GUM Unit 1

Direct Objects

The direct object is the moun or pronoun that recives the action of the verb p. Only action verbs can take direct object. A compound direct object occurs when more than one noun or pronoun recives the action of the verb. to find the direct object, say the verb, and then ask "what" or "whom?" for example to find the direct object Sentence: We use the ocean for many purposes. Direct Object: ocean

Simple Subjects/Predicates

The simple subject is the most important word or words in the complete subject. It is a noun or pronoun and tell whom or what the sentence is about. The simple predicate is in the most important word or words in the complete predicate. It is a verb. The simple predicate may tell what the subject did or what was done to the subject. It may also be a form of the verb be. Sentence: I broke my toe by hitting it against a metal object while going down stairs. Complete Subject: I Complete Predicate: broke my toe by hitting it against a metal object while going down stairs.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence is two or more closely related simple sentences. A simple sentence is also called an independent clause. The two clauses can be joined by a conjunction (and, but, or) or by a semicolon (;). Sentence 1: The federal government would not give Clinton any money for his canal, but he did not give up. It is a compound sentence because it has a conjunction. Sentence 2: His crew began construction on July 4, 1817. This is a simple sentence because it doesn't have a conjunction or semicolon in it.

Compound Subject/Predicates

A compound subject is two or more subjects joined by the conjunction and or or. A compound predicate is two or more verbs joined by a conjunction. Sentance: Cats and dogs usually don't get along very well. Compound Subject: Cats and dogs Compound Predicate: usually don't get along very well.

Indirect Objects

An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that comes before a direct object. The indirect object tells to whom something has been given, told, or taught. Indirect objects appear only in sentences with direct object. To test whether a noun or pronoun and is an indirect object, try moving it after the direct object and putting the word to or for in front of it. Sentence: Potholes offer migrating ducks resting places. Indirect Object: ducks

Complete Subjects/Predicates

Every sentence has a subject and predicate. The complete subject is made up of a noun or pronoun and words that tell about it. The subject tells whom or what the sentence is about. The complete predicate tells subject is, has, or does. Subject: The human body Predicate: is about two-thirds of water.

Avoiding Fragments, Run-Ons, and Comma Splices

A fragment does not tell a complete thought. A run on sentence is a compound sentence that is missing a comma and a conjunction. A comma splice is a run on sentence that has a comma but is missing a conjunction. Avoiding fragments, run ons, and comma splices in the final versions of your written work. Fragment: A tsunami, not a single wave but a series of waves sometimes called a wave train. Fixed fragment: A tsunami is not a single wave but sometimes called a wave train. Comma splice: Tsunamis are dangerous, they are incredibly powerful and travel very fast. Fixed comma splice: Tsunamis are dangerous, and they are incredibly powerful and travel very fast. Run on: Some are caused by earthquakes others are caused by volcanic eruptions. Fixed run on: Some are caused by earthquakes and some are caused by volcanic eruptions.

Predicate Noun/Adjective

A predicate noun follows a linking verb and renames the subject. A predicate adjective follows the linking verb and describes the subject. Sentence 1: The layers become a mass of solid ice. Linking Verb: become Predicate Noun: mass Sentence 2: A mass of solid ice is a glacier. Linking Verb: is Predicate Adjective: glacier

Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase can tell how, what kind, when, how much, or where. A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition, such as in, over, of, to, or by. It ends with a noun or pronoun that is the object of the preposition. Words between the preposition and the object of the preposition are also part of the prepositional phrase. A prepositional phrase can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Sentence: A lake absorbs heat during the summer. Preposition: during Prepositional Phrase: during the summer.

Dependent and Independent Clauses

an independent clause is a sentence that makes sense by itself. A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it does not make complete sense by itself. It needs -or is dependent on-an independent clause. A dependent clause often begins with a word such as although, because, if, as, or one. Sentence: Although some people think waves are caused by tides, the wind causes most waves. independent clause: the wind causes most waves. dependent clause: Although some people think waves are caused by tides,