Advance Freshmen English

Grammar Boot Camp

Semicolon, Colon, Comma

Phrases and ClausesA phrase is a collection of words that may

have nouns or verbs, but it does not have a subject doing a verb.leaving behind the dogsmashing into a fencebefore the first test

A clause is a collection of words that has a subject that is actively doing a verb. I despise individuals of lower characterWhen the saints go marching inBecause she smiled at him

Review:Independent Clause – A clause that can

stand by itself as a sentence. I despise individuals of low character.

Dependent clauses have a subject doing a verb, but they have a subordinate conjunction placed in front of the clause. They need to be attached to more words. Because she smiled at him

Practice:Phrase, Independent Clause, or Dependent Clause

The Beatles are the greatest band of all time. Independent clause

Between The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Phrase (no subject)

Because of their songwriters. Phrase (subject isn’t doing a verb)

Because John Lennon is a brilliant song writer. Dependent clause

When I figure it out. Independent clause or dependent clause (when can be a

subordinate conjunction)

Comma Rule #1: After every item in a series except the last.

Wilco, The Rolling Stones , Arcade Fire, and Radiohead are also some of my favorite bands.

This summer I saw Paul Mccartney in Milwaukee, Pearl Jam at Wrigley, and Glen Hansard, Robert Plant, and The Shins at smaller venues.

The professor explained what a recession is, why it happens, and how the economy can recover from it.

Rule #2: Use commas after the adverbs first, second, third, and so on, when these adverbs introduce a series of parallel items. This is how we got publicity: first, we buy Mentos; second,

we buy Pepsi; third, we put them together.

CommaRule #3: When two or more adjectives come

before a noun, use a comma after each adjective except the last one. Larry has a fast, sporty car. The XX have a small, minimal sound to their

music.Rule #4: Use a comma to separate in

introductory word, phrase, or clause from the rest of a sentence. No, I do not like reality television.When playing basketball, wear suitable shoes. Because the world is round, it blows my mind.

CommaRule #5: Use commas to set off words or

groups of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. -Use commas before and after parenthetical expressions (by-the-way phrases). The Pearl Jam show, we believed, had been

canceled.Betsy, however, was sure of the answer.They usually cost, if you get a good deal, about

$230.

Interrupters: moreover, I suppose, I think, nevertheless, on the other hand, to tell the truth…

Practice:After being stuck under the rock for 127 hours the hiker

cut off his own arm.After being stuck under the rock for 127 hours, the hiker cut

off his own arm. (Introductory clause)With my leftover student loan money, I visited exciting

countries like France Switzerland and Italy.While on my cruise, I visited exciting countries like Greece,

Turkey, and Italy. (Introductory clause and series)Toads however have rougher skin.

Toads, however, have rougher skin. (Parenthetical expression)The tired hungry searchers refused to give up.

The tired, hungry searchers refused to give up. (Adjectives before a noun)

SemicolonRule #1: Join the parts of a compound

sentence.This replaces the comma + FANBOYS Ex: I tried the water fountain; it was not

working \

SemicolonRule #2: When there are commas within items in

a series, use semicolons to separate the items. Carson has lived in Selma, Alabama; Syracuse, New

York; and Bismarck, North Dakota.Rule #3: Use a semicolon before a word that

joins the clauses of a compound sentence. Joining words: therefore, however, hence, so , then, moreover, besides, nevertheless, yet, consequentlySara has never taken lessons; however, she

plays very well.

Practice:1. The loudspeakers were broken no one could hear the

music.The loudspeakers were broken; no one could hear the

music.

2.Popular ocean resorts include Atlantic City, New Jersey Ocean City, Maryland Virginia Beach, Virginia and Nags Head, North Carolina.Popular ocean resorts include Atlantic City, New Jersey;

Ocean City, Maryland; Virginia Beach, Virginia and Nags Head, North Carolina.

3. Bud is an excellent player however, he didn’t make the team. Bud is an excellent player; however, he didn’t make the

team.

ColonCannot follow a verbRule #1: Use a colon before some lists

Before these phrases: these are, there are, the following, as follows, such as , these things.

My favorite sports are the following: baseball, basketball. Soccer, and freeze tag.

Rule #2: Use a colon before a long, formal quotationGovernor Smith stated to the press: “I think that

children should study grammar for a least six hours a day...”

ColonRule #3: When you want to say “here comes

an example” or “here’s what I’m talking about.” There’s only one sport for me: alligator

wrestling

PracticeWhen you are getting ready for camp, be sure you pack these

things toothbrush, sleeping bag, and pillow.When you are getting ready for camp, be sure you pack these

things: toothbrush, sleeping bag, and pillow.There’s one thing I love more than anything else in the world

pizza.There’s one thing I love more than anything else in the world:

pizza.Mr. K stated the following “I love grammar boot camp so much

that I sleep with my grammar packet under my pillow! I loved being able to apply the tools I learned in class to my perfect paragraph so that it really is perfect!” Mr. K stated the following: “I love grammar boot camp so much that

I sleep with my grammar packet under my pillow! I loved being able to apply the tools I learned in class to my perfect paragraph so that it really is perfect!”