Multiple Choice SOL
ONLY ONE
INCLUDE COMMAS around the noun. - The chef I met last week, Gordon Ramsay, just made some English muffins. - My teacher, Mr. Popeman, loves to lecture about various bird species. - The owner, Maggie, left some pizza for you on the table.
Semi-colons
Joins two independent clauses; interchangeable with a period-- yet is useful if clauses ideas connect. - The teacher offered to help; we decided to ask the principal instead. - First, leave the basket at her doorstep; later, text her that I sent it. - Some of Megan's parakeets learned how to talk; other's only knew how to whistle. - David's performance was amazing; the backup dancers were also quite good.
MORE THAN ONE
OMIT COMMAS. - My uncle Richard loves to go to the beach on Monday's. - My friend Johnny can't go swimming without a life jacket. - The manager Kelly gives out paychecks every week.
Colons
Proposing the thought/ idea. - There was only one thing to do: smile and wave. - This is my solution: reschedule the game so that way everyone can attend. - This is my concern: the dog may get lonely without his owner. - Marceline kept repeating her question: who is going to be at the ball?
Parallelism
Sentence is structured so it is consistent throughout. - Spencer made the pancakes, drizzled the syrup, and served strawberries on every plate. - Despite the weather, Jack put on his rain boots, went outside, and loudly yelled "I'm king of the world!" - To prep for the party, Alison put easter eggs ON TOP of the tree, UNDER the couch, and BEHIND the door. *is not always verbs*
Appositives
The phrase that provides CLARIFICATION. - Amanda's dog, A GERMAN SHEPHERD MIX, likes to play catch. - A FORGETFUL MAN IN HIS SEVENTIES, the mad scientist appreciated Herman's help in the lab. - Your good friend MATTHEW PERRY just won a dance-off. - The Olympic gymnast ANDY FLIPPER just did a handstand on your table. - A LOVER OF ALL BOOKS, Josh is currently reading The Hunger Games. - The clown, A BALLOON ANIMAL ARTIST, made a dolphin for Joey. - My classmate RACHEL doesn't do so well on her tests. - My friend JOHN likes playing the piano. - My friend, JOHN, likes playing the piano. - A TALENTED KID, John likes playing the piano. - Just now, John won the piano playing contest, THE MOST TALENTED KID IN SCHOOL.
Transitions
Words or phrases used to connect ideas together. - In fact - Also - Or - For example - Furthermore - Not only (this), but also (that) - Therefore - As - Then - Once - If - Even - And - But - Consequently - Meanwhile AND SO ON... - IF he wins the singing contest, we will all go on tour. - ONCE on the skin, sweat will evaporate. - She wants to go skydiving with me, BUT I am afraid of heights. - You can start setting the table; MEANWHILE, I will cook the duck.
FANBOYS
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (coordinating conjunctions)
Types of transitions
- Cause and effect: as a result; because; consequently; for that reason; since; therefore... - Example: for example; specifically; to illustrate; to demonstrate; such as; for instance; as revealed by... - Sequence: finally; first; then; later; following; immediately; initially; meanwhile; next; at last; after; before; currently; during; earlier; eventually... - Addition: as well; to; too; besides; like; as; equally important; in addition; in other words; and; also; then; likewise; moreover; similarly... - Contrast: but; despite; however; in contrast; on the contrary; on the other hand; nevertheless; nonetheless... - Emphasis: even; undoubtedly; indeed; obviously; particularly; especially; clearly; importantly; absolutely; definitely; without a doubt; never; in fact... - Similarity: moreover; as well as; of course; likewise; comparatively; similarly; furthermore; additionally... Note how some sections have the same words.
Commas
when dependent clause proceeds an independent clause; two words or phrases are separated; before and after a quotation; between month/day; when writing a letter in the heading - I saw Katie cheering, stomping, and singing during the concert. - She helped Margery, bachelor of science, take care of her pets. - He received a standing ovation on December 16th, 1998. - Lily, have you seen my pink sweater? - Deliver the pie to the address 97 Maple Lane, Denver, Colorado 80202. - Showing off his new cooking skills, Jose burned the house down. - Nearby, someone was blasting music. - Melissa and I volunteered to help at the bake sale, and the director was very grateful. - That is one big, old house. ^ be cautious about this one-- "dark, blue apartment" does not mean the same as "dark blue apartment." ^ use commas for that only when they are coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives appear in any order without affecting the meaning, and the commas can be replaced with AND and still make sense.
FANBOYS will
- Connect complete thoughts: I WILL BUY A CAKE, *or* ANNA WILL GET CUPCAKES. (two complete thoughts connected by a fanboys) - Connect objects: Jake packed A BIG SUITCASE *and* A SMALL BACKPACK for the trip; Helen will buy FRIES *or* A MILKSHAKE. - Connect subjects: WALTER *or* HIS NEIGHBOR will get you your mail. MIKE *and* I will be late tomorrow. - Connect verbs: I can't tell if Jane WASHED *or* TRIMMED her hair. Remember: SVO-- Subject-Verb-Object: I love him He loves me
Non-parallel examples (do not do this, ever)
- George went to the hair salon, was getting a haircut, and left a tip. - Jorge will go to his job, get his paycheck, and then getting to the bank to deposit it. In order to fix this sentence to be parallel, switch the non parallel phrase and kept the rest of them (2) the same.
One complete thought
- JORDYN, as a matter of fact, JUST LEARNED HOW TO DO A BACKFLIP. - MATT, accordingly, LEFT A PLATE OF MILK AND COOKIES BY THE FIREPLACE.
Two complete thoughts
- REIS FELL ASLEEP DOING HIS HOMEWORK; consequently, HE HAD TO STAY UP LATE TO FINISH. - DRAKE HAS THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF TOYS; HE DOESN'T LET ANYONE SEE IT, however.
Incomplete thought
Also known as a sentence fragment. - Harry will win the game UNLESS HIS SHOELACE COMES UNTIED. - BECAUSE THE PRINCESS IS AFRAID OF ZEBRAS, she had to skip the trip to the zoo.
Complete thought
Also known as an independent clause. - Phoebe met a celebrity at the mall; THEY BOUGHT MATCHING WIGS. - JENNIFER GOT A BOX OF POSTERS FOR HER BIRTHDAY; she hung them up immediately. - Emily learned how to fly a kite; IT WASN'T AS HARD AS SHE THOUGHT.