Packet #4

CommunicationEveryone uses sentences for communication

purposes.The sentence is the basic unit of

communication.College applicationsEmailsResearch papers

Grammar’s practical value is in the formation of a sentence that is used for communication purposes.

The Make-up of a Sentence

Introduction IA sentence standing by itself, makes sense.Someone, or something, does something or is

something.The boy smiles.The girl swam.We are leaving.That movie was terrible.They endured.

Introduction IISentences, in either a phase or clause form,

are composed of subjects and verbs.In the following examples, identify the subjects

and verbs. (Who is doing the action (verb)?)The phone is ringing.Could you please answer it?Don’t tell anyone where I am!Mom and Dad will not ground me; however, I

will grind you up into little pieces in about two more minutes.

Having a little sister tries my patience.

SubjectThe subject is always some form of a noun.

PersonPlaceThingAbstraction

ExamplesThe desk seems old.Running can be good for you.The future remains a mystery.To laugh is to survive.

Subject IIThe subject may consist of two or more

separate “actors.”Examples

Kevin and I fought constantly.Eating and sleeping were his favorite activities.Men, women and children cried at this movie.

The VerbA verb is a word that shows action.It indicates what the subject does or is or

feels.

Verb IIA single verb may be composed of more than

one word.Jill was running.

Negatives are NOT part of the verb.I will not buy that paper.

When a subject performs two or more separate actions, one has a compound verb.Joyce hacked and slashed her way out of the

forest.

Checking Verb ChoiceIf you are not sure about your choice for the

verb, try putting I, you, she, it or they before it and see if a sentence is formed.

If anyone of those words fits, you have picked a verb!

ExampleBeing in pain isolates you.

Types of Sentences

Declarative SentenceYou can make a statement.

I like my class.

Interrogative SentenceYou can ask a question.

Is Abigail your sister?

Imperative SentenceYou can give a command.

Sign the petition.

Exclamatory SentenceYou can express surprise or strong emotion.

What a day I had!

Word OrderIn statements, commands and exclamations,

the subject usually comes before the verb.The crowd was on its feet.Stop right there.How thrilled I am to see you!

In questions, the verb—or part of the verb—usually comes first.Is Jason at home?May I see him?

ClauseA clause is a group of words that contains

both a subject and a verb.There are two types of clauses: -

IndependentDependent

Independent clauseContains both a subject & verb and can stand

on its ownThe ocean roared.Allison woke up.

Dependent clauseContains both a subject & verb but cannot

stand on its own.Dependent clauses normally will have one of

the following words to begin the sentence: -After; Although; As; Because; Before; How; In

order that; Since; When; Where; Which; Who; Whom; Whose

Dependent Clause IIExample: -

Independent Clause Rosie called her mother

Dependent Clause If Rosie called her mother. Even though Rosie called her mother. Since Rosie called her mother. Because Rosie called her mother.

Phase IA phase is a group of related words that does

not have a subject and a verb.It might have one, or the other, but it will not

have both.Examples: -

On the tableTall, dark and handsomeThe funniest girlFaster than a speeding bulletTo sing out loudWho was so kind

Prepositional PhasesThe most common phase is the prepositional

phase.A preposition is used to show the relationship

between two things.Example: -

The dish is on the table.She crawled under the picket fence.He sits across from me.The tree grew between two houses.She waited for her trip to Mexico.

List of Prepositions About Above Acores Among Around At Before Behind Below Beneath Beside Between By During Except

For From In Inside Into Of Off On Onto Over Through To Toward Under With

Prepositional PhasesThe subject of a sentence is NEVER in a

prepositional phase.Example: -

From the back of the freezing room in the old school, Cher, under three sweaters, sneezed into the tissue in her right hand.

*Cross out the prepositional phases*

Prepositional Phases II

Common Sentence Problems

FragmentsA sentence fragment is a piece of a sentence,

either a phase or a dependent clause.

Dependent ClauseRashid offered to buy the books. Since he was

going to the bookstore.Before you sit down. Would you get me a cup

of coffee?

Use –ing and to PhasesJerry refused to give up the resource.

Insisting it was his.Jasmeka left a note on the kitchen counter.

To remind her husband to feed the cat.

Supplying Additional DetailsBeginning sentences

incorrectly with words such as:AlsoIncludingIn additionSuch asFor example

EspeciallyExcept

Example: -Everybody criticized

my screenplay. Except the actor in the leading role.

Sam liked to try new foods. For example, sushi and pickled plums.

Run-onA run-on sentence is

one in which two independent clauses are run together without adequate signals (punctuation) to notify the reader.

Example: -The movie is good

the book is better.The girls played

baseball, the boys went swimming.