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#1
SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS
Notice the spelling of the singular and plural nouns below: singular – plural singular – plural
wolf - wolves criterion - criteria alumnus - alumni radio - radios life - lives scissors - scissors
shrimp - shrimp datum - data phenomenon - phenomena analysis – analyses
wife - wives
Now you do it! Choose the correct word from the parentheses below.
1. Several (alumnus, alumni) from the University of Colorado were present at the graduation.
2. All of the (datum, data) from the computer file were erased during the electrical storm.
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1. Several (alumnus, alumni) from the University of Colorado were present at the graduation.
2. All of the (datum, data) from the computer file were erased during the electrical storm.
#2
SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS
Notice the singular and plural forms of the nouns below:
belief - beliefs crisis – crises lady - ladies box – boxes
deer - deer thesis – theses Chinese - Chinese ox – oxen Ross – Rosses Smith – Smiths
parenthesis - parentheses
1. Some people move at such a hectic pace that they always seem to have a series of (crisis, crises) in their lives.
2. Some of the (ladys, ladies) in the social club made the cookies.
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1. Some people move at such a hectic pace that they always seem to have a series of (crisis, crises) in their lives.
2. Some of the (ladys, ladies) in the social club made the cookies.
#3
SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS
With compound words such as “son-in-law,” always make the main word plural.
son-in-law – sons-in-law commander in chief – commanders in chief
rule of order – rules of order
1. (Daughters-in-law, Daughter-in-laws) always complain about their husbands’ mothers.
2. The (passerbys, passersby) saw the man with the strange hat.
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1. (Daughters-in-law, Daughter-in-laws) always complain about their husbands’ mothers.
2. The (passerbys, passersby) saw the man with the strange hat.
#4
UNDERLINING AND ITALICIZING
When writing, always underline or italicize the following items:book titles, newspaper titles, magazine titles, titles of plays, long
poems, movies and television series.
1. The reading list for the summer includes the following novels:A Separate Peace, Silas Marner, and Brave New World.
2. I read the article about using suntanning oil in the magazine Modern Health Today.
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1. The reading list for the summer includes the following novels:A Separate Peace, Silas Marner, and Brave New World.
2. I read the article about using suntanning oil in the magazine Modern Health Today.
#5
QUOTATION MARKS
Always underline or italicize larger titles, but put smaller titlesor sub-categories in quotation marks.
These titles should be put into quotation marks: magazine or newspaper articles, short stories, chapter headings, short poems,
song titles, and individual television episodes.
1. Walking by Woods on a Snowy Evening is a poem found in Robert Frost’s book of poems.
2. Hot, New Summer Fashion is an interesting article in The Sun Times.
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1. “Walking by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is a poem found in Robert Frost’s book of poems.
2. “Hot, New Summer Fashion” is an interesting article in The Sun Times.
#6
CAPITALIZATION
Always capitalize the following items:
Organizations – National Honor Society Institutions and Buildings – World Trade Center Government Bodies – the Senate Historical Events and Periods – the Dark Ages
1. During the earth day festivites, congress convened for the eveningfireworks display.
2. Many people went hungry during the great depression.
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1. During the Earth Day festivites, Congress convened for the eveningfireworks display.
2. Many people went hungry during the Great Depression.
#7
CAPITALIZATION
Always capitalize the following items:
Regions – the Far East Special events – the Iowa State Fair Titles before names – Professor Simmons (do not cap without
name) Special titles of people of the highest rank even though the name of
the person is not indicated – the President (of the United States only)
Words showing relationships when used with a person’s name but not when preceded by a possessive – Aunt Clara – my aunt Clara
1. The minority job expo was held at the mall.
2. The queen of England tossed my Uncle Tom a flower as she rode past him during her tour of the south.
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1. The Minority Job Expo was held at the mall.
1. The Queen of England tossed my uncle Tom a flower as she rode past him during her tour of the South.
#8
COMMAS AND SEMICOLONS BETWEEN INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
When joining two independent clauses (or two sentences) together, you must do one of the following:
USE A COMMA FOLLOWED BY A CONJUNCTION SUCH AS AND, OR, NOR, FOR, SO, BUT, OR YET.
John walked to the park, and then he walked home.OR
USE A SEMICOLON WITH NO CONJUNCTION.
John walked to the park; then he walked home.
(It is not necessary to use a comma between very short independent clauses.)
1. The people in the line at the grocery store were very tired they hadbeen standing there for over thirty minutes.
2. Christopher looked quite pale yet he said that he felt well.
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1. The people in the line at the grocery store were very tired; they had been standing there for over thirty minutes.
2. Christopher looked quite pale, yet he said that he felt well.#9
RUN-ON SENTENCES
The following sentence is an error called a run-on. It is caused by joining two sentences together without proper punctuation.
Run-on - Stormy weather in the Western Plains brought plenty of rain the drought finally ended.
Correct – Stormy weather in the Western Plains brought plenty of rain; the drought finally ended.
Correct – Stormy weather in the Western Plains brought plenty of rain, and the drought finally ended.
After the war in the Middle East, the armed forces withdrew theirtroops they returned to their country later.
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After the war in the Middle East, the armed forces withdrew theirtroops; they returned to their country later.
OR
After the war in the Middle East, armed forces withdrew theirtroops, and they returned to their country later.
#10
COMMA SPLICES
The following sentence contains an error called a comma splice. To avoid this error, always use a comma and a conjuntion between two
sentences.
Incorrect – The theater was filled to capacity, we had to sit on the front row.
Correct - The theater was filled to capacity, so we had to sit on the front row.
In the early morning hours, the caravan moved onto the canyon floor, then the sun began to shine unbearably.
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In the early morning hours, the caravan moved onto the canyon floor, but then the sun began to shine unbearably.
#11
SEMICOLONS AND SUBJUNCTIVE ADVERBS
Use a semicolon before and a comma after using one of the following words when joining two sentences together.
Example – Marissa was unusually tall; however, her shoe size was unusually small.
however indeed instead moreover nevertheless otherwise therefore accordinglyconsequently furthermore meanwhile
Note that the words marked with indicate contrast, with indicatecause and effect; and the others show states of progression.
1. Mother was cooking the supper, meanwhile, father washed the car.
2. I did not however enjoy the meal. (Note that “however” is not between two independent clauses or sentences.)
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1. Mother was cooking the supper; meanwhile, father washed the car.
2. I did not, however, enjoy the meal.
#12
SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS
Notice the singular and plural forms of the following nouns:
thief – thieves chef – chefs
echo – echoes hero – heroes tornado – tornadoes orleaf – leaves tornados
Musical terms usually do not end in es.
alto – altospiano – pianossolo – solos
1. They played musical pieces on the (pianos, pianoes) as the (leafs, leaves) fell from the trees.
2. The (contraltos, contraltoes) sang beautifully in the choir.
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1. They played musical pieces on the (pianos, pianoes) as the (leafs, leaves) fell from the trees.
2. The (contraltos, contraltoes) sang beautifully in the choir.
#13
UNDERLINING AND ITALICIZING
Underline or italicize the following when referring to them in writing.
Foreign words – Danada is the Spanish word for “you are welcome.”
Numbers - The 2 on the sign looks like a 7. Words - The word garbage had an unusual beginning.
1. In the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis means “always faithful.”
2. If you use the word often, remember that the t is silent.
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1. In the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis means “always faithful.”
2. If you use the word often, remember that the t is silent.
#14
POSSESSIVE NOUNS
To form the possessive case of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an s.
Barbara’s house
a week’s salary
To form the possessive case of a plural noun already ending in an s , add only an apostrophe.
several cats’ owners
all the cities’ problems
1. Many schools desks need to be repaired during the summer months because the desks back bars are broken.
2. The childrens wing of the hospital gave the patients a party.
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1. Many schools’ desks need to be repaired during the summer
months because the desks’ back bars are broken.
2. The children’s wing of the hospital gave the patients a party.
#15
POSSESSIVE NOUNS
In compound words, names of organizations, business firms, and words showing joint possession, only the last word is possessive in
form.
sister-in-law’s office (a singular noun) sisters-in-law’s office (a plural noun)
board of director’s report aunt and uncle’s photograph
1. Both of my mother-in-law houses are for sale.(Mother–in-lawis singular here.)
2. My mother and father house is also for sale.
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1. Both of my mother-in-law’s houses are for sale.
2. My mother and father’s house is also for sale.
#16
POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS
Remember that no possessive pronouns ever contain an apostrophe. Only use an apostrophe with a pronoun if you are writing a
contraction.
Incorrect – That is her’s. This actually means “that is her is.”
Correct – That is hers.
Incorrect – Its cold outside. In this case you want to say, “It iscold outside.”
Correct – It’s cold outside.
1. That is not their’s. 2. The dog hurt it’s paw.
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1. That is not theirs. 2. The dog hurt its paw.
#17
COLON USAGE
Colons never follow verbs.
Incorrect – Three reasons why I moved to Madison are: location, schools, and convenience.
Correct – I moved to Madison for three reasons: location, schools, and convenience.
OR
Correct – Three reasons why I moved to Madison are location, schools, and convenience.
I told you the reasons why I didn’t attend the festival, and they are:it was raining, I had a cold, and I am broke.
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I told you the reasons why I didn’t attend the festival, and they areit was raining, I had a cold, and I am broke.
OR
These are the reasons why I didn’t attend the festival: it was raining, I had a cold, and I am broke.
#18
COLON USAGE
Colons never follow prepositions.
Incorrect – We will be traveling to: Italy, France, and Spain.
Correct – We will be traveling to Italy, France, and Spain.
OR
Correct – We will be traveling to the following countries: Italy, France, and Spain.
We must bring several items for: the kitchen, the bathroom, and the cookout.
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We must bring several items for the kitchen, the bathroom, and the cookout.
#19
IRREGULAR VERBS
Notice the correct use of these irregular verbs.
I freeze. I am freezing. I froze. I have frozen.I write. I am writing. I wrote. I have written.
I drink. I am drinking. I drank. I have drunk.I drown. I am drowning. I drowned. I have drowned.
I bring. I am bringing. I brought. I have brought.
1. He (brung, brought) his rock collection to school yesterday.
2. The little puppy almost (drowned, drownded) in the pond yesterday.
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1. He (brung, brought) his rock collection to school yesterday.
2. The little puppy almost (drowned, drownded) in the pond yesterday.
#20
IRREGULAR VERBS
Notice the correct use of these irregular verbs.
I spring. I am springing. I sprang. I have sprung.I throw. I am throwing. I threw. I have thrown.
I burst. I am bursting. I burst. I have burst.I swim. I am swimming. I swam. I have swum.
1. The water balloon almost (busted, burst) after we filled it with too much water. (Bust and busted are nonstandard forms of burst.)
2. “I have (swam, swum) the English Channel”! shouted the proud swimmer.
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1. The water balloon almost (busted, burst) after we filled it with too much water.
2. “I have (swam, swum) the English Channel”! shouted the proud swimmer.
#21
DOUBLE NEGATIVES
A double negative is an error created when two negative words are used together.
Incorrect - That answer doesn’t make no sense.Correct – That answer doesn’t make any sense.
Incorrect – The lunch won’t cost us nothing.Correct – The lunch won’t cost us anything.
Never use no, nothing, or none with any other negative words.
What are the two negative words in the sentence below? How would you correct the sentence?
We wanted french fries, but there weren’t none.
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We wanted french fries, but there weren’t any.
#22
MORE DOUBLE NEGATIVES
The words hardly and scarcely have negative meanings and should not be used with other negative words.
Incorrect – I can’t hardly open the door.Correct – I can hardly open the door.
Incorrect – We haven’t scarcely enough food for our own meal.
Correct – We have scarcely enough food for our own meal.
When the tornado struck, I couldn’t hardly close our basement door.
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When the tornado struck, I could hardly close our basement door.
#23
COMMAS BETWEEN ADJECTIVES
Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that come before a noun.
For lunch we had smooth, creamy broccoli soup.
Notice that there is no comma between the words creamy and broccoli.Use this test when deciding to use a comma:
Insert the word and between the adjectives. If the word sounds reasonable, put a comma in place of the and.
yes – smooth and creamyNo – creamy and broccoli
1. I have had a long hectic tiring day.
2. We mailed our packages at the worn-out old post office.
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1. I have had a long, hectic, tiring day.
2. We mailed our packages at the worn-out, old post office.
#24
BETWEEN AND AMONG
Use between when you are referring to two things at a time, and use among when you are thinking of a group.
Will you please sit between Eileen and Nora?
The mayor was highly respected among his peers.
1. There was a disagreement (between, among) all the guests last night.
2. We couldn’t decide which of the two tables to pick because therewas not much difference (between, among) the two of them.
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1. There was a disagreement (between, among) all the guests last night.
2. We couldn’t decide which of the two tables to pick because therewas not much difference (between, among) the two of them.
#25
A AND AN
Always use A before words beginning with a consonant sound.
That is a girl in the picture.I found a book under the bed.
Use AN before words beginning with a vowel sound.
An elephant was drinking water in the lake.It was an honor to be given the prize.
(Notice that the word honor begins with a consonant, but the sound of the h is a vowel sound.)
This is (a, an) one-time opportunity.
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This is (a, an) one-time opportunity.
(Notice that the word one sounds like it begins with the consonant w.)
#26
TROUBLESOME CASE PROBLEMS
You should always use I, he, she, they, and we (not me, him, her, them, or us) if these words are used as subjects of the sentence.
He and I are going to the mall.
Drop one of the words to “test” the pronouns for correctness.
He is going to the mall.I am going to the mall.
You would never say “him is going to the mall” or “me is going to the mall.”
(She, her) and (we, us) gave the party.
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(She, her) and (we, us) gave the party.
#27
CASE
You should use the words I, he, she, they, and we (not me, him, her, them, or us) if these words follow linking verbs such as is, was, were,
are, and am.
It is I.I think it was she who gave the fish their food.
1. The best two spellers in the class were Mary and (I, me).2. An actor in the play was (he, him).
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1. The best two spellers in the class were Mary and (I, me).2. An actor in the play was (he, him).
#28
MORE ON CASE
Use the pronoun forms me, him, her, them, and us after prepositions such as between, for, and to.
If you will keep this just between you and me, I’ll tell you what happened.
He is going to give that to Bob and me.
Between Carol and (I, me), we were able to clean the entire mansion.
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Between Carol and (I, me), we were able to clean the entire mansion.
#29
COMMONLY MISPELLED OR MISUSED WORDS
CAPITAL – used for every spelling except when referring to a building
CAPITOL – used to refer to a building
PRINCIPLE – means a rule of conduct; a law or a main fact PRINCIPAL – means head of school; main, most important
TO – is a preposition “He gave that to me.” TWO – is a number “We bought two apples.” TOO – is an adverb meaning also “We liked the movie too.”
1. My (principle, principal) concern was for the children in the class.2. The (capital, capitol) building is located on the corner of East Main
and Charbeau.3. Although he (to, two, too) liked the play, he wasn’t as impressed as
I was.
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1. My (principle, principal) concern was for the children in the class.2. The (capital, capitol) building is located on the corner of East Main
and Charbeau.3. Although he (to, two, too) liked the play, he wasn’t as impressed as
I was.
#30
COMMONLY MISSPELLED OR MISUSED WORDS
QUIET – is an adjective meaning silence. One should be quiet in a library.
QUITE – is an adverb meaning beyond question or doubt. I am quite sure that I left my books in my locker.
QUIT- is a verb meaning stop.
ALL READY – everyone is ready We were all ready to go to the ballgame. ALREADY - previously My sister had already gone to sleep when I came home.
ALRIGHT – is nonstandard English and should not be used in writing.
ALL RIGHT – is the only acceptable spelling.
1. The little princess was (quiet, quite) the little lady.
2. The street was (all ready, already) clear of vehicles.
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1. The little princess was (quiet, quite) the little lady.
2. The street was (all ready, already) clear of vehicles.
#31
SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT
When using the following words as subjects, you must use a singular verb: each, neither, either, no one, everyone, someone.
Each of the boys (is, are) here.Neither of the war ships (was, were) rusted.
To “test” the verb to decide if it is singular or plural, put he or they in front of it.
He is. (singular)They are. (plural)
He was.They were.
1. Unfortunately, neither of the girls (runs, run) the 440 race.
2. Someone who lives in two places (brings, bring) chaos into his life.
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1. Unfortunately, neither of the girls (runs, run) the 440 race.
2. Someone who lives in two places (brings, bring) chaos into his life.
#32
SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT
Two singular subjects joined by or or nor use singular verbs.
Carl or Gerry jumps rope for exercise.
Remember – test the verb if you’re having trouble deciding if it is singular or plural:
He (singular) jumps.They (plural) jump.
Of course, we all knew that neither the elephant nor the tiger (drinks, drink) from the polluted water.
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Of course, we all knew that neither the elephant nor the tiger (drinks, drink) from the polluted water.
#33
SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT
To decide which verb to use when a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by the words or or nor, use the subject nearer the
verb.
Neither the dog nor the cats (was, were) able to get any water.
OR
Neither the cats nor the dog (was, were) able to get any water.
Brownies or a cookie (sounds, sound) good to me.
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Brownies or a cookie (sounds, sound) good to me.
#34
MORE MISUSED OR MISSPELLED WORDS
BARE – having no cover; empty; plain The pantry was bare of groceries.
BEAR – hairy mammal; support; to bring forth; to put up with; press The center beam was able to bear the weight of the entire building.
LOOSE – not tightly fastened, shut in, or brought together The hinges on the door were loose.
LOSE – lost or mislaid; to fail to win Inevitably, I will lose my license and have to get a new one.
ADVISE – (ad-viz) to counsel If you have trouble with English, I would advise you to get help.
ADVICE – (ad-vis) suggestions about a decision or action He gave me some advice about the new car that I am buying.
1. We can’t afford to (loose, lose) this game. 2. Don’t (bare, bear) down so hard with your pen. 3. He (advised, adviced) me to buy a used car.
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1. We can’t afford to (loose, lose) this game. 2. Don’t (bare, bear) down so hard with your pen. 3. He (advised, adviced) me to buy a used car.
#35
NOUNS OF DIRECT ADDRESS
When directly speaking to or addressing someone by name, always set the name off in commas. These words are called
Nouns of Direct Address.
David , please open the door.
Did you call me, Mrs. Hanson?
Yes, Sweetheart, I did leave the window open.
1. Although I was at the party, I did not see him there Mother.
2. Of course Gretel I will give you a piece of gingerbread.
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1. Although I was at the party, I did not see him there, Mother.
2. Of course, Gretel, I will give you a piece of gingerbread.
#36
LIE and LAY
The verb lie means “to rest” or “to recline,” or “to remain in a lying position.”
I lie down. I am lying down. I lay down. I have lain down.
The verb lay means “to put or place something down.”
I lay the book down. I am laying the book down. I laid the book down. I have laid the book down.
A simple way to decide which verb to use is to ask yourself “what?” after the verb. If you get an answer, you must use lay and its forms.
(Lie, lay) that down. Lie, lay what? Paper – use layWilliam is (lying, laying) books on the floor. Is lying, laying what?
Books - use laying
A wet blanket is (lying, laying) on the floor. Is lying, laying what? No answer – use lying
1. Callie has (lay, laid) the jacket on the bed.2. His mind (lays, lies) many miles away.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Callie has (lay, laid) the jacket on the bed.3. His mind (lays, lies) many miles away.
#37
COMMAS AFTER INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS
A comma must follow an introductory phrase or clause at the beginning of a sentence.
When we went to the mall, we saw the fall clothes.
Running along the edge of the pool, Carla caught the laughing boy.
1. After we went to the park we went out to dinner.
2. Feeling quite ill Mary declined to accept our invitation to dinner.
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1. After we went to the park, we went out to dinner.
2. Feeling quite ill, Mary declined to accept our invitation to dinner.
#38
COMMAS AFTER BEGINNING PREPOSTIONAL PHRASES
If a sentence begins with a single prepostional phrase, a comma must follow the phrase if the phrase contains four or more words.
In the late afternoon, we took a long nap.
Near the creepy house, we saw a ghost.
1. After the surprising storm we brought in the wet clothes.
2. At the late movie we saw the famous actor.
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1. After the surprising storm, we brought in the wet clothes.
2. At the late movie, we saw the famous actor.
#39
COMMAS AFTER BEGINNING PREPOSTIONAL PHRASES
If a sentence begins with one prepositional phrase following another, simply put a comma after the last prepositional phrase before the
subject.
In the park down the street, we played a pick-up soccer game.
During the parade in town, we saw several funny clowns.
1. On the shelves in the hall you will find several copies of the book.
2. Beside the door against the wall there is a lovely painting.
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1. On the shelves in the hall, you will find several copies of the book.
2. Beside the door against the wall, there is a lovely painting.
#40
MISPLACED MODIFIERS
Always place modifying phrases and clauses near the words they modify.
Incorrect – Born early this morning, we found the baby calf.Correct – We found the baby calf born early this morning.
Incorrect – I heard about the animals that escaped from the zoo on the radio.
Correct – I heard on the radio about the animals that escaped from the zoo.
Running loose in the backyard, we caught the stray puppies.
Landon sold his guitar to the highest bidder with twelve strings.
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We caught the stray puppies running loose in the backyard.
Landon sold his guitar with twelve strings to the highest bidder.
#41
DANGLING MODIFIERS
Dangling modifiers occur when a modified word is completely missing.
Incorrect – Laughing loudly, the comedy routine ended.
Correct – Laughing loudly, the comedian ended his comedy routine.
Incorrect – Washing dishes, the doorbell rang.
Correct – Washing the dishes, we heard the doorbell ring.
1. When he was two, William’s father became a teacher.
2. Driving down the road, a cat ran across the street.
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1. When William was two, his father became a teacher.
2. Driving down the road, the man saw a cat run across the street.
#42
PAST and PASSED
Passed is a verb – the past tense of pass
We passed our papers to the front.
Past can be a noun, adjective, or preposition.
Sitting Bull told his son about the past.Billy read the minutes of the past meeting.
The dog walked past the cat.
1. The doctor (passed, past) the nurse the instrument.
2. In my (passed, past) classes, I really enjoyed math.
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1. The doctor (passed, past) the nurse the instrument.
2. In my (passed, past) classes, I really enjoyed math.
#43
MORE COMMONLY MISSPELLED AND MISUSED WORDS
Wander – to move about without a goal or purposeSometimes his mind will wander during the lesson.
Wonder – to feel surprise, amazement, or curiosityI wonder who is going to the party.
Compliment – an act or expression of praise or approvalI like to receive compliments about my car.
Complement – something that completes or fillsThose colors complement one another.
Angle - a cornerThe road takes a right angle.
Angel – a heavenly beingAngels are thought to have wings.
1. A salad is a great (compliment, complement) to any meal.2. It is a (wander, wonder) that I will never forget.3. She is so nice that she must be an (angle, angel).
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1. A salad is a great (compliment, complement) to any meal.2. It is a (wander, wonder) that I will never forget.3. She is so nice that she must be an (angle, angel).
#44
COMPARATIVE and SUPERLATIVE
Use the comparative degree (gentler, more careful) when comparing two things. Use the superlative degree (gentlest, most careful) when
comparing more than two things.
Of the two jobs, this is the more difficult.Of all the jobs, this is the most difficult.
1. Barry and Bobby are fussy babies, but Barry is the (fussier, fussiest).
2. Lori was the (more outgoing, most outgoing) of all her friends.
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1. Barry and Bobby are fussy babies, but Barry is the (fussier, fussiest).
2. Lori was the (more outgoing, most outgoing) of all her friends.
#45
MORE COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE
For modifiers that show less of something, use the word less or least before the modifier.
She is careful. He is less careful than she. (Comparing two things)
They are the least careful of all. (Comparing more than two things)
The team practices (less, least) frequently than the band practices.
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The team practices (less, least) frequently than the band practices.
#46
PARALLEL STRUCTURE
When joining several equal or related ideas in a sentence, each item must be expressed in a similar way.
Incorrect – A successful student is three things: motivated, alert, and showing diligence.
Correct – A successful student is three things: motivated, alert, and diligent.
1. A good student must take time to relax, to play, and studying.
2. If you want to learn to dive, please show me that you’re not frightened, that you have confidence, and readiness.
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1. A good student must take time to relax, to play, and to study.
2. If you want to learn to dive, please show me that you’re not frightened, that you have confidence, and that you’re ready.
#47
CONSISTENCY OF TENSE
When writing, do not change unnecessarily from one verb tense to another.
Incorrect: Mack raised his window and sees a coyote as it raced back into the bush.
Correct: Mack raised his window and saw a coyote as it raced back into the bush.
OR
Correct: Mack raises his window and sees a bear as it races back into the bush.
She attended the movie and buys a large bag of popcorn and returns home.
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PASTShe attended the movie and bought a large bag of popcorn and
returned home.
ORPRESENT
She attends the movie and buys a large bag of popcorn and returns home.
#48
ACTIVE and PASSIVE VOICE
Notice the differences in the following “active” and “passive” voice sentences.
Active - She grows corn on her farm. Passive - Corn is grown on her farm.
When writing, it is preferable to use the active voice. To identify passive voice verbs, notice that they usually follow one of the forms of
the verb be: is, was, were, are, am, will, will be, had been, etc.
Change these passive voice sentences into active voice.
1. The building was destroyed by the fire.
2. The roads were constructed by a company from New York.
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1. The fire destroyed the building.
2. A company from New York constructed the roads.
#49
QUOTATION MARKS
When sentences end in items that must be put into quotation marks (other than dialogue), put all periods and commas on the inside of the
quotation mark.
I believe the old saying that “a stitch in time saves nine.”
Montana’s state motto, oro y plata, is Spanish
for “gold and silver.”
Now you do it!
Don’t ever use the expression “I am a loser”
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Don’t ever use the expression “I am a loser.”
#50
QUOTATION MARKS
When sentences end in items that must be put into quotation marks (other than dialogue), put colons, semicolons, exclamation marks, and
question marks on the outside of the quotation marks.
I wonder why he made the statement that “it doesn’t matter”?Don’t ever say, “I quit”!
The following students have been named “most likely to succeed Mary Brown and Crystal Luke.
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The following students have been named “most likely to succeed”: Mary Brown and Crystal Luke.
#51
QUOTATION MARKS IN DIALOGUE
If a sentence is split by a “tag” or interrupting expression, put a comma after the “tag,” but do not capitalize the first letter of the next
word after the “tag.”
“The concert tickets are sold out,” Mary said, “and I had really hoped to attend the concert.”
“Lesley went to the stables” Rachel said “And she rode the horses.”
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“Lesley went to the stables,” Rachel said, “and she rode the horses.”
#52
MORE QUOTATION MARKS IN DIALOGUE
In sentences with dialogue, if the “tag” is between two sentences, put a period after the
“tag,” and capitalize the next sentence.
“The girl went in the house,” Mary said. “She then walked up the stairs.”
“Jasmine rode her bicycle” Emily said “unfortunately, it was raining.”
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“Jasmine rode her bicycle,” Emily said. “Unfortunately, it was raining.”
#53
COMMONLY MISSPELLED WORDS
Their – there – they’reprofessional
severelyattendancecommitteeseparate
Their go there books and their not even worried.
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There go their books and they’re not even worried.
#54
MORE COMMONLY MISUSED AND MISSPELLED WORDS
Desert - dry region or to leaveDessert – the last part of a meal
Formally – in a formal mannerFormerly - previously
Stationary – immobile; unchangingStationery – writing paper and envelopes
The Isoe (Desert, Dessert), (formally, formerly) thought to be a (stationary, stationery) plain, has shifted a few degrees eastward.
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The Isoe (Desert, Dessert), (formally, formerly) thought to be a (stationary, stationery) plain, has shifted a few degrees eastward.
#55
INEXACT PRONOUN REFERENCE
A pronoun should always clearly refer to its antecedent (the word to which the pronoun refers).
Incorrect – Marissa called Yolanda while she was at the library.
Who was at the library?
Correct – While Marissa was at the library, she called Yolanda.
1. Both Michael and Jamie were at the game, but he went home during halftime.
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1. Both Michael and Jamie were at the game, but Michael went home during halftime.
#56
USING NUMBERS IN WRITING
Always spell out a number that is at the beginning of a sentence.
One hundred twenty people attended the convention.
Within a sentence, spell out numbers that can be written in one or two words.
We drove four hundred miles in less than seven hours.
1. 23 houses were damaged by flood waters.2. We realized that we had traveled three hundred sixty miles.
1. Twenty three houses were damaged by flood waters.2. We realized that we had traveled 360 miles.
#57
PRONOUN/ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT
A pronoun should always agree in number with its antecedent.
Bridget will not sing her song.Enrico always does his homework.
Always use a singular pronoun to refer to the following words:one, each, either, no one, neither, someone, somebody, everyone,
everybody, anyone, anybody.
Each of the ladies clapped her hands.Someone left his baseball hat on the table.
1. Somebody from the girls’ softball team left their cleats in the
locker.
2. No one is doing their part.
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1. Somebody from the girls’ softball team left her cleats in the locker.
2. No one is doing his or her part.
#58
MORE PRONOUN/ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT
If two antecedents are joined by or or nor, you should use a singular pronoun.
Neither Mike nor Brandon did well on his final exam.
Janet or Selena will turn in her final report.
1. Callie or Janeen will go to the meeting so that they can turn in the project to the teacher.
2. Neither the Mr. Studivant nor Travis would tell their side of the story.
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1. Callie or Janeen will go to the meeting so that she can turn in the project to the teacher.
2. Neither the Mr. Studivant nor Travis would tell his side of the story.
#59
USING SEMICOLONS WITH ITEMS IN A SERIES
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain a comma.
We visited London, English; Sidney, Australia; and Paris, France.
The most significant dates to remember are Monday, September 19; Wednesday, October 20; and Monday, December 17.
The following data were used in the research: morsel, 13 oz., mirac 12oz., jei, 12 oz., and ves, 14 oz.
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The following data were used in the research: morsel, 13 oz.; mirac12 oz.; jei, 12 oz.; and ves, 12 oz.
#60
PRONOUNS IN INCOMPLETE CONSTRUCTION
Notice the differences in the two sentences below, both of which are correct.
I called you more often than he.I called you more often than him.
To decide which pronoun to use, you should mentally complete the construction of the sentence.
I called you more often than he [called you].I called you more often than [I called] him.
1. Garcia runs the bases better than (I, me).2. The ghost frightened him as much as (we, us).
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1. Garcia runs the bases better than I run the bases.2. The ghost frightened him as much as it frightened us.
