The Special Case of Conjunctive Adverbs Rule 5: A semicolon and a comma are used together when a conjunctive adverb separates two main clauses. I wanted to go; however, I was too busy. Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs. accordingly, furthermore, moreover, similarly, also, hence, namely, still, anyway, however, nevertheless, then, besides, incidentally, next, thereafter, certainly, indeed, nonetheless, therefore, consequently, instead, now, thus, finally, likewise, otherwise, undoubtedly, further, meanwhile. The check was for more than the balance; consequently, it bounced. These things really happened; otherwise, I wouldn't have claimed to have seen them. In these sentences, the conjunctive adverb may look like a coordinate conjunction (and, or, so, but, for), but it is not as strong as a coordinate conjunction. Therefore, the semicolon is used to link the two main clauses, and the comma is used to set off the conjunctive adverb (really an one-word adverb cluster) from its main clause. Exercise : Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses A comma splice is the use of a comma between two independent clauses. You can usually fix the error by changing the comma to a period and therefore making the two clauses into two separate sentences, by changing the comma to a semicolon, or by making one clause dependent by inserting a dependent marker word in front of it. The following sentences in italics are incorrect. In the first question, fix the comma splice 1. Incorrect: I like this class, it is very interesting. Repair the Fused Sentence Fused sentences happen when there are two independent clauses not separated by any form of punctuation. This error is also known as a run-on sentence. The error can sometimes be corrected by adding a period, semicolon, or colon to separate the two sentences.
2. Incorrect: My professor is intelligent I've learned a lot from her. Fix the Sentence Fragment Sentence fragments happen by treating a dependent clause or other incomplete thought as a complete sentence. You can usually fix this error by combining it with another sentence to make a complete thought or by removing the dependent marker. 3. Incorrect: Because I forgot the exam was today. Answer: Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses 1. I like this class. It is very interesting. I like this class; it is very interesting. I like this class, and it is very interesting. I like this class because it is very interesting. Because it is very interesting, I like this class. 2. My professor is intelligent. I've learned a lot from her. My professor is intelligent; I've learned a lot from her. My professor is intelligent, and I've learned a lot from her. My professor is intelligent; moreover, I've learned a lot from her. 3. Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn't study.
I forgot the exam was today. Exercise : Sentence Fragments Exercise 1 The sentences below appeared in papers written by students. Act as their editor, marking a C if the sentences in the group are all complete and an F if any of the sentences in the group is a fragment. Could you tell these writers why the fragments are incomplete sentences? 1. Then I attended Morris Junior High. A junior high that was a bad experience. 2. The scene was filled with beauty. Such as the sun sending its brilliant rays to the earth and the leaves of various shades of red, yellow, and brown moving slowly in the wind. 3. He talked for fifty minutes without taking his eyes off his notes. Like other teachers in that department, he did not encourage students' questions. 4. Within each group, a wide range of features to choose from. It was difficult to distinguish between them. 5. A few of the less serious fellows would go into a bar for a steak dinner and a few glasses of beer. After this meal, they were ready for anything. 6. It can be really embarrassing to be so emotional. Especially when you are on your first date, you feel that you should be in control. 7. The magazine has a reputation for a sophisticated, prestigious, and elite group of readers. Although that is a value judgment and in circumstances not a true premise. 8. In the seventh grade every young boy goes out for football. To prove to himself and his parents that he is a man. 9. She opened the door and let us into her home. Not realizing at the time that we would never enter that door in her home again. 10. As Christmas grows near, I find myself looking back into my childhood days at fun-filled times of snowball fights. To think about this makes me happy. 11. Making up his mind quickly. Jim ordered two dozen red roses for his wife. Hoping she would accept his apology. 12. They were all having a good time. Until one of Joe's oldest and best friends had a little too much to drink. 13. Although it only attained a speed of about twelve miles an hour. My old rowboat with its three-horsepower motor seemed like a high-speed job to me. 14. With my brother standing by my side, I reached for the pot handle. Tilting the pot way too much caused the boiling water to spill. 15. The small, one-story houses are all the same size and style. With no difference except the color.
16. Being a friend of mine like he was when we first joined the soccer team. Together we learned a lot. Answer: Sentence Fragments Exercise 1 Incorrect parts are in italics with justifications in bold. F 1. Then I attended Morris Junior High. A junior high that was a bad experience. (dependent clause) F 2. The scene was filled with beauty. Such as the sun sending its brilliant rays to the earth and the leaves of various shades of red, yellow, and brown moving slowly in the wind. (dependent clause) C 3. He talked for fifty minutes without taking his eyes off his notes. Like other teachers in that department, he did not encourage students' questions. F 4. Within each group, a wide range of features to choose from. It was difficult to distinguish between them. (no main verb) C 5. A few of the less serious fellows would go into a bar for a steak dinner and a few glasses of beer. After this meal, they were ready for anything. C 6. It can be really embarrassing to be so emotional. Especially when you are on your first date, you feel like you should be in control. F 7. The magazine has a reputation for a sophisticated, prestigious, and elite group of readers. Although that is a value judgment and in circumstances not a true premise. (dependent clause) F 8. In the seventh grade every young boy goes out for football. To prove to himself and his parents that he is a man. (dependent clause) F 9. She opened the door and let us into her home. Not realizing at the time that we would never enter that door in her home again. (dependent clause) C 10. As Christmas grows near, I find myself looking back into my childhood days at fun-filled times of snowball fights. To think about this makes me happy. F 11. Making up his mind quickly. Jim ordered two dozen red roses for his wife. Hoping she would accept his apology. (dependent clause)
F 12. They were all having a good time. Until one of Joe's oldest and best friends had a little too much to drink. (dependent clause) F 13. Although it only attained a speed of about twelve miles an hour. My old rowboat with its threehorsepower motor seemed like a high-speed job to me. (dependent clause) C 14. With my brother standing by my side, I reached for the pot handle. Tilting the pot way too much caused the boiling water to spill. F 15. The small, one-story houses are all the same size and style. With no difference except the color. (dependent clause) F 16. Being a friend of mine like he was when we first joined the soccer team. Together we learned a lot. (dependent clause) Exercise : Sentence Fragments Exercise 2 These paragraphs need proofreading for possible fragments. Use the space below each paragraph for revising. 1. How can a person find patriotism in a local night club? Well, it did not take me too long. About four weeks ago in a little night club in Louisville, Kentucky, a couple of my friends, Rick and Lon, the duo who were providing the entertainment that night for the club. 2. For the past twenty years, the Survey Research Center at the University of Michigan has been measuring the level of Americans' trust and confidence in their politicians and quasi-political trust and confidence in their political institutions and their leaders. "Political" being all levels of government, and "quasi-political" churches, labor unions, large professional/business associations, educational institutions, and the like. The result is that a very sharp decline has taken place every year since 1964. 3. For 200 years Americans believed in better jobs, better homes, a better life for one's children. This confidence no longer exists. Polls now indicate that fewer Americans feel they are better off today than they were five years ago. A public-opinion analysis group has found that large numbers of Americans, at some times and in some places, see themselves as lower on the ladder. Adding worse living conditions and anticipation of further decline over the next five years.
4. Well, in looking at the picture at the left you see an old lady. She has a very funny look on her face. As if she's lonely and just wants to be left alone. She also looks as if she has seen a lot and experienced lots of things. 5. A president is an appointed leader. Someone who is a decision maker in the executive branch of our government. This doesn't necessarily mean that the person the people elect is capable. Just hopefully assumes. Assumes through his past record as a politician, over the years' buildup of experience and handling situations. Answer: Sentence Fragments Exercise 2 Here are some suggested answers. Incorrect segments are in italics with justifications and corrected sentences in bold. You may have had other solutions. 1. How can a person find patriotism in a local night club? Well, it did not take me too long. About four weeks ago in a little night club in Louisville, Kentucky, a couple of my friends, Rick and Lon, the duo who were providing the entertainment that night for the club. (dependent clause) How can a person find patriotism in a local night club? Well, it did not take me too long. About four weeks ago in a little night club in Louisville, Kentucky, a couple of my friends, Rick and Lon, the duo who were providing the entertainment that night for the club, opened with the Star Spangled Banner and then America, the Beautiful. 2. For the past twenty years, the Survey Research Center at the University of Michigan has been measuring the level of Americans' trust and confidence in their politicians and quasi-political trust and confidence in their political institutions and their leaders. "Political" being all levels of government, and "quasi-political" churches, labor unions, large professional/business associations, educational institutions, and the like. The result is that a very sharp decline has taken place every year since 1964. (no main verb) For the past twenty years, the Survey Research Center at the University of Michigan has been measuring the level of Americans' trust and confidence in their politicians and quasi-political trust and confidence in their political institutions and their leaders. "Political" refers to all levels of government, and "quasi-political" includes churches, labor unions, large professional/business associations, educational institutions, and the like. The result is that a very sharp decline has taken place every year since 1964.
3. For 200 years Americans believed in better jobs, better homes, a better life for one's children. This confidence no longer exists. Polls now indicate that fewer Americans feel they are better off today than they were five years ago. A public-opinion analysis group has found that large numbers of Americans, at some times and in some places, see themselves as lower on the ladder. Adding worse living conditions and anticipation of further decline over the next five years. (dependent clause) For 200 years Americans believed in better jobs, better homes, a better life for one's children. This confidence no longer exists. Polls now indicate that fewer Americans feel they are better off today than they were five years ago. A public-opinion analysis group has found that large numbers of Americans, at some times and in some places, see themselves as lower on the ladder with worse living conditions and anticipation of further decline over the next five years. 4. Well, in looking at the picture at the left you see an old lady. She has a very funny look on her face. As if she's lonely and just wants to be left alone. She also looks as if she has seen a lot and experienced lots of things. (dependent clause) Well, in looking at the picture at the left you see an old lady. She has a very funny look on her face, as if she's lonely and just wants to be left alone. She also looks as if she has seen a lot and experienced lots of things. 5. A president is an appointed leader. Someone who is a decision maker in the executive branch of our government. (no main verb) This doesn't necessarily mean that the person the people elect is capable. Just hopefully assumes. (no subject) Assumes through his past record as a politician, over the years' buildup of experience and handling situations. (no subject) A president is an appointed leader, someone who is a decision maker in the executive branch of our government. This doesn't necessarily mean that the person the people elect is capable. This just hopefully assumes so based on his past record as a politician, over the years' buildup of experience and handling situations. Exercise : Sentence Fragments Exercise 3 The following paragraph has no capital letters or periods to mark the beginnings and ends of sentences. Add capitals, periods, commas, and/or other punctuation that may be needed to make the word groups into complete sentences. Your goal is to be sure that there are no fragments.... my brother was always my best friend when I was a child especially as we two were almost alone in the world we lived with our old grandmother in a little house, almost a shack, in the country whenever I think of him now I see a solemn, responsible boy a boy too old for his years who looked out for me no matter what once there was a bully John Anson who looked enormous to me though he was probably an average twelve-year-old John had it in for me because he liked Littice Grant who liked me he decided to beat me up right before her eyes I was lucky my brother came by he didn't interfere any he just stood there somehow though his presence gave me confidence I licked the stuffing out of John Anson if my brother hadn't been there I don't think I could have done it.
Answer: Sentence Fragments Exercise 3 Correct responses are in bold. My brother was always my best friend when I was a child, especially as we two were almost alone in the world. We lived with our old grandmother in a little house, almost a shack, in the country. Whenever I think of him now, I see a solemn, responsible boy, a boy too old for his years, who looked out for me no matter what. Once there was a bully, John Anson, who looked enormous to me, though he was probably an average twelve-year-old. John had it in for me because he liked Littice Grant, who liked me. He decided to beat me up right before her eyes. I was lucky my brother came by. He didn't interfere any. He just stood there. Somehow, though, his presence gave me confidence. I licked the stuffing out of John Anson. If my brother hadn't been there, I don't think I could have done it. Exercise : Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Fused Sentences Join the two independent clauses with one of the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet), and use a comma before the connecting word., and. 1. He enjoys walking through the country. He often goes backpacking on his vacations. When you do not have a connecting word (or when you use a connecting word other than and, but, for, or nor, so, or yet between the two independent clauses) use a semicolon (;). ;. 2. He often watched TV when there were only reruns. She preferred to read instead. or ; however,. So, run-ons and fused sentences are terms describing two independent clauses which are joined together with no connecting word or punctuation to separate the clauses. 3. They weren't dangerous criminals. They were detectives in disguise. 4. I didn't know which job I wanted. I was too confused to decide. Answer: Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Fused Sentences The original sentences are in italics. Corrected sentences are in bold.
1. He enjoys walking through the country. He often goes backpacking on his vacations. He enjoys walking through the country, and he often goes backpacking on his vacations. 2. He often watched TV when there were only reruns. She preferred to read instead. He often watched TV when there were only reruns; she preferred to read instead. He often watched TV when there were only reruns; however, she preferred to read instead. 3. They weren't dangerous criminals they were detectives in disguise. They weren't dangerous criminals; they were detectives in disguise. 4. I didn't know which job I wanted I was too confused to decide. I didn't know which job I wanted, so I was too confused to decide. Exercise : Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject. 1. Annie and her brothers (is, are) at school. 2. Either my mother or my father (is, are) coming to the meeting. 3. The dog or the cats (is, are) outside. 4. Either my shoes or your coat (is, are) always on the floor. 5. George and Tamara (doesn't, don't) want to see that movie. 6. Benito (doesn't, don't) know the answer. 7. One of my sisters (is, are) going on a trip to France. 8. The man with all the birds (live, lives) on my street. 9. The movie, including all the previews, (take, takes) about two hours to watch. 10. The players, as well as the captain, (want, wants) to win. 11. Either answer (is, are) acceptable. 12. Every one of those books (is, are) fiction. 13. Nobody (know, knows) the trouble I've seen.
14. (Is, Are) the news on at five or six? 15. Mathematics (is, are) John's favorite subject, while Civics (is, are) Andrea's favorite subject. 16. Eight dollars (is, are) the price of a movie these days. 17. (Is, Are) the tweezers in this drawer? 18. Your pants (is, are) at the cleaner's. 19. There (was, were) fifteen candies in that bag. Now there (is, are) only one left! 20. The committee (debates, debate) these questions carefully. 21. The committee (leads, lead) very different lives in private. 22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, (greets, greet) the press cordially. 23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, (is, are) in this case. Answer: Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise 1. Annie and her brothers are at school. 2. Either my mother or my father is coming to the meeting. 3. The dog or the cats are outside. 4. Either my shoes or your coat is always on the floor. 5. George and Tamara don't want to see that movie. 6. Benito doesn't know the answer. 7. One of my sisters is going on a trip to France. 8. The man with all the birds lives on my street. 9. The movie, including all the previews, takes about two hours to watch. 10. The players, as well as the captain, want to win. 11. Either answer is acceptable. 12. Every one of those books is fiction. 13. Nobody knows the trouble I've seen. 14. Is the news on at five or six? 15. Mathematics is John's favorite subject, while Civics is Andrea's favorite subject.
16. Eight dollars is the price of a movie these days. 17. Are the tweezers in this drawer? 18. Your pants are at the cleaner's. 19. There were fifteen candies in that bag. Now there is only one left! 20. The committee debates these questions carefully. 21. The committee lead very different lives in private. 22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, greets the press cordially. 23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, are in this case.