Correlative conjunctions offer a choice (and/or): “either A … or B,” “neither C … nor D,” “both E … and F,” “whether G … or H,” “not [only] J … but [also] K”. Despite common usage, “nor” follows “neither.” “Either” pairs with “or.” When using correlative pairs in a single clause, no comma comes before […]
Dependent
Non-sentences/Fragments
In formal writing, anything between an initial capital letter and an ending punctuation (period, question mark, or exclamation mark) should be a complete sentence. It should express an understandable thought with a subject (doer) and a verb (action). Some verbs require objects, what the action was done upon (direct object: what was thrown, what was […]
Comma splices, Run-on sentences
Sentence “no-no’s” The difference between a comma splice and a fused sentence (or run-on sentence) is the comma included in a comma splice. A fused or run-on sentence has no punctuation between two independent clauses. It simply runs on from the capital letter to the period. A comma splice occurs when two or more independent […]
Conditional Tense
Conditional tense The conditional tense is used to indicate probability/possibility (in an “if” clause), a hypothetical situation, or situations that are contrary to reality. Probability/possibility/”if” Most conditional sentences contain both a dependent clause and an independent clause. The dependent clause generally begins with “if” (or “when”), but not all “if” clauses require a special […]
Types of sentences
Interesting sentences Diversity matters in writing as well as in life and in nature. Variation in the type and length of sentences create more interest for the reader. Simple sentence Simple sentences are just that: simple. The most important characteristic is that they convey a complete thought. Simple sentences have only one independent clause. They […]
Parts of sentences
Sentence A sentence is words expressing a complete thought. It has a subject (in a command, understood to be “you”) and a verb. Both the subject and the verb may be expanded (complete subject, predicate). Examples: Go! (command, subject = “you” understood, verb = “go”) They go. (subject = “they,” verb = “go”) All the […]
Parts of speech
Article = one of these three words: “a,” “an,” “the” (used with nouns) Definite article = “the,” indicates a specific item Example: The idea was to give the bone to the boy with the dog. (one specific idea, one specific bone, one specific boy, one specific dog) Indefinite article = either a generalization or not referring to a […]
