English Exam Grammar section study guide

What is a comma splice?

A comma splice is when two independent clauses are joined together with only a comma and no coordinating conjunction. Ex: The student government election is this week, I have no idea who is running Corrected: The student government election is this week, but I have no idea who is running.

What is a Fused sentence?

A sentence containing two independent clauses that is joined with no punctuation at all. Ex: I have a test on Thursday it should not be difficult. Corrected: I have a test on Thursday, and it should not be difficult.

Example of a unnecessary comma

Ex: A moose wandered into town, and scared several boys. Corrected: A moose wandered into town and scared several boys. Notice how the sentence "A moose wandered into town." Would be a proper sentence however "Scared several boys." would not be able to be a proper sentence. This is a sign that there should be no comma between the coordinating conjunction of the two clauses.

Example of a sentence with a missing comma

Ex: Derek finally finished writing his book of poems but his publisher was not satisfied. Corrected: Derek finally finished writing his book of poems, but his publisher was not satisfied Notice how the sentence "Derek finally finished writing his book of poems." and "His publisher was not satisfied" can be correct sentences without the need of the other. The signifies that fact that a comma is needed.

How to fix a comma splice

First, identify whether or not it is indeed a comma splice. You can do this by replacing the comma with a period and seeing if the sentences make sense. If the answer is yes then simply add a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) after the comma to join the sentences

What are the coordinating conjunctions?

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So Think of FANBOYS in order to remember

A list of the most common transitional terms and their categories

In addition: Again, Also, Besides, Further(more), Likewise, Moreover, Similarly For example: For instance, In fact, In particular, Namely, Specifically On the other hand: However, Instead, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, On the contrary, Otherwise, Still As a result: Accordingly, Consequently, Subsequently, Therefore, Thus

Good pages for review

Page 199 - Unnecessary commas Page 157 - Subordinating conjunctions (In the grammar book)

How to fix fused sentences

Place a comma and a fitting coordinating conjunction between the two clauses.

Checking to make sure that you are using commas and coordinating conjunctions together correctly

Remember that coordinating conjunctions don't have to necesarilly join together two independent clauses all the time. Sometimes they'll join an independent and dependent clause together. To check, remove that coordinating conjunction and put a period between the two sentences. If they can both work as sentences alone then a comma is required. If not then there is no need for a comma

Subordinating conjunction

Subordinating conjunctions start off clauses

How do you find an independent clause?

The best way to find a independent clause is by putting a period between the two suspected clauses. If the two sentences can be considered correct without the need for the other, then they are independent clauses.

How to determine whether or not you are using an unnecessary comma between a subject and a verb.

The subject and very of a sentence should never be separated by a comma at any time. Ex: The eagle, dropped its food. Corrected: The eagle dropped its food. Ex2: Keeping up with my classes while working at a lumber yard, is difficult. Corrected: Keeping up with my classes while working at a lumber yard is difficult. Ex3: The most important thing you almost forgot to pack, is a clean pair of pants. Corrected: The most important thing you almost forgot to pack is a clean pair of pants.

How to determine you are using an unnecessary comma with coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)

There should never be a comma directly after a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) Ex of incorrect: Sakura left the classroom. But, we pretended not to notice. Corrected: Sakura left the classroom. But we pretended not to notice. The only exception to this rule is when the coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) is directly before a phrase the requires a comma. Ex: Sakura left the classroom. But, because we knew she did not feel well, we pretended not to notice. Remember that this rule only applies to commas after the coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) and not before it.

What is a coordinating conjunction?

They are words that can connect words, phrases, and clauses.

What are transitional terms?

Transitional terms are words and phrases that link two ideas together. These terms may connect an idea from within the sentence or show the relationship between a previous sentence and the sentence it is in.

What sort of punctuation do you use with transitional terms joining together two independent clauses?

Transitional terms that are joining together two separate independent clauses actually cannot use two commas. Instead, two different types of punctuation must be used. One such example of this would be the use of a semicolon and a comma Ex: The Hope diamond is the best known diamond, however, the Cullinan diamond was larger before it was cut Corrected: The hope diamond is the best known diamond; however, the Cullinan diamond was larger before it was cut. The other punctuation, besides the comma, used to join the transitional term doesn't necessarily have to be a semicolon either. One such example would be just making the two clauses into their own sentences with a period and then using the transitional term with a comma.

How to punctuate transitional terms

When using a transitional term to join together two sentences you will only need a comma after the transitional terms. Ex: Ancient Egyptians used various substances to brush their teeth. For instance they used a powder made from the ashes of burnt ox hooves Corrected: Ancient Egyptians used various substances to brush their teeth. For instance, they used a powder made from the ashes of ox hooves.

How to tell if you are using an unnecessary comma before a series

You should never put a comma before the first term of a list. Ex: I bought , milk, eggs, and juice. Corrected: I bought milk, eggs, and juice.