Professional Documents
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Basic Grammar
Basic Grammar
Basic Grammar
Basic Grammar
Here is a list of major grammar issues students have problems with. Refer to this cheat sheet in this and future
writing-intensive classes to guide you!
Independent Clauses / Complete Sentences
An independent clause is a complete sentence. Think about it as being independent, not requiring anything else
to complete it. An independent clause has both a subject and a predicate.
Ex:
for
and
nor
but
or
yet
so
Ex:
So I went to the store then bought some bread I also got some cheese.
Most of us were taking the same classes, if someone had a question, we would all help out.
Colons
Use a colon to join an independent clause (complete sentence) and a list.
Correct:
He bought three posters to decorate his apartment: an old concert poster, a view of the
city, and a mural of San Diego.
Incorrect:
Volunteers aid biologists in: erosion control, trail maintenance, and clean-up.
Incorrect:
Jessicas wardrobe included: three pairs of pants, a nice skirt, and a party dress.
Semi-colons
There must be a complete sentence on both sides of the semicolon!
Correct:
Incorrect:
Police want to crack down on drug use at raves; they have started to arrest more people.
Internet retailers have a limited customer base; only those with Internet access.
Police want to crack down on drug use at raves; thus, they have started to arrest more
people.
There were several people I wanted to see at the party; however I didnt see any of them
there.
Commas
Commas often are subjectivethey depend on the preference of the reader or the style guide for the audience
youre writing to.
1. Use a comma after an introductory phrase like however, therefore, nonetheless, finally, for example
a. For example, you would use a comma in this sentence.
2. Use a comma for phrases that you could take out of the sentence but still retain the overall meaning
a. A comma, however, would definitely go here.
3. Depending on your style guide, use the Oxford comma: the optional comma before the and at the
end of a list
a. I bought a shirt, a pair of pants, and a jacket.
4. Use a comma with dates and places
a. I first joined Monday, May 5, 2003.
b. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, a city in the Midwest.
5. Use a comma with brief interjections
a. Have some coffee, wont you?
b. She said, no, she wouldnt be having any coffee, thanks.
Hyphens
Add a hyphen for a compound modifier (more than one adjective strung together) before a noun:
The sixteen-year-old girl was a well-known celebrity.
Proofread
Check for accuracy
Tighten your sentences
Read for clarityespecially with instructions!