of Mark Twain, “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read”: if one is able to read, yet chooses not to, he or she gives up educational freedoms.
Write two sentences, using this quote: “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ~Abraham Lincoln
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