Transitions Practice

8/10/2019 Transitions Practice

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Centro Boliviano Americano AIT6B Juan Carlos Toro Bloch

1

COMBINING SENTENCES The simple sentence, the most basic sentence in the English language, can be exceptionally useful and powerful. Some of the greatest statements in literature have been presented in the simple sentence. Its strength is in its singleness of purpose. However, a piece of writing made up of a long series of simple sentences is likely to be monotonous. Moreover, the form may suggest a separateness of ideas that does not serve your purpose well. If your ideas are closely related, some equal in importance and some not, you can combine sentences to show the relationships between your ideas.

COORDINATION: THE COMPOUND SENTENCE If you intend to communicate two equally important and closely related ideas, you certainly will want to place them close together, probably in a compound sentence.

Suppose we take two simple sentences that we want to combine: I am very tired. I worked very hard today.

We have already looked at coordinating conjunctions as a way of joining independent clauses to create compound sentences. Depending on which coordinating conjunction you use, you can show different kinds of relationships. (The following list is arranged according to the FANBOYS acronym. Only the first

conjunction joins the original two sentences.)

For shows a reason: I am very tired, for I worked very hard today.

And shows equal ideas: I am very tired, and I want to rest for a few minutes.

Nor indicates a negative choice or alternative: I am not tired, nor am I hungry right now.

But shows

contrast:

I am very tired, but I have no time to rest now.

Or indicates a choice or an alternative: I will take a nap, or I will go out jogging.

Yet indicates contrast: I am tired, yet I am unable to relax.

So points to a result: I am tired, so I will take a nap.

Punctuation with Coordinating Conjunctions When you combine two sentences by using a coordinating conjunction, drop the first period, change the capital letter that begins the second sentence to a small letter, and insert a comma before the coordinating conjunction.


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Thus if you have two sentences with closely related ideas and one is clearly more important than the other, consider combining them in a complex sentence.

Compare these two paragraphs:

1. This version contains six simple sentences, implying that the ideas are of equal value:

(1) I was very upset. (2) The Fourth of July fireworks were especially loud. (3) My dog ran away. (4) The animal control officer made his morning rounds. (5) He found my dog in another part of town. (6) I was relieved.

2. This version consists of two simple sentences and two complex sentences, showing that some ideas are more important than others:

(1) I was very upset. (2) Because the Fourth of July fireworks were especially loud, my dog ran away. (3) When the animal control officer made his morning rounds, he found my dog in another part of town. (4) I was relieved.

You will probably consider Version 2 superior to Version 1. In Version 1, sentences 2 and 3 are closely related, but 3 is more important. Sentences 4 and 5 are closely related, but 5 is more important. In Version 2, the revision made each pair into a complex sentence.

Although you could combine sentences 1 and 2, the result would be illogical because the wrong idea would be conveyed:

Illogical Combination: I was very upset because the Fourth of July fireworks were especially loud.

The person was very upset because the dog ran away, not because the fireworks were especially loud.

Subordinating Conjunctions

As you learned in the previous section, a complex sentence is composed of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. In combining two independent clauses to write a complex sentence, your first step is to decide on a word that will best show the relationship between the clauses. Words that show the relationship of a dependent clause to an independent one are called subordinating conjunctions. The italicized words in the following sentences are subordinating conjunctions. Consider the meaning as well as the placement of each one.

Because the storm hit, the game was canceled. After the storm passed, the dogs began to bark. When she read her poem, they were moved to fits of hysterics. He did not volunteer to work on the holiday , although the pay was good. No one has visited her since she moved into town. They decided to wait until the cows came home. They refused to work unless they were allowed to wear chefs hats. Before the session ended, all the hep cats blew some sweet sounds.

Other subordinating conjunctions include the following: as provided that whereas as if rather than wherever


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even if so that whether even though than while if whenever in order that where

Punctuation with Subordinating Conjunctions

If the dependent clause comes before the main clause, set it off with a comma.

Before Mike wrote his final draft, he looked over his outline.

If the dependent clause comes after or within the main clause, set it off only if the clause is not necessary to the meaning of the main clause or if the dependent clause begins with the word(s) although, though, or even though.

We went home after the concert had ended.

He continued painting, although he had repainted the cabinet twice.

COORDINATION AND SUBORDINATION: THE COMPOUND COMPLEX SENTENCE

At times you may want to show the relationship of three or more ideas within one sentence. If that relationship involves two or more main ideas and one or more supporting ideas, the combination can be stated in a compound complex sentence (two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses).

Before he learned how to operate a computer, dependent clause

he had

trouble

with

his

typewritten

assignments,

independent clause

but now he produces clean, attractive pages. independent clause

In our previous discussion of the complex sentence, we presented this group of six sentences:

I was very upset. The Fourth of July fireworks were especially loud. My dog ran away. The animal control officer made his morning rounds. He found my dog in another part of town. I was relieved.

We then converted the group of six sentences to four:

I was very upset. Because the Fourth of July fireworks were especially loud, my dog ran away. When the animal control officer made his morning rounds, he found my dog in another part of town. I was relieved.

But what if we wanted to show an even closer relationship of ideas? One solution would be to combine the two complex sentences in this way (the italicized sentence is compound complex):


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I was very upset. Because the Fourth of July fireworks were especially loud, my dog ran away; but when the animal control officer made his morning rounds, he found my dog in another part of town . I was relieved.

Punctuation of Complicated Compound or Compound Complex Sentences

If a compound or compound complex sentence has one or more commas in the first clause, you may want to use a semicolon before the coordinating conjunction between the two clauses. Its purpose is to show the reader very clearly the division between the two independent clauses. The preceding example illustrates this use of the semicolon.

OTHER WAYS TO COMBINE IDEAS

1. Use an appositive , a noun or a noun phrase that immediately follows a noun or pronoun and renames it. Garth Brooks claims Yukon, Oklahoma, as his hometown. He is a famous singer.

Garth Brooks, a famous singer, claims Yukon, Oklahoma, as his hometown.

2. Use a prepositional phrase , a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun object. John Elway led the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowl victories. Both triumphs occurred in the 1990s.

John Elway led the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.

3. Drop the subject in the sentence that follows and combine the sentences. Emily Dickinsons poetry went mostly unpublished during her lifetime. It was finally discovered and celebrated more than a half century later.

Emily Dickinsons poetry went mostly unpublished during her lifetime but was finally discovered and

celebrated more

than

a half

century

later.

4. Use a participial phrase , a group of words that includes a participle, which is a verbal that usually ends in ing or ed.

Michael rowed smoothly. He reached the shore.

Rowing smoothly, Michael reached the shore.

*** Remember to always ask yourself what the exact relationship is between the sentences or parts of sentences. Are you leading to the result of something? Are you making a deduction? Are you introducing some contradictory evidence or ideas? Your choice of word or phrase obviously depends on this. And always check in a good dictionary if you're not quite sure about a word's use or its position in a sentence. Remember that punctuation will affect what you use.

Part A Insert the best alternative 1. Polls show that Tony Blair is the most popular Prime Minister this century. ________________ , there

are even members of his own party who are uneasy with his approach.

In particular However For instance


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2. There are some slight variations in temperature, but ________________ 26 to 27C should be expected.

consequently otherwise as a rule

3. The two main Channel Islands, ________________ Jersey and Guernsey, are much closer to France than to England.

for example namely in particular

4. It was announced that nurses' working hours would be increased by 25%. ______________ , even fewer trainee nurses are expected to join the profession.

As a result So that Likewise

5. Sales of CDs have experienced a small but steady fall over the past 12 months. _____________ , vinyl records have seen an increase in their share of the market, up to 1.7%.

Above all Correspondingly In contrast

6. The Vice Chancellor explained that in light of the current financial climate and because of unexpected bad debts, it would be necessary to peg salary levels at their current level for all grades of staff. ______________ , no one was getting a pay rise.

Nevertheless In other words Similarly

7. It is clear, therefore, that the situation in Brazil will improve only slowly. ______________ the economic problems being experienced in Japan, the outlook is slightly more optimistic.

Furthermore In comparison With reference to

8. In order to try to reduce car use in the inner cities, the government has announced new restrictions on company parking spaces and ______________ , a new tax on individual car use.

as well as in addition in the same way

9. Essays must be handed in by the deadline, ______________ they will not be marked.

obviously otherwise as a result

10. ______________ it has been shown that fractures can occur at even relatively low pressures, the use of the material should not be completely discounted.

Nevertheless Because Even though

Part B Choose the best option A vegetarian can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products, such as eggs or cheese; 11) _____, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds. 12) _____ this diet consists of non meat food sources, a vegetarian typically consumes less fat and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat. 13) _____, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy. 14) _____, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future depends on.

11. A vegetarian can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products, such as eggs or cheese; 1) _____, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds.

a) consequently


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b) because c) furthermore d) instead e) for example

12. _____ this diet consists of non meat food sources, a vegetarian typically consumes less fat and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat.

a) Consequently b) Because c) Furthermore d) Instead e) For example

13. _____, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy. a) Consequently b) Because c) Furthermore d) Instead

e) for example

14. _____, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future depends on. a) Consequently b) Because c) Furthermore d) Instead e) For example

15) _____ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter series, some Christian parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries. Some churches have even gone as far as burning

the books,

citing

biblical

injunctions

against

witchcraft,

16)

_____

those

in

Exodus

and

Leviticus.

17)

_____,

some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity, 18) _____, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.

15. _____ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter series, some Christian parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries.

a) although b) In addition c) Such as d) However e) Indeed

16. Some churches have even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions against witchcraft, _____ those in Exodus and Leviticus.

a) although b) in addition c) such as d) however e) indeed


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17. _____, some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity, a) Although b) In addition c) Such as d) However e) Indeed

18. _____, that they embody basic Christian beliefs. a) Although b) In addition c) Such as d) However e) Indeed

Massive energy consumption is having a negative impact on the planet. 19) _____, in the summer of 2006, Western Europe experienced some of the hottest weather on record. 20)______, this temperature increase is not an isolated occurrence. 21)_____, almost every credible scientist today believes that the earth is experiencing climate change due to the emissions of greenhouse gases from cars and coal burning power

plants. Ninety per cent of the energy used in the US comes from fossil fuels, oil, coal, and natural gas (Borowitz 43), 22)_____ problems arise from other sources, too (e.g., nuclear power plants leave radioactive byproducts, making storage difficult). 23)______, dams are not much better, as nearby populations must be relocated, and the surrounding habitat is destroyed.

19. _____, in the summer of 2006, Western Europe experienced some of the hottest weather on record. a) In fact b) For example c) Unfortunately d) Moreover e) But

20. ______, this temperature increase is not an isolated occurrence. a) In fact b) For example c) Unfortunately d) Moreover e) But

21. _____, almost every credible scientist today believes that the earth is experiencing climate change due to the emissions of greenhouse gases from cars and coal burning power plants.

a) In fact b) For example c) Unfortunately d) Moreover e) But

22. Ninety per cent of the energy used in the US comes from fossil fuels, oil, coal, and natural gas (Borowitz 43), _____ problems arise from other sources, too (e.g., nuclear power plants leave radioactive by products, making storage difficult).

a) in fact b) for example


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c) unfortunately d) moreover e) but

23. ______, dams are not much better, as nearby populations must be relocated, and the surrounding habitat is destroyed.

a) In fact b) For example c) Unfortunately d) Moreover e) But

24) _____, studies investigating the pros and cons of single sex versus coeducation schools have come to public attention, 25)_____ the results show some dramatic differences between the genders. 26)_____, single sex schools appear to help girls with their work habits; 27)_____, boys achieve a higher success rate in a coeducational system. 28)_____, girls seem to work best when communication and co operation are stressed, 29)_____ boys may be more comfortable with individual and competitive styles of learning.

24. _____, studies investigating the pros and cons of single sex versus coeducation schools have come to public attention,

a) Whereas b) For example c) By contrast d) Recently e) And f) In other words

25. _____ the results show some dramatic differences between the genders. a) Whereas

b) For

example

c) By contrast d) Recently e) And f) In other words

26. _____, single sex schools appear to help girls with their work habits; a) Whereas b) For example c) By contrast d) Recently e) And f) In other words

27. _____, boys achieve a higher success rate in a coeducational system. a) Whereas b) For example c) By contrast d) Recently e) And f) In other words


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28. _____, girls seem to work best when communication and co operation are stressed, a) Whereas b) For example c) By contrast d) Recently e) And f) In other words

29. _____ boys may be more comfortable with individual and competitive styles of learning. a) Whereas b) For example c) By contrast d) Recently e) And f) In other words

Part C

Combine each group of sentences into a single sentence. Use coordination, sub ordination, or one of the other ways of combining ideas.

30. Cobras are among the most feared of all snakes. They are not the deadliest of all snakes.

31. Cobras do not coil before they strike. They cannot strike for a long distance.

32. Cobras do not have a hood. They flatten their neck by moving their ribs when they are nervous or frightened.

33. Cobras use their poison in two ways. One way is by injecting venom with their fangs. Another way is by spitting venom at their victims.

34. Human beings will not die from the venom that has been spit. It can cause blindness if it is not washed from the eyes.

35. A person can die from a cobra bite. Death may come in only a few hours.

36. Snake charmers have long worked with cobras. They use only a snake, a basket, and a flute.

37. The snakes cannot hear the music. They respond to the rhythmic movements of the charmers.

38. The snake charmers are hardly ever in danger of being bitten. They defang the cobras or sew their mouths shut.


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39. Most cobras flee from people. They attack if they are cornered or if they are guarding their eggs.

40. Henry David Thoreau grew tired of living in society. He wanted to face his essential self.

41. He built a cabin in the woods. He lived there for more than a year.

42. Gilligan had a plan. He would float in a shipping crate to Hawaii.

43. It would be a surprise. He would send help to his friends on the island.

44. A storm came up. Gilligans craft sank in three feet of water in the lagoon. The skipper cried bitter tears over the loss of his little buddy.

45. The professor made a submarine out of coconut shells, Mrs. Howells corset, Gingers jewelry, and fish bones. Gilligan was rescued.

46. Captain Ahab set sail for the South Seas. Captain Ahab had an obsession.

47. He wanted to kill the great white whale. The name of the great white whale was Moby Dick.

48.

The captain

and

the

whale

had

their

encounter.

Moby Dick was easily the victor.

49. Hamlet was sad. His father was dead. His mother had married his uncle.

50. Hamlet believed that his uncle had killed his father. Hamlet plotted to kill his uncle.

51. Romeo and Juliet were young. They fell in love.

52. Their families were feuding. Romeo and Juliet decided to run away.

53. They tried to trick their families. Their plans turned sour. They both died.


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54. The contestant spun the wheel one more time. Vanna White clapped her hands with glee.

55. Pat Sajak made a wry joke about greed. Only one letter remained.

56. The wheel stopped. The contestant lost his turn.

57. The audience groaned. Vanna White slumped, and Pat Sajak comforted her sad heart.

58. Several tabloids have reported that Elvis has not left us. He has been sighted in several parts of this country and even on other planets.

59. The tabloids report that the King is just tired and wants privacy. They give credit to unnamed reliable sources.

Six Main Uses of the Comma Commas are used mainly as follows:

To separate items in a series

To set off introductory material

On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence

Between two complete thoughts connected by and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet

To set off a direct quotation from the rest of a sentence

To set off certain everyday material You may find it helpful to remember that the comma often marks a slight pause, or break, in a sentence. These pauses or breaks occur at the points where the six main comma rules apply. Sentence examples for each of the comma rules are given on the following pages; read these sentences aloud and listen for the minor pauses or breaks that are signaled by commas.

However, you should keep in mind that commas are far more often overused than underused. As a general rule, you should not use a comma unless a given comma rule applies or unless a comma is otherwise needed to help a sentence read clearly. A good rule of thumb is that when in doubt about whether to use a comma, it is often best to leave it out.

After reviewing each of the comma rules that follow, you will practice adding commas that are needed and omitting commas that are not needed.

*Commas between Items in a Series Use a comma to separate items in a series.

Magazines, paperback novels, and textbooks crowded the shelves.

Hard luck Sam needs a loan, a good paying job, and a close friend.

Pat sat in the doctors office, checked her watch, and flipped nervously through a magazine.


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Mira bit into the ripe, juicy apple.

More and more people entered the crowded, noisy stadium.

Tip A comma is used between two descriptive words in a series only if the word and inserted between the words sounds natural. You could say:

Mira bit into the ripe and juicy apple.

More and more people entered the crowded and noisy stadium.

But notice in the following sentences that the descriptive words do not sound natural when and is inserted between them. In such cases, no comma is used.

The model wore a classy black dress. (A classy and black dress doesnt sound right, so no comma is used.)

Dr. Van Helsing noticed two tiny puncture marks on the patients neck. (Two and tiny puncture marks doesnt sound right, so no comma is used.)

Activity 1

Place commas between items in each series.

1. Mae Lin tossed her sunglasses a bottle of water and a recent issue of Every Day with Rachel Ray into her tote bag.

2. Steve uses the computer to check email play games surf the Internet download music and send instant messages.

3. In the Williams backyard are an igloo shaped doghouse several plastic toys trampled flowers and a cracked ceramic gnome.

Activity 2

For each item, cross out the one comma that is not needed. Add the one comma that is needed between items in a series.

1. I discovered gum wrappers, pennies and a sock hidden, under the seats when I vacuumed my car.

2. Squirrels Canada geese, two white swans, and clouds of mosquitoes, populate Farwell Park.

3. Lewis dribbled twice, spun to his left and lofted his patented hook shot over the outstretched arms, of the Panthers center.

*Commas after Introductory Material Use a comma to set off introductory material.

Fearlessly, Jessie picked up the slimy slug.

Just to annoy Steve, she let it crawl along her arm.

Although I have a black belt in karate, I decided to go easy on the demented bully who had kicked

sand in my face.

Mumbling under her breath, the woman picked over the tomatoes.


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Tip If the introductory material is brief, the comma is sometimes omitted. In the activities here, you should include the comma.

Activity 3 Place commas after introductory material.

1. Before I left for the airport I turned off my water heater and unplugged my appliances.

2. If you left your backpack at the library you should call Campus Security.

3. Wanting to help others Brian volunteers at the Meals on Wheels program.

Activity 4 For each item, cross out the one comma that is not needed. Add the one comma that is needed after introductory material.

1. Using metallic cords from her Christmas presents young Ali made several bracelets for herself. After that,

she took a long ribbon, and tied a bow around her dogs head.

2. As the bride smiled and strolled past me down the aisle I saw a bead of sweat roll, from her forehead down her cheek. Remembering my own wedding, I knew she wasnt sweating from the heat.

3. When my children were young, I wrote interesting anecdotes about them in a notebook. For example I wrote a note to remind me, that my son once wanted to be a yo yo maker.

*Commas around Words Interrupting the Flow of Thought Use a comma before and after words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.

The car, cleaned and repaired, is ready to be sold.

Martha, our new neighbor, used to work as a bartender at Rexys Tavern. Taking long walks, especially after dark, helps me sort out my thoughts.

Usually you can hear words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. However, when you are not sure if certain words are interrupters, remove them from the sentence. If it still makes sense without the words, you know that the words are interrupters and that the information they give is nonessential. Such nonessential information is set off with commas. In the following sentence

Susie Hall, who is my best friend, won a new car in the Readers Digest sweepstakes.

The words who is my best friend are extra information, not needed to identify the subject of the sentence, Susie Hall . Put commas around such nonessential information. On the other hand, in the sentence

The woman

who

is

my

best

friend

won

a new

car

in

the

Readers

Digest

sweepstakes.

The words who is my best friend supply essential information that we need to identify the woman. If the words were removed from the sentence, we would no longer know which woman won the sweepstakes. Commas are not used around such essential information.

Here is another example: The Shining, a novel by Stephen King, is the scariest book Ive ever read.


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Here the words a novel by Stephen King are extra information, not needed to identify the subject of the sentence, The Shining . Commas go around such nonessential information. On the other hand, in the sentence

Stephen Kings novel The Shining is the scariest book Ive ever read.

The words The Shining are needed to identify the novel because he has written more than one. Commas are not used around such essential information.

Most of the time you will be able to hear words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence and will not have to think about whether the words are essential or nonessential.

Activity 5 Add commas to set off interrupting words.

1. The supply control clerk assisted by no one conducted a quarterly inventory on Tuesday.

2. Jo Ann and Craig who were engaged for a year married last July at a winery in Sonoma.

3. The lawn furniture rusted beyond repair needs to be thrown out.

Activity 6 For each item, cross out the one comma that is not needed. Add the comma that is needed to completely set off the interrupting words.

1. All trees, even the most gigantic are only 1 percent living tissue; the rest, is deadwood.

2. The city council in a rare fit, of wisdom, established a series of bicycle paths around town.

3. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third presidents, of the United States died on the

same day

in

1826.

4. My aunt, a talkative, woman married a patient man who is a wonderful listener.

*Commas between Complete Thoughts Connected by Joining Words

Use a comma between two complete thoughts connected by and, but, for, or, nor, so, or yet (joining words).

My parents threatened to throw me out of the house, so I had to stop playing the drums.

The polyester bedsheets had a gorgeous design, but they didnt feel as comfortable as plain cotton sheets.

The teenage girls walked along the hot summer streets, and the teenage boys drove by in their shiny cars.

TIP The comma is optional when the complete thoughts are short:

Hunter relaxed but Bob kept working.

The soda was flat so I poured it away.

We left school early for the furnace had broken down.


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Be careful not to use a comma in sentences having one subject and a double verb. The comma is used only in sentences made up of two complete thoughts (two subjects and two verbs). In the sentence

Mary lay awake that stormy night and listened to the thunder crashing. there is only one subject (Mary) and a double verb (lay and listened). No comma is needed. Likewise, the sentence

The quarterback kept the ball and plunged across the goal line for a touchdown. has only one subject ( quarterback) and a double verb ( kept and plunged); therefore, no comma is needed.

Activity 7 Place a comma before a joining word that connects two complete thoughts (two subjects and two verbs). Remember, do not place a comma within sentences that have only one subject and a double verb. Mark sentences that are correct with a C.

1. The apartment Kate looked at was clean and spacious but the rent was too expensive for her budget.

2. Our power went out during the thunderstorm so we decided to eat dinner by candlelight.

3. Eddie is building a kayak in his garage and plans to take it down the Columbia River next year.

4. I desperately need more storage space for I cant seem to throw any thing away.

5. The helicopter hovered overhead and lowered a rescue line to the downed pilot.

6. Travis was going to quit his job at the supermarket but he changed his mind after getting a raise.

7. One of the men got ready to leave work at four but put his coat away upon seeing his boss.

8. The family expected Valerie to go to college but she went to work after eloping with her boyfriend.

9. Bobby pleaded with his parents to buy him a computer for his school work but he spends most of his time

playing games on it.

10. The doctor examined me for less than ten minutes and then presented me with a bill for two hundred

dollars.

*Commas with Direct Quotations Use a comma or commas to set off a direct quotation from the rest of a sentence.

Please take a number, said the deli clerk.

Chris told Sophia, Ive just signed up for a course on Web page design.

Those who sling mud, a famous politician once said, usually lose ground.

Reading this book, complained Stan, is about as interesting as watching paint dry.

Activity 8 In each sentence, add the one or more commas needed to set off the quoted material. 1. Think before you speak said my dad.

2. A child miseducated said John F. Kennedy is a child lost.

3. Before you leave the building muttered the night patrol officer be sure to sign out.


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Activity 9 In each item, cross out the one comma that is not needed to set off a quotation. Add the comma(s) needed to set off a quotation from the rest of the sentence. 1. If youre looking for a career change, read the poster, in the subway station consider the US Armed

Forces.

2. Your arms look fine said the swimming instructor, but you keep forgetting, to kick.

3. Did you really think the judge asked, the defendant, you could kill both your parents and then ask for

mercy because youre an orphan?

*Commas with Everyday Material Use commas to set off certain everyday material, as shown in the following sections. Persons Spoken to

I think, Bella, that you should go to bed. Please turn down the stereo, Mark. Please, sir, can you spare a dollar?

Dates Our house was burglarized on June 28, 2009, and two weeks later on July 11, 2009.

Addresses Robyns sister lives at 342 Red Oak Drive, Los Angeles, California 90057. She is moving to Manchester, Vermont, after her divorce.

TIP No comma is used before a zip code.

Openings and Closings of Letters

Dear Marilyn, Sincerely, Dear John, Truly yours,

In formal letters, a colon is used after the opening: Dear Sir: Dear Madam:

Numbers Government officials estimate that Americans spend about 785,000,000 hours a year filling out federal forms.

Activity 10

Place commas

where

needed.

1. Excuse me madam but your scarf is in my soup.

2. Before age eighteen, the average child spends 6000 hours in school and 15000 hours watching television. 3. The famous ocean liner Titanic sank in the Atlantic Ocean on April 15 1912.

4. Teresa What do you think of this psychology lecture? Will you meet me for lunch after class? Ill treat. Text me your answer right away.

Love Jeff


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5. The zoo in Washington D.C. purchases 50000 pounds of meat; 6500 loaves of bread; 114000 live crickets; and other foods for its animals each year.

*Unnecessary Use of Commas Remember that if no clear rule applies for using a comma, it is usually better not to use one. As stated previously, When in doubt, leave it out. Following are some typical examples of unnecessary commas.

Incorrect Sharon told me, that my socks were different colors. (A comma is not used before that unless the flow of thought is interrupted.)

The union negotiations, dragged on for three days. (Do not use a comma between a simple subject and verb.)

I waxed all the furniture, and cleaned the windows. (Use a comma before and only with more than two items in a series or when and joins two complete thoughts.)

Liz carried, the baby into the house. (Do not use a comma between a verb and its object.)

I had a clear view, of the entire robbery. (Do not use a comma before a prepositional phrase.)

Activity 11 Cross out commas that do not belong. Some commas are correct. Do not add any commas.

1. We grew a pumpkin last year, that weighed over one hundred pounds.

2. Anyone with a failing grade, must meet with the instructor during office hours.

3. Last weekend a grizzly bear attacked a hiker, who got too close to its cubs.

4. After watching my form, on the high diving board, Mr. Riley, my instructor, asked me if I had insurance.

5. Rosa flew first to Los Angeles, and then she went to visit her parents, in Mexico City.

6. The tall muscular man wearing the dark sunglasses, is a professional wrestler.

7. Onions, radishes, and potatoes, seem to grow better in cooler climates.

8. Whenever Vincent is in Las Vegas, you can find him at the blackjack table, or the roulette wheel.

9. While I watched in disbelief, my car rolled down the hill, and through the front window of a Chinese

restaurant.

10. The question, sir, is not, whether you committed the crime, but, when you committed the crime.

Activity 12 Read carefully the short paragraph below and cross out the five misplaced commas. Then insert the ten additional commas needed. Refer back to the explanations when necessary.


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Dear Olivia,

On Tuesday, May 52009my husband, and I were unable to sleep because of the loud music coming from

your apartment. When I first heard the music I didnt say anything to you because it was still early.

But the music, along with loud, laughter and talking, continued until around four oclock in the morning. At midnight, my husband went into the hallway to see what was happening and he ran into one of your guests.

The man who seemed very drunk stared at him, and said Go back to bed, old man. The next morning, we

found beer cans pizza boxes, and cigarette butts, piled outside our door. This is unacceptable. We have written this letter to you as a warning. The next time something like this happens we will call the police, and

the building manager. We dont want to cause trouble with you but we will not tolerate another incident like what happened that night.

Sincerely,

Rose Connelly Activity 13 Do three things: (1) Cross out the one comma that is not needed; (2) add the one comma that is needed; and (3) in the space provided, write the letter of the rule that applies for each comma you added. a. Between items in a series d. Between complete thoughts

b. After introductory material e. With direct quotations c. Around interrupters

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series sold over

eight million copies, on the first day of its release.

2. Pretending to be a babysitter the shoplifter slipped several CDs, into her baby stroller.

3. Emmett, who recently adopted a baby girl, rushed to the super market, to buy infant formula, baby wipes

and disposable diapers.

4. Before I leave on my business trip Emily told her two children, I want both of you to promise me, that

you will not torment the dog or Dad.

5. Brandie, a breast cancer survivor religiously wears her pink, awareness bracelet to remember her

victory over the disease.

6. Recognizing the deadly effects of cigarette smoking the Walt Disney Company has banned depictions of

smoking, in its films.

7. Kurt rehearsed the exact moment for months but he still stumbled over his own words, when he asked

Keisha to marry him.

8. Everyone at the barbeque party enjoyed the mustard coated oildrizzled Alaskan, Copper River sockeye

salmon fillets roasted on cedar planks.

9. Mahatma Gandhi, was wise when he said We must be the change we wish to see.

10. The substitute teacher tried to enforce the class rules yet students misbehaved by sending text

messages, and playing games on their cell phones.


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Activity 14 Insert commas where needed. One sentence does not need commas. Mark it with a C. 1. Some people believe that television can be addictive but I think theyre wrong.

2. While there are people who turn on their TVs upon waking up in the morning I dont do that.

3. I turn on my TV only upon sitting down for breakfast and then I watch the Today Show.

4. I dont need to watch game shows soap operas and situation comedies to get through the day. 5. Instead I watch all these programs simply because I enjoy them.

6. I also keep the TV turned on all evening because thanks to cable and On Demand there is always

something decent to watch.

7. If I did not have good viewing choices I would flick off the TV without hesitation.

8. Lots of people switch channels rapidly to preview what is on.

9. I on the other hand turn immediately to the channel I know I want.

10. In other words I am not addicted; I am a selective viewer who just happens to select a lot of shows.

Activity 15 Insert commas where needed. 1. My three favorite foods are pasta pizza and ice cream.

2. I need to call Sally Tom Brad and Kelly about the party.

3. The brown fluffy large dog ran across the street.

4. I have to run to the store get my hair cut and pick up the kids from daycare.

5. Jessica sings with power passion and strength.

6. The colors of the sunset include red orange yellow and pink.

7. I like to run but not when its hot. 8. We can go to the grocery store or we can go to the mall.

9. I do not want a dog nor do I want a cat.

10. Karen wants to go to the farm yet her sister does not like farms.

11. We will go to the grocery store for we are out of food.

12. The car needs repairs but we cannot afford the costs.

13. When I get to the mall I will go to the food court.

14. After ten minutes I asked the nurse about the medicine.

15. Because the car broke down I had to call for help.

16. When the flight lands I will hug my family.

17. Until the gas prices go down I will work two jobs.

18. Tomorrow Wednesday we will take a trip to the zoo.

19. My brother a 22 year old male graduated from college today.

20. I like video games but my sister on the other hand does not.


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21. You however are very sunburned.

22. John for example likes to work.

23. Gas is too expensive said the experienced driver.

24. Ouch screamed the boy after he was stung by a bee.

25. The sister told the brother of course I will pick you up.

26. Ready, Set, Go yelled the mom before the treasure hunt.

27. The crowd cheered Happy Birthday as the party started.

28. Yes said the girl to her mother I am on my way home.

29. Yes we can find a place for you to stay over the weekend.

30. Im sorry I did not understand what you said.

31. Excuse me you left your bag on the counter.

32. Wait I think we need to make a left turn up ahead.

33. Unfortunately my favorite flavor was sold out. 34. Well you can call again tomorrow to see if Mr. Roberts is in.

35. Paris France is my favorite place to visit.

36. The capital of the United States is Washington D.C.

37. Taylor Lives in Nashville TN.

38. Today is Tuesday June 10 th 1992.

39. The Summer Olympics will begin on Friday August 8 th 2008.

40. His Birthday is on February 23 rd 1972.

No copyright infringement intended. I dont own any of the marials.

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