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Punctuation Rules Punctuation: Standard marks and signs in writing and printing to separate words into sentences, clauses, and phrases in order to clarify meaning. A properly punctuated sentence will help the reader understand the organization of the writer's ideas. • commas • apostrophes • colons and semicolons • parentheses and dashes • periods, question marks, and exclamation points Good Commas A comma is used to indicate a separation of ideas or elements within a sentence. The comma has many usages that are standard and invariable in the English language. On the English test, you will encounter both "good commas" (commas that belong in a sentence) and "bad commas" (commas that do not belong in a sentence). In correct answer choices involving commas on the English test, all the commas are necessary ones. This means that a "good comma" should have a definite reason for staying in the sentence. Here are many "good comma" uses: Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses within a sentence. A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance in the sentence. Examples: Tai sings in the choir, and he plays the guitar in a rock band. Amanda enjoys her job, but she is looking forward to her vacation. His mother doesn't eat meat, nor does she eat dairy products. Jordan will be playing football this year, for he made the team. Javier earned a promotion, so we decided to celebrate. I just completed my workout, yet I'm not tired. A good way to remember these coordinating conjunctions is FANBOYS: For And Nor But Or Yet So Here's an example question: 1. The policeman shouted at the criminal to stop yet, the man kept running. A. NO CHANGE B. stop, yet the man C. stop yet the man D. stop, yet the man, Solution: The correct answer is B. The comma should be placed directly before the conjunction, so choice B is the correct answer. The other answer choices put the comma, and therefore the pause, in awkward locations that obscure the sentence's meaning. Use a comma to separate elements that introduce and modify a sentence. Examples: Yesterday, I painted the entire garage. >Before deciding on a major at college, Rana discussed her options with her parents. Use commas to set off nonessential or parenthetical phrases and clauses. A nonrestrictive phrase or clause is one that can be omitted from the sentence without changing the meaning of the sentence. They are also called parenthetical clauses. A parenthetical expression is a phrase that is inserted into the writer's train of thought. Parenthetical expressions are most often set off with commas. Examples: >Stephanie's decision, in my opinion, was not in her best interest. The new park, of course, is a popular tourist destination. Nonrestrictive/parenthetical clauses are useful because they serve to further describe the nouns that they follow. They can be taken out of the sentence without changing the meaning of the sentence. Examples: >My sister's dog, forever annoying, barks at me whenever I visit. You can hear the pause before and after the side note "forever annoying." >Katie celebrated her birthday, which was in June, with a party and a chocolate cake. You can hear the pause before and after the side note "which was in June." >This book, as you know, is quite excellent. You can hear the pause before and after the side note "as you know." >My mother, who is a cook, made a delicious dinner for my birthday. In this sentence, the clause "who is a cook" could be removed from the sentence without changing the key idea (My mother made a delicious dinner for my birthday). >My hobby, collecting stamps, has become more of an obsession this summer. Here, "collecting stamps" is the parenthetical (unnecessary) element. In these cases, the comma tells the reader that the phrase or clause set off is "added information" that pertains to a subject that's already been mentioned. Here's an example question: 2. The oldest item at the auction, an exquisite Taiwanese painting had over forty bidders! A. NO CHANGE B. auction, an exquisite Taiwanese, painting had C. auction an exquisite Taiwanese painting had D. auction, an exquisite Taiwanese painting, had Solution: The correct answer is D. The key is to correctly identify the parenthetical phrase. In this sentence, you should identify the parenthetical phrase as "an exquisite Taiwanese painting"—an extra bit of information telling us what the most expensive item at the auction was. Once you've correctly identified the parenthetical phrase, you would place commas directly before and after the phrase making choice D the correct answer. Use commas before and after an appositive. An appositive is a special type of parenthetical phrase. It directly renames or relabels the noun it describes. Examples: >Dr. No, a well-respected scientist, made an important discovery. Mr. Constantine, the fifth-grade math teacher, was a favorite among the students. >You, Matt, are a great pianist. In all three sentences, you can hear the pause before and after the side notes "a well-respected scientist," "the fifth-grade math teacher," and "Matt." The same punctuation must be used at the start and end of the appositive. A parenthetical clause, including an appositive phrase, can also be set off from a sentence with: • Parentheses • Dashes • Nothing at all Use a comma to set off an interjection. Examples: >Well, it's about time that you got here! Say, did you pass your history test? Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives. If two adjectives modify a noun in the same way, they are called coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives can also be joined with and (without a comma). Examples: >We walked the long, dusty road to the abandoned farm. or: We walked the long and dusty road to the abandoned farm. >My cousin received a dedicated, signed copy of her favorite book. or: My cousin received a dedicated and signed copy of her favorite book. Use commas in dates, addresses, place names, numbers, and quotations. Commas generally separate a quotation from its source. Examples: >Ursula is leaving for Jamaica on January 7, 2004. The Library of Congress is located at 101 Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C. Annual tuition is currently $42,500. "My sister is a nurse," Hamdan said proudly. Use commas to separate elements in a series (including the "Oxford comma" before the "and"/"or" before the final item.) Example: >I went shopping and bought milk, eggs, and cheese. There should be a comma after the second-to-last item in the list before the conjunction (in the first example above, "milk [comma] eggs [comma] and cheese" versus "milk [comma] eggs and cheese," which gives the impression that the eggs and cheese are combined in some way). More examples: >My sister Mariposa loves to run, to skate, and to swim in the pool. >Bai decided to purchase a leash, a collar, and a water dish for his dog. >Skippy packed his suitcase, put on his jacket, and left the house. Please bring the following items to camp: pillow, blanket, toothbrush, and other personal hygiene products. Here's an example question: 3. The wet soggy and dejected-looking puppy shook itself by the door, splattering the white carpet with a shower of mud and grime. A. NO CHANGE B. wet, soggy and dejected-looking C. wet, soggy, and dejected-looking, D. wet, soggy, and dejected-looking Solution: The correct answer is D. It has commas where they should be (separating the three items in the list) and doesn't have commas where they shouldn't be (after the last item in the list, as in choice C). Use a comma to set off introductory words and phrases. Example: >Before running, I laced up my shoes tightly. In this example, the comma tells the reader that there is a separation between the introductory idea and the rest of the sentence. It creates a pause that allows the sentence to make sense when spoken aloud. Here's an example question: 4. Looking back, I watched my parents slowly disappear into the crowd, feeling the sting of unwelcome tears in my eyes. A. NO CHANGE B. Looking, back I watched C. Looking back I watched D. Looking back, I, watched Solution: The correct answer is A. It's important to be able to identify the introductory word or phrase so that you know where to place the comma. If, for example, you looked at the sentence above and decided that "Looking" was the introductory phrase without realizing that "back" is part of that idea, you would mistakenly place the comma after "Looking," as in choice B. However, if you carefully examine the sentence and recognize that "Looking back" is the introductory phrase, you know that the correct place for the comma is between that phrase and the rest of the sentence, as originally written, so choice A is correct. Use commas to set off quoted text. Commas are also used to set off quotations in the passage. We're all used to seeing commas used this way, especially in novels and other works where characters are speaking. Example: >"Wait," Alisha said. "Please bring me a napkin," she said imperiously, "and a glass of soda." In these instances, a comma is used inside the quotation marks at the end of the spoken phrase, or before the quotation mark that begins the spoken phrase, except if you introduce a quotation with "that" Example: >The article I read last night reported that "the youth are rising up in protest." Remember, if you see a comma suggested on the English test and can't find a specific, valid reason for its placement in the sentence, it's probably a "bad comma" and should be eliminated. More on "bad commas" next. Bad Commas Now that we've talked about the times when it's okay to use commas, we'll talk about "bad commas," or commas that do not belong in standard written English. Comma Splices Don't use commas to separate two independent clauses This is a comma splice. When two independent clauses are joined only by a comma with no conjunction, it leads to a mashed-together, choppy sentence: Example: Wrong: I took my dog for a walk, my brother mowed the lawn. This sentence should be two sentences, yet it isn't. "I took my dog for a walk." and "My brother mowed the lawn." can stand alone and can't be separated with just a comma. This incorrect use of the comma should be detected and repaired. I plan to attend college. My parents want me to get a well-rounded education. not: I plan to attend college, my parents want me to get a well-rounded education. To fix a comma splice: Make it two sentences. If the sentences are closely related, you can use a semicolon instead of a period. Example: I took my dog for a walk. My brother mowed the lawn. or: I took my dog for a walk; my brother mowed the lawn. Add a coordinating or subordinating conjunction. Examples: I took my dog for a walk, and my brother mowed the lawn. (coordinating conjunction = use a comma before) or: I took my dog for a walk while my brother mowed the lawn. (subordinating conjunction = DON'T use a comma before) The method you use often depends on the length of the clauses. For long, complex clauses, separating them into two sentences is usually cleaner. For short clauses, joining them with a conjunction usually makes them read more smoothly. Don't use commas to separate an essential phrase from a sentence. If the meaning of the sentence changes when a phrase is removed, it is an essential phrase, and does not need commas to offset it. Example: My little brother loves to play Monopoly with his friends. not: My little brother loves to, play Monopoly, with his friends. "play Monopoly" can't be removed from this sentence because "My little brother loves to with his friends." is not a complete sentence on its own. Example: When pro golfer John Smith won the U.S. Open, the crowd cheered. not: When pro golfer, John Smith, won the U.S. Open, the crowd cheered. "John Smith" can't be removed from this sentence because "When pro golfer won the U.S. Open, the crowd cheered." is not a complete sentence on its own. Don't use commas to separate a subject from a verb. Example: The police officer walked down to the corner. not: The police officer, walked down to the corner. Don't use commas to separate an adjective from the word it modifies. Example: The blue-shirted girl sat in front of me on the bus. not: The blue-shirted, girl sat in front of me on the bus. Don't use commas before a coordinate conjunction and a dependent phrase (NOT an independent clause with its own subject and a verb). Example: Jeff likes to relax on his couch and listen to music. not: Jeff likes to relax on his couch, and listen to music. Don't use a comma when the quote is explanatory or the introduction is a complete sentence. Use a colon instead. Example: Glancing down at the instructions, I found the following advice on how to assemble my new bookshelf: "First,gather the necessary tools. Next, take the..." Don't use a comma when you introduce a quotation with "that" Example: The article I read last night reported that "the youth are rising up in protest." Preceding the quotation with the word "that" integrates the quotation, now a subordinate clause, into the sentence completely, and it is incorrect to insert a comma between the word "that" and the rest of its subordinate clause. Comma usage should follow rules of standard English grammar. When a comma is underlined or suggested on the English test, ask yourself if there's a specific, valid reason for the comma to be there in standard written English. Bad Commas Example Questions 1. Zara studied hard, read over all of her notes, and went to all the lectures, and scored very well on the final exam. A. NO CHANGE B. so she scored C. scored D. but scored Solution: The correct answer is B. The word "so" makes the dependent relationship clear: Zara's scoring well on the final exam was the result of her performing the previous actions. 2. Wesley is from Cleveland, he loves drinking chocolate milk. A. NO CHANGE B. Cleveland, and he C. Cleveland; and he D. Cleveland. And, he Solution: The correct answer is B. As you read the sentence, your comma-splice detection alarm should be ringing: there it is, two independent clauses, separated by a comma. Of all the available answer choices, only B makes a smooth transition from one clause to the other. The sentences are not related enough to merit the use of a semicolon; and if you used a semicolon, you would need to omit "and." A period, as in choice D, would be acceptable, were it not for the word "and" at the beginning of the next sentence. 3. The word, "facile" comes from the French word for "easy." A. NO CHANGE B. word "facile," C. word "facile" D. word, "facile," Solution: The correct answer is C. No commas because the word "facile" is essential to the sentence—it tells us which word comes from French. If we took it out, the sentence would lose its meaning. 4. Not me, the budding politician, an assistant to the assistant of the assistant? A. NO CHANGE B. me the budding politician an C. me the budding politician an, D. me the budding politician; an Solution: The correct answer is A. This sentence requires pauses to offset the appositive. "The budding politician" is a side note, inessential to the meaning of the sentence, so we need the commas. Commas Example Questions Directions: For each underlined portion, answer the corresponding question following the passage. If the underlined portion should not be replaced, select NO CHANGE. My Room My room, is (1) always there for me. All my things are there: the pictures, the books, the folders from fourth grade. The walls are covered with memories (2) from my three-year-old birthday poster to faded paintings done in seventh grade. The rugs underfoot being (3) always dusty, always comforting, are a multicolor patchwork of irregular shapes. (4) Out the window is a familiar landscape, always there, like an old friend that won't let me down. The colors of the wall blue (5) and red, are deep rich colors that warm me and keep me safe. Sometimes, though (6) like on hot days, the deep colors keep me cool. The most special place in the whole room, my bed. (7) It's a place to relax and just be, a reassuring face in a sometimes unfriendly world. The cozy blankets are always ready to warm me; the pillow is a fluffy cloud. My room is a special world all of my own. 1) A. NO CHANGE B. room, C. room is, D. room is Solution: The correct answer is D. We don't need a pause between room and is. In fact, a comma should never be sandwiched between the subject and verb of a sentence. 2) A. NO CHANGE B. memories; C. memories, D. memories, and Solution: The correct answer is C. Try this with and without a pause. Without a pause the sentence incorrectly sounds like the memories are from the three-year-old birthday poster. So which pause do we need? A comma is correct since the phrase after the pause could not stand on its own. If it could stand alone, then a semicolon or a comma with and would work. 3) A. NO CHANGE B. underfoot, really C. underfoot are D. underfoot, Solution: The correct answer is D. "The rugs underfoot being always dusty" is awkwardly constructed, as many phrases with "being" tend to be. Choice D is correct; since "always dusty, always comforting," are side notes, which are inessential to the sentence, they need commas to offset them from the rest of the sentence. The really in choice B is wordy and unnecessary, and the are in choice C is redundant with the are several words later. 4) A. NO CHANGE B. of, irregular, shapes. C. of, irregular shapes. D. of irregular, shapes. Solution: The correct answer is A. Do not interrupt prepositional phrases with commas or put a comma between a single adjective and its noun. 5) A. NO CHANGE B. wall is blue C. wall, blue D. wall, being blue Solution: The correct answer is C. The phrase blue and red is a side note, inessential to the sentence, and it is already closed with a comma that can't be changed. We must open an inessential phrase with the same punctuation used to close it, so we'll need a comma to between wall and blue. Choice D introduces the word being, which creates awkward sentence structure. 6) A. NO CHANGE B. therefore, C. though; D. though, Solution: The correct answer is D. Transition words, like though, are usually surrounded by commas if they are in the middle of a sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it's the wrong transition, direct instead of opposition. Choice C is incorrect because we would only use a semicolon to separate two parts of a sentence that could each stand alone. 7) A. NO CHANGE B. room is my bed. C. room, being my bed. D. room; my bed. Solution: The correct answer is B. This sentence is missing a verb, so choice B is correct. D is incorrect because a semicolon can't separate the phrase My bed. My bed is not a complete sentence. Directions: In the sentences below, add commas where they are needed. 8. Seagulls sand crabs and starfish are just a few of the species that you might see while vacationing in New Smyrna Beach Florida. Solution: Seagulls, sand crabs, and starfish are just a few of the species that you might see while vacationing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Commas are needed when separating three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. A comma is also needed to set off geographical names. 9. "Traci studied piano for three or four years" Milo said. Solution: "Traci studied piano for three or four years," Milo said. A comma is needed to separate a quote from the rest of the sentence. 10. Aafiya Deymann a well-known defense attorney retired yesterday. Solution: Aafiya Deymann, a well-known defense attorney, retired yesterday. Commas are needed to set off an appositive from the rest of the sentence. 11. Todd enjoys singing in the shower but when asked to sing in public he always declines. Solution: Todd enjoys singing in the shower, but when asked to sing in public, he always declines. First, a comma is needed when connecting two independent clauses with a conjunction. Second, a comma is needed to separate introductory material (when asked to sing in public) from its main clause (he always declines). 12. Hey what are you doing? Solution: Hey, what are you doing? A comma is needed to set off interjections from the rest of the sentence. 13. "Well" Justin said "Carmen has written a very good paper." Solution: "Well," Justin said, "Carmen has written a very good paper." Commas are needed to separate a quote from the rest of the sentence. 14. The new roller coaster ride in my opinion wasn't very exciting. Solution: The new roller coaster ride, in my opinion, wasn't very exciting. Commas are needed to set off parenthetical expressions from the rest of the sentence. 15. After nearly ten years of hard work Rana finally landed her dream job. Solution: After nearly ten years of hard work, Rana finally landed her dream job. A comma is needed to set off introductory words and phrases from the rest of the sentence. 16. Ms. Kazaniwskyj a diligent student often receives the highest grade in her practical lab courses. Solution: Ms. Kazaniwskyj, a diligent student, often receives the highest grade in her practical lab courses. Commas are needed to set off an appositive from the rest of the sentence. 17. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and I would encourage anyone to see it. Solution: I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and I would encourage anyone to see it. A comma is needed when connecting two independent clauses with a conjunction. Apostrophes In the English language, apostrophes are used for three purposes: • to indicate possession • to replace one or more letters in a contraction • to form the plural of single numbers and letters Good Apostrophe Uses Add an apostrophe to indicate possession Apostrophes are used to indicate possession in several ways. First, we'll discuss singular possession, in which a singular noun shows possession of something. Here are several examples: Examples: the boy's shoes the cat's meow Marla's paintings my father's glove Notice that what is singular is the possessor, not the noun that follows. For singular possession, the apostrophe is placed after the possessive noun and is followed by "s." For plural possession, make the noun plural, then place the apostrophe after it. The same goes for family names: add an "s" to the name, then tack on the apostrophe. Examples: the four cats' toys the brothers' room my parents' bed the Smiths' boat With plural nouns that don't end in "s," you add the apostrophe + "s" after the noun: Examples: the women's book club the children's games Don't make the common mistake of placing the apostrophe after the "s": Correct Incorrect the women's book club the womens' book club the children's games the childrens' games Add an apostrophe and an "s" to form the possessive of singular nouns, plural nouns, or indefinite pronouns that do not end in "s". Examples: My friend's house is at the end of the street. The Women's Society meets every Thursday at the high school. Someone's bicycle is leaning against the building. Add an apostrophe to form the possessive of plural nouns ending in "s". Examples: The horses' stalls were filled with straw. I did not enjoy the two brothers' rendition of my favorite song. Add an apostrophe to the last noun to indicate joint possession. Examples: Vera and Ruth's anniversary is in September. Add an apostrophe to all nouns to indicate individual possession. Examples: Brian's, Justin's, and Michael's computers were all stolen. When a name ends in "s" (or with an "s" sound, like /z/), the second "s" is not required but is usually preferred: Examples: Ms. James's briefcase Mr. Sanchez's breakfast For two possessors of a single item, use an apostrophe + "s" only after the second possessor Examples: the boys and girls' home Umair and Peter's bedroom Mr. and Mrs. Jones's car For two possessors of two different items, however, you use an apostrophe + "s" after each possessor. Examples: the boys' and girls' houses Umair's and Peter's bedrooms Mr. Gupta's and Mrs. Gupta's cars Add an apostrophe to replace one or more letters in a contraction Apostrophes are also used to replace missing letters in contractions. Contractions are two words combined, with some letters taken out. It's raining outside again. (It is raining again.) We're running against each other in the election. (We are/We were running against each other in the election.) If you're going to the movie with me, we should leave now. (If you are going to the movie with me, we should leave now.) My cousin should've taken the bus. (My cousin should have taken the bus.) Nabeel didn't know that classes had begun? (Nabeel did not know that classes had begun.) Some Common Contractions Can't, it's, couldn't, she's, doesn't, shouldn't, don't, wasn't, haven't, wouldn't, he's, you're, isn't, you've It is important not to confuse contractions with possessive pronouns. Add an apostrophe to form the plural of single letters and numbers. Did you dot your i's and cross your t's? There are a total of four 7's in my phone number. Here's an example question: 1. The furnitures lovely craftsmanship made Vicki fall in love with the set immediately. A. NO CHANGE B. furniture's C. furnitures' D. furnitures's Solution: The correct answer is B. Furniture is a collective noun that does not end in "s," so the correct answer choice is B. B puts the apostrophe after the noun but before the "s." Bad Apostrophes Avoid adding apostrophes where they don't belong; these are "bad apostrophes!" Unless you are showing possession or contraction, don't use an apostrophe! Don't use an apostrophe to pluralize a "collection" of numbers A common example is a decade or a century (i.e. a "collection" of years). Example: My stepfather was born in the 1960s. Not: My stepfather was born in the 1960's. Don't use an apostrophe where there is no possession or contraction Example: I just got back from the movie's! (incorrect) Sister's are so annoying. (incorrect) My brother's drive me crazy sometimes. (incorrect) To avoid this costly and embarrassing mistake, ask yourself these questions every time you use an apostrophe: • "Am I showing possession?" • "Am I using a contraction?" If the answer to both questions is "no," don't use an apostrophe! Watch for apostrophes that pluralize a single number (ex: 8's) or a collection of the same single letter (ex: p's.) Don't use an apostrophe with a possessive pronoun. You should never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns. The pronouns already show possession, so there's no need to add an apostrophe. Possessive pronouns include "yours," "his," "hers," "its," "ours," "theirs," and "whose." Compare these forms: Correct Incorrect his shoes his' shoes The book was hers. The book was hers'. More examples: The car with the flat tire is ours. Not—The car with the flat tire is our's. Yours is the dog that barks all night. Not—Your's is the dog that barks all night. Some Possessive Pronouns - No Apostrophe Yours, ours, mine, theirs, its, whose, hers Pay attention to apostrophes as you use the process of elimination—you can often eliminate incorrect answer choices by quickly deciding whether an apostrophe is necessary. Apostrophes Example Questions Directions: In the sentences below, choose the correct word in the choices given in parentheses. The correct answers are underlined in the solutions. 1. Though the choice is not (theirs, their's), (their, they're) not afraid to move to a new town. Solution: Though the choice is not (theirs, their's), (their, they're) not afraid to move to a new town. The possessive pronoun theirs is needed in the first blank and the conjunction they're is needed in the second blank. The word their's does not exist, and their is the possessive determiner, not a subject/verb contraction. 2. (Whose, Who's) likely to become the rugby (teams', team's) captain this year? Solution: (Whose, Who's) likely to become the rugby (teams', team's) captain this year? The contraction of who is is needed in the first blank in order to fill the subject and verb positions. The singular possessive form team's is correct. (There is only one captain, so only one team.) The form teams' is the plural possessive. 3. My (mother and father's, mother's and father's) favorite vacation spot is Gulf Shores, Alabama. Solution: My (mother and father's, mother's and father's) favorite vacation spot is Gulf Shores, Alabama. Because mother and father share the favorite vacation spot, the ownership is given to the last person listed, which is father. 4. I know what (your, you're) intentions are, Alex, and (your, you're) not going to get away with this. Solution: I know what (your, you're) intentions are, Alex, and (your, you're) not going to get away with this. Possession is shown with your in the first blank. The conjunction of you are is needed in the second blank, making you're the best choice. 5. (It's, Its, Its') a shame that (it's, its, its') once smooth and brilliant surface is now rough and dull. Solution: (It's, Its, Its') a shame that (it's, its, its') once smooth and brilliant surface is now rough and dull. The contraction of It is is needed for the first blank, making It's the best choice. Possession is needed in the second blank, so its is the best choice. The word its' does not exist, so it is never correct. 6. I think the jackets are (theirs, their's). 7. Although change can be difficult, (it's, its, its') often more harmful than helpful to limit new experiences. Solution: Although change can be difficult, (it's, its, its') often more harmful than helpful to limit new experiences. The contraction of it is is needed, so it's is the best choice. 8. It was only a matter of minutes before the (girl's, girls') dog had trampled their clothes. Solution: It was only a matter of minutes before the (girl's, girls') dog had trampled their clothes. Because the third-person, plural possessive determiner their is used later in the sentence, the possessive form of the plural noun girls is needed, making girls' the best choice. 9. I am unsure if this baking pan is (ours, our's) or (yours, your's). Solution: I am unsure if this baking pan is (ours, our's) or (yours, your's). The possessive pronouns ours and yours are needed. The words our's and your's are never correct. 10. Do you know (who's, whose) jacket this is? Solution: Do you know (who's, whose) jacket this is? Possession is indicated with whose, making it the best choice. The contraction who's is formed of the subject or relative pronoun who and the verb is. Semicolons A semicolon is used: • to join closely related independent clauses when a coordinate conjunction is not used • with conjunctive adverbs to join main clauses • to separate items in a series that contains commas • to separate coordinate clauses when they are joined by transitional words or phrases A semicolon is not used to join two dependent clauses (sentence fragments). Good Semicolons Use a semicolon to join two complete and closely related sentences Each sentence has to be able to stand on its own, and the two sentences should pertain to the same subject or be otherwise related. My mother has been knitting all her life; I don't think she'll ever stop. I was constantly reminded to stay strong by my sister; her encouragement and love helped me through some tough years. Taavetti starts a new job today; she is very excited. I don't understand the directions; my teacher must explain them to me. Use a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs (transition words) to join independent clauses. Jo Dee is interested in taking the class; however, it does not fit in her schedule. My brother seems short compared to his friends; nevertheless, he is the tallest person in our family. Some Conjunctive Adverbs Additionally Equally In contrast Next Therefore Also Finally Incidentally Now Thus Anyway Further Indeed Otherwise Undoubtedly Besides Furthermore Instead Rather Yet Certainly Hence Likewise Similarly Comparatively Henceforth Meanwhile Still Consequently However Moreover Subsequently Conversely In addition Namely Then Elsewhere In comparison Nevertheless Thereafter Use a semicolon to separate items in a list where at least one item contains a comma. She had already lived in Independence, Kentucky; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and New York City, New York. The items in the bakery window looked delicious: soft, buttery croissants; warm, flaky scones; decadent, gorgeous cakes; and delicate, artisanal chocolates. The art museum contained some beautiful, classically designed furniture; bronze, plaster, and marble statues; and colorful, abstract modern art pieces. My first meal at college consisted of cold, dry toast; runny, undercooked eggs; and very strong, acidic coffee. Without semicolons to separate the items in these two examples, you wouldn't know where each item began and ended due to the commas already used within the items. Use a semicolon to separate coordinate clauses when they are joined by transition words or phrases. When a sentence contains more than one clause, each of which is considered equally as important as the other, the clauses are called "coordinate clauses." They are typically joined by a comma + a coordinating conjunction (a FANBOYS word): for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. When a coordinating conjunction is not used, a semicolon should be: My sister and I enjoyed the play; afterward, we stopped for an ice cream cone. or: My sister and I enjoyed the play, and afterward, we stopped for an ice cream cone. or: My sister and I enjoyed the play. Afterward, we stopped for an ice cream cone. Tamesha often misplaces her keys; perhaps she should get a key locator. or: Tamesha often misplaces her keys, so perhaps she should get a key locator. or: Tamesha often misplaces her keys. Perhaps she should get a key locator. He woke up; he decided to go back to bed. or: He woke up, and he decided to go back to bed. or: He woke up. He decided to go back to bed. Both parts of each of these sentences are independent and could stand alone, so they are separated by a semicolon, comma with "and," or a period. Here's an example question: 1. I found my department, and I was (1) immediately given a list of mundane tasks. Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable? A. department: and I was B. department; I was C. department and was D. department. I was Solution: The correct answer is A. "I found my department" and "I was immediately..." are both complete thoughts that could stand alone; they are independent. Therefore, they must be separated by a semicolon, comma with "and," or a period. Using the process of elimination, choice A is the answer. Colons are used to separate a list or a clause that explains. Choice A would only work if the second part of the sentence explained the first and did not have the and. Example: "I found my department: it was the filing room." Bad Semicolons When can't you use a semicolon? Don't use a semicolon to connect an incomplete phrase or clause to a complete sentence. It is a common error to place a semicolon between a sentence and a related phrase. If the phrase on either side of the semicolon cannot stand by itself, the two elements need to be joined with a comma, not a semicolon. Example: The dancer twirled and twirled; beautiful and breathtaking as he leapt across the stage. should be: The dancer twirled and twirled, beautiful and breathtaking as he leapt across the stage. "Beautiful and breathtaking" is not a sentence. Therefore, you can not use a semicolon to join it to "The dancer twirled and twirled." Don't use a semicolon to connect two dependent clauses. Example: My older sister, who is in college; went to the park. should be: My older sister, who is in college, went to the park. Bad Semicolons Example Questions 2. My mother was a truly amazing individual; selfless (2) and devoted no matter what. A. NO CHANGE B. individual selfless C. individual. Selfless D. individual: selfless Solution: The correct answer is D. As originally written, the sentence is incorrect, because the fragment "selfless and devoted no matter what" is not a complete sentence. Even though the fragment is related to the first sentence, a semicolon cannot be used to join them. A colon is used instead, because the fragment offers details that expand on why the mother was such an amazing individual. Directions: For each underlined portion, answer the corresponding question following the passage. If the underlined portion should not be altered, select NO CHANGE. Jean Piaget popularized a theory of intellectual development; he taught that (3) all children moved through a set pattern of development in a fixed order. He called the four stages of development; the (4) sensorimotor, the preoperational, the concrete operational, and the formal operational. Piaget's stages are often contrasted with those of Erik Erikson. Erikson focused on how children come to understand themselves. And (5), the world around them. His theory has eight stages, beginning (6) at birth and ending in late adulthood. The first four stages of Erikson's theory cover the same ages as Piaget's four stages; however (7), other than age of experience, the stages do not have an obvious relationship to each other. 3) Which of the following answers would NOT be an acceptable replacement for the underlined portion? A. development. He taught that B. development that C. development; teaching that D. development, teaching that Solution: The correct answer is C. A comma or dash is used to separate two parts of a sentence when one of the parts could not stand alone. So choices B and D are okay, since the second part of the sentence has been changed in these choices to be dependent. A period or a semicolon is used when both parts could stand alone. Therefore, choice A works, but choice C does not, since "teaching that..." has no subject for the verb and could not stand alone. A. NO CHANGE B. development the C. development, the D. development; as the Solution: The correct answer is B. We do not need a pause here, so a comma is incorrect. 5) A. NO CHANGE B. themselves; and C. themselves, D. themselves and Solution: The correct answer is D. We don't need a pause here. We would only use a period (choice A) or a semicolon (choice B) if both parts of the sentence could stand alone, but "and the world around them" cannot stand alone. It does not need a comma because it's not a side note. It goes with understand themselves. 6) A. NO CHANGE B. stages; and begins C. stages, it begins D. stages; beginning Solution: The correct answer is A. No change. The comma is correct, since the second part of the sentence "beginning at birth..." could not stand alone. 7) A. NO CHANGE B. stages, however, other C. stages, however. Other D. stages, however; other Solution: The correct answer is A. Transition words, like however, are usually surrounded by commas or a semicolon and a comma. We use commas if they separate a dependent clause, and we use a semicolon and a comma if they separate two independent clauses. However, divides this sentence into two independent clauses, so A, stages; however, is correct. Colons A colon is used to join an independent clause with information that directly modifies or adds to the clause. In other words, make sure that each colon presents an example of the phrase that came before it. Also, make sure that the phrase on at least one side of the colon is an independent clause (can stand alone as a sentence). Good Colons Use a colon before a list - if the information before the list is a complete sentence Example: We are required to bring the following items to camp: a sleeping bag, a pillow, an alarm clock, clothes, and personal-care items. Use a colon after an independent clause that is followed by information that directly modifies, exemplifies, or adds to the clause. Example: Chen encountered a problem that she had not anticipated: a broken Internet link. My sister suggested a great location: the park down the street from our house. A whale is not a fish: it is a warm-blooded mammal. Colons may also precede direct quotations and should be used in business salutations and titles. Example: Captain John Paul Jones said: "I have not yet begun to fight." To Mr. Pucci: Blaze: A Story of Courage Bad Colons Be watchful for any incorrect insertion of a colon in a sentence when the preceding statement is not a complete sentence. What does that mean? It means that the statement preparing for the example or detail presented by the colon (almost always before the colon) needs to be able to stand alone and make sense if the sentence were to end right there. Do not use a colon to connect two dependent clauses. Examples: The parts of Yakov's car that broke in the accident were: a window, a door, and a muffler. "The parts of Yakov's car that broke in the accident were" is not a sentence, so you can't use a colon after it. should be: Three parts of Yakov's car were broken: a window, a door, and the muffler. The item I needed from the gas station: a stick of gum. "The item I needed from the gas station" is not a sentence, so you can't use a colon after it. should be: I bought all that I needed at the gas station: a stick of gum. Rayen got to see her two favorite people, who were: her mom and dad. "Rayen got to see her two favorite people, who were" is not a sentence, so you can't use a colon after it. should be: Rayen got to see her two favorite people: her mom and dad. In the should be sentences, "Three parts of Yakov's car were broken," "I bought all that I needed at the gas station," and "Rayen got to see her two favorite people" could stand alone as complete sentences. Here's an example question: 1. There were only a few items left on Ratree's grocery list that he hadn't already bought. Tomatoes (1) spaghetti, and an onion. A. NO CHANGE B. bought, tomatoes, C. bought tomatoes: D. bought: tomatoes, Solution: The correct answer is D. According to the rules for colon use, you should recognize that a colon should be placed after the statement because it can stand alone as a sentence, and before the list begins because the colon introduces the list. Colons and Semicolons Example Questions Directions: In the sentences below, insert colons or semicolons as needed. 1. For my school's science fair, I am making a brown, plaster volcano a complicated, useful diagram and messy, sticky goo. Solution: For my school's science fair, I am making a brown, plaster volcano; a complicated, useful diagram; and messy, sticky goo. Use semicolons to separate items containing commas in a list. 2. Brad is always complaining about how cold his car is in the morning maybe he should purchase an electric car starter. Solution: Brad is always complaining about how cold his car is in the morning; maybe he should purchase an electric car starter. Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses. 3. I had everything I needed for a full night of studying coffee, chips, cookies, earphones, and my book bag. Solution: I had everything I needed for a full night of studying: coffee, chips, cookies, earphones, and my book bag. Use a colon to introduce a list. 4. Hwaan is graduating today he is excited. Solution: Hwaan is graduating today; he is excited. Use a semicolon to join two related, independent clauses. 5. Time Travel What's It All About? Solution: Time Travel: What's It All About? Use a colon to join related clauses when one clause is dependent on, and helps to explain, the other. 6. We began the long trip to California on Monday (: ;) after six fast food meals and two hotel rooms, we finally reached Los Angeles. Solution: We began the long trip to California on Monday; after six fast food meals and two hotel rooms, we finally reached Los Angeles. Use a semicolon to join two related, independent clauses. 7. My grades have left me no choice (: ;) I need a tutor! Solution: My grades have left me no choice; I need a tutor! Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses. 8. Today we're going to the beach (: ;) tomorrow we're going to the zoo. Solution: Today we're going to the beach; tomorrow we're going to the zoo. Use a semicolon to join two related, independent clauses. 9. Yesterday, we planted hydrangeas in our community garden (: ;) next month, we'll replace the daisies with lilacs. Solution: Yesterday, we planted hydrangeas in our community garden; next month, we'll replace the daisies with lilacs. Use a semicolon to join two related, independent clauses. 10. I have everything I need for a day of snow-filled fun (: ;) hat, gloves, scarf, snow pants, jacket, boots, shovel, and sled. Solution: I have everything I need for a day of snow-filled fun: hat, gloves, scarf, snow pants, jacket, boots, shovel, and sled. Use a colon to introduce a list. Parentheses and Dashes Parentheses ( ) are used to enclose supplemental information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Dashes — are used to place special emphasis on a certain word or phrase within a sentence. A dash may also be called an "em dash" to distinguish it from 2 other punctuation marks: a shorter dash used for number ranges - (called an "en dash") or from a hyphen - When offsetting nonessential information from the middle of a sentence, both the parentheses and the dash come in pairs, and they function almost identically. Dashes and Parentheses: The Comma's Cousins Use dashes and parentheses to offset parenthetical phrases. Parenthetical phrases can't stand alone as complete sentences. Example: He thought, as soon as he woke up, that he'd like to go back to sleep. He thought—as soon as he woke up—that he'd like to go back to sleep. He thought (as soon as he woke up) that he'd like to go back to sleep. In all these examples, the phrase "as soon as he woke up" is dependent—it would not be a complete sentence alone. Therefore it is separated by commas, dashes, or parentheses. Use parentheses to enclose explanatory or secondary supporting details. Example: In addition to serving as Class Treasurer (during her junior year), Marte was also a National Merit Scholar. Alan visited the Football Hall of Fame (on a guided tour) during his summer vacation. The Dash Use dashes to: • indicate an abrupt change in thought • signal the inclusion of an explanation or an afterthought. In these situations, dashes and parentheses are used in pairs, and they can be used interchangeably. Use dashes in place of parentheses to place special emphasis on certain words or phrases. Examples: Dr. Baykara—a noted scientist and educator—spoke at our commencement ceremony. The coyote's yipping—a harsh, guttural sound—could be heard throughout the valley that night. Use a single dash to offset an unrelated idea that is tacked onto the end of a sentence. Example: After the terrible storm, a gorgeous rainbow lit up the sky—a sign, I hoped, of better things to come. Here's an example question: 1. The last obstacle on the agility course was the one that scared Anna the most. But she didn't let that fear show. A. NO CHANGE B. most—but she didn't C. most but. (She didn't D. most but, she didn't Solution: The correct answer is B. This choice uses a dash to set off the but clause from the first part of the sentence, while maintaining a single sentence. Parentheses and Dashes can enclose nonessential, irrelevant, or redundant information, but remember: non-essential information isn't required to stay in the sentence! If the parenthetical material is irrelevant or redundant within the context of a paragraph or passage, mark the DELETE/OMIT answer choice. Parentheses and Dashes Example Questions Directions: In the following sentences, the parentheses and dashes may or may not be in their correct locations. The answers and corrected sentences are in the grey solution box below each sentence. 1. Not only did Andy earn the Most Valuable Player Award as a Junior and Senior (quite an achievement), but he was also nominated as "Most Likely to Succeed." Solution: CORRECT. Parentheses are used to set off material secondary to the meaning of the text as a whole. In this case, quite an achievement is not essential to the meaning of the text, making the original sentence correct. 2. The car almost two decades old made strange noises—as it drove—down the road. Solution: INCORRECT. The car—almost two decades old—made strange noises as it drove down the road. Dashes are used to give special emphasis to certain phrases or clauses. Here, the writer is emphasizing the significantly old age of the car. 3. We went to (Lansing) the state capital to learn about Michigan's history. Solution: INCORRECT. We went to Lansing (the state capital) to learn about Michigan's history. Parentheses are used to set apart information that relabels or renames a previously mentioned noun. Here, the appositive phrase the state capital relabels the previously mentioned noun Lansing. Without this appositive phrase, the sentence "We went to Lansing to learn about Michigan's history." can still stand alone. 4. Mr. Acosta—a most helpful person—always bandaged our cuts and scrapes. Solution: CORRECT. Dashes are used to give special emphasis to certain phrases or clauses. Here, the writer is emphasizing the appositive a most helpful person by using dashes instead of commas. 5. The middle school students were suspended on Tuesday the first day of the marking period (for cheating on a science test). Solution: INCORRECT. The middle school students were suspended on Tuesday (the first day of the marking period) for cheating on a science test. Parentheses are used to set apart information that is secondary or not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Here, the fact that the particular Tuesday was the first day of the marking period is a secondary detail. The reason that the students were suspended (for cheating on a science test) is information that changes the meaning of the sentence and, therefore, should not be enclosed in parentheses. Periods, Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Periods, question marks, and exclamation points are considered "end punctuation" and should be used at the end of a sentence. Use a period to end most sentences. Example: Scott enrolled in classes at the university. Use a question mark to end a direct question. Example: Do you think it will rain today? Use an exclamation point to end an emphatic statement. Example: Please don't leave your vehicle unattended! Final Word A great way to catch any of these "end punctuation" errors is by staying aware of the passage's tone — which is helpful on other questions, too! Grammar and Usage Conventions Grammar: The study and application of combining words to form sentences. A well-formed sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. The English test includes questions that will test your ability to identify and correct poorly written sentences. You should have a firm grasp of the following concepts: • nouns and pronouns • verbs and verb forms • subject/verb agreement • adverbs and adjectives • commonly misused words • idioms Noun and Pronoun F orms This lesson discusses types of nouns and pronouns, which are used to label the subjects and objects of sentence action. Proper Nouns The English language contains two forms of nouns: common nouns which name a nonspecific person, place, or object and proper nouns. Proper nouns name specific people, places, objects, or ideas. Proper nouns begin with an uppercase letter, and common nouns do not (unless they are at the beginning of a sentence, of course!). Names: • Lieutenant Commander Bobby Hernandez (people and their titles) • Fido (pets) • R.M.S. Titanic (boats - note also that boat names are italicized or underlined when written) • The Louvre (buildings) • Seoul, Ontario, Namibia (cities, provinces/states/territories, countries) • Japanese (languages and nationalities) • Of Mice and Men (book titles - note also that only significant words in titles are capitalized, and the whole title is italicized when typed or underlined when written) • Market Street Bistro (businesses) • Death Valley (specific geographic features) • Thursday, January 4, 2018 (days of the week and months) • The Middle Ages (historical periods) • The Protestant Reformation (political, social, and philosophical ideas and movements) • New Year's Eve (holidays) Acronyms and the first-person singular subject pronoun (I) are capitalized: • CPR, NASA, NAFTA, OPEC, DNA • You will like how I make my chili. Family members: • Lowercase: "I went sailing with my mom and dad last year." • Capitalized: "I went sailing with Mom and Dad last year." In the first sentence, mom and dad are used like an occupation, since they are preceded by the possessive determiner my. (You could easily replace "my mom and dad" with "my boss," and neither option requires capitalization. In the second sentence, "Mom" and "Dad" are used like their proper names, so they are capitalized. (You could easily replace "Mom and Dad" with "Tabitha" or "Bob" or "Uncle Caden," and all of these options require capitalization.) Pronouns take the place of either a proper or a common noun. They are extremely common in everyday English. Some Common Pronouns All I Some Both It Them Each Many These Few Neither Me They He Nobody We Her None Who Him One You His She The correct use of English language pronouns takes into consideration: • pronoun type • noun/pronoun agreement o masculine vs. feminine vs. neuter o number o pronoun case Personal Pronouns Subject Pronouns (renames nouns in subject position) Use subject pronouns as subjects of clauses in comparative constructions (more...than, less...than, as...as, etc.) when the clause is not repeated. Add the missing clause back to reveal the subject position of the pronoun. No one in the classroom was as surprised as I (was). not: ...as me. He worked longer today than she (worked). not: ...than her. Singular • 1st person: I • 2nd person: you • 3rd person: Masculine (names men, boys): he Feminine (names women, girls): she Neuter (names nouns without gender): it Plural • 1st person: we • 2nd person: you • 3rd person: they Example: Gaetan recently graduated from college; he now has a degree in nursing. • Gaetan (singular, 3rd person, masculine) • he (singular, 3rd person, masculine) Possessive Determiners (assigns possession) • Use possessive determiners before gerunds (-ing verb forms). Possessive determiners can also be called possessive adjectives. Examples: His singing has often been admired. not: ...He singing The class was shocked by his studying for the exam. not: ...him studying Their playing was much improved from last week's game. Singular • 1st person: my • 2nd person: your • 3rd person: Masculine: his Feminine: her Neuter: its Plural • 1st person: our • 2nd person: your • 3rd person: their Example: That piece of paper is my boarding pass. (The boarding pass belongs to the speaker, who is singular and 1st person.) Possessive Pronouns (replace nouns and show possession) These do not mark nouns, as the possessive determiners do; rather, they replace nouns. Singular • 1st person: mine • 2nd person: yours • 3rd person: Masculine: his Feminine: hers Plural • 1st person: ours • 2nd person: yours • 3rd person: theirs Take note that no apostrophes are used in these pronouns, even though they indicate possession. Example: Gabriela told the flight attendant that the boarding pass is hers. • Gabriela (singular, 3rd person, female) • hers (singular, 3rd person, female) - The boarding pass belonged to her (Gabriela). Object Pronouns (rename nouns in object position) These are used as indirect and direct objects in verb phrases and as objects of prepositions. Singular • 1st person: me • 2nd person: you • 3rd person: Masculine: him Feminine: her Neuter: it Plural • 1st person: us • 2nd person: you • 3rd person: them Let's look at a correctly-matched noun-pronoun pair in a sentence: Andel wondered why everyone kept staring at him during dinner. • Andel (singular, 3rd person, masculine) • him (singular, 3rd person, masculine) (object of the preposition at) Reflexive Pronouns (rename the subject in object position) These are used when the subject is also the object of the verb. Singular • 1st person: myself • 2nd person: yourself • 3rd person: Masculine: himself Feminine: herself Neuter: itself Plural • 1st person: ourselves • 2nd person: yourselves • 3rd person: themselves Consider the following example: If we (plural, 1st person) don't win this game, boys, we'll be kicking ourselves (plural, 1st person) tomorrow. (The subject group of boys represented by "we" is kicking "themselves" — the same group of boys.) Relative vs. Indefinite Pronouns In addition to the preceding personal pronouns, you must distinguish between two more types of pronouns: relative and indefinite pronouns. Relative pronouns: used to identify people, places, and objects in general. The relative pronouns who, whom, and whose refer to people. The relative pronouns which, what, that, and whose refer to places and objects. The relative pronoun whose is used for all nouns: people, places, and objects. Relative pronouns: These are used to identify nouns at the beginning of relative clauses. Subject • Non-human: which/that Bob likes popsicles that are grape-flavored. (Some popsicles are grape-flavored.) • Human: who Anita is looking for a mechanic who has experience with carburetors. (Some mechanic has experience with carburetors.) Object • Non-human: which/that I finally got back the DVD that John borrowed. (John borrowed the DVD.) • Human: whom Vada has not yet been paid by the client whom she billed last week. (Vada billed the client.) For more about the difference between who and whom, see the lesson "Commonly Misused Words". Possessive Non-human or human: whose Mrs. Ianthe loves Edgar Allan Poe, whose poems and stories give her chills. (Edgar Allan Poe's poems and stories give her chills.) Indefinite pronouns: used to represent an indefinite number of persons, places, or things. Indefinite pronouns are treated as singular pronouns. Examples: Everyone gather around the campfire! There will be a prize for each of the children. One of my sisters always volunteers to drive me to school. Some are friendlier than others. Singular Indefinite Pronouns Singular Pronoun Example Sentence either/or neither/nor Either the boy or the girl must sacrifice his or her candy. Neither of the boys standing near me could contain his excitement. anybody anyone somebody I don't know anybody who can lick his or her elbow. I've never seen anyone treat his or her parents like that. In every class, there is somebody who doesn't raise his or her hand. someone everybody everyone nobody each There's always someone who thinks he or she is the best. Everybody at camp liked his or her counselor Everyone likes to see his or her name in print. Nobody enjoys admitting that he or she is wrong Each of the artists used her brush masterfully. • In many of these examples, the italicized pronouns may look and sound awkward or wrong, and they might look and sound better if you replaced "his or her" with "their" and "he or she" with "they." Yet "their" or "they" in any of the sentences would be wrong. Nouns and Pronouns Example Questions Directions: In the sentences below, choose the word or phrase in the parentheses that best completes the sentence. Jordan responds to a snow day much like any other young boy; (he, they) jumps up and down with excitement. Solution: He. Jordan is the singular antecedent. If a student wants to succeed in college, (you, he or she) must be willing to study for several hours each day. Solution: He or she. The subject of the first clause, a student, is the antecedent of the subject pronoun(s) of the next clause. A student is third person; therefore, the second person pronoun youcannot be used. I rarely eat at that restaurant, because (it, they) (has, have) poor service. Solution: It has. The restaurant is a singular antecedent. The book was on the table, but now (it, the book) is gone. Solution: The book. In order to avoid ambiguity between the book and the table, restate the appropriate antecedent. Leonardo da Vinci was an artist (that, who) created masterpieces. Solution: Who. Use the relative pronoun who when referring to a person. It was Ibbie (who, whom) offered the young child a coat. Solution: Who. The relative pronoun is in subject position: Ibbie offered the young child a coat. Therefore, who is correct. The relative pronoun whom is used in object position. Everyone must at least try (his or her, their) hand at knitting. Solution: His or her. The indefinite pronoun everyone is singular. Neither Ida nor Rada will be giving (her, their) speech today. Solution: Her. Nouns conjoined with Either/or or Neither/nor take singular verbs and are represented by singular pronouns. After much deliberation, Waiolo told Miguel that he would be able to drive (him, Miguel) to work on Saturday. Solution: Miguel. In order to avoid ambiguity, restate the appropriate antecedent. It's best to take the furniture out of the living room in order to clean (it, the furniture). Solution: The furniture. In order to avoid ambiguity between whether the living room or the furniture's cleaning is discussed, use an expressed noun phrase instead of a pronoun. Missing or Unclear Pronoun Example Questions Directions: In the following sentences, choose the best revision for the underlined portion. If the sentence is best as written, choose "NO CHANGE." Read the explanations for each question that you missed. 1. He had dismantled a clockwork mouse borrowed from a master craftsman, made detailed drawings of it's (1)components, and returned it fully functioning to the craftsman. A. NO CHANGE B. its' C. its D. their Solution: The correct answer is C. Use the singular possessive its to show that the componentsbelonged to the clockwork mouse. It's is the contraction of it is, and "its' is never correct. The plural possessive pronoun their is incorrect because there is only one mouse. 2. The physicist quickly became engrossed in his studies and began to calculate the paths of the Sun, Moon, and other celestial bodies. Using them (2), he predicted a solar eclipse that occurred four years later A. NO CHANGE B. these calculations, C. those, D. these things, Solution: The correct answer is B. The underlined pronoun them is ambiguous. To make the sentence clearer, restate the antecedent. 3. I usually carry a handful of pens in my backpack, so I'm ready when they (3) will run dry. A. NO CHANGE B. the one I am using C. something D. either one Solution: The correct answer is B. The underlined pronoun they is ambiguous. To make the sentence clearer, indicate precisely what is likely to run dry. 4. My exercise habit is not without it's (4) negative consequences. A. NO CHANGE B. they're C. their D. its Solution: The correct answer is D. Use the possessive its to indicate that the exercise habit has negative consequences. There is only one habit, so the plural pronouns they and their are incorrect. It's is the contraction of it is. 5. Both fields and forests were dear to me and important to the development of one's (5) interactions with the world. A. NO CHANGE B. their C. your D. my Solution: The correct answer is D. Since the fields and forests were dear to the speaker, me, use the possessive pronoun my. 6. Mrs. Wainwright rewarded Saburo and he (6) for their contributions to the research project. A. NO CHANGE B. him C. you D. they Solution: The correct answer is B. This sentence contains a compound subject, Saburo and another male. Use the objective pronoun him to indicate the two people being rewarded. 7. Several of we (7) theater majors went out for coffee after our performance last weekend. A. NO CHANGE B. you C. those D. us Solution: The correct answer is D. Use the objective pronoun us in this sentence to match the possessive pronoun our used later. Try "Several of us" vs. "Several of we". We is a subject pronoun, which can't act as the object of the preposition of, so us must be correct. 8. Although Sable and me (8) thought we were fluent in Spanish, it was very difficult to understand many of the people in northern Spain. A. NO CHANGE B. I C. us D. them Solution: The correct answer is B. Use the nominative case of the personal pronoun I with a compound subject. Completing the clause will lead you to the correct pronoun case; "Sable thought we were fluent in Spanish" and "I thought we were fluent in Spanish." 9. My younger sister recently finished a book on dog grooming and now she wants to learn everything she can about them (9). A. NO CHANGE B. it C. him D. those Solution: The correct answer is B. The singular pronoun it should take the place of the singular antecedent dog grooming. 10. If people want to live by themselves in a dormitory, you (10) must pay twice the usual room rate, unless those people become resident assistants. A. NO CHANGE B. we C. one D. they Solution: The correct answer is D. The subject of this sentence is people, a third-person plural noun. Use the third-person plural personal pronoun they. 11. My grandma begins to flatten the dough with a wooden roller coated with flour. I devote my energies t

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