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Nouns | Articles | Pronouns | Verbs
Tense & Agreement | Adjectives
& Adverbs | Prepositions |
Transitions | Fragments | Run-ons & Comma
Splices | Punctuation |
NOUNS
Nouns are words that name a person, place, thing, or idea.
Nouns are classified into two basic categories: proper
nouns and common nouns.
Proper Nouns name specific persons, places, or things
and are capitalized.
Person: Mary Shelley, President Kennedy, Michael Jordan,
Kurt Cobain, Clara Barton.
Place: Grand Canyon, New York City, England, Mohave Desert.
Thing: Wednesday, Thanksgiving, Lincoln Memorial.
Common Nouns refer to general persons, places, things,
or ideas and are not capitalized. Common nouns are further
categorized into countable and noncountable nouns. Countable
nouns can have a number placed before them and can be plural;
noncountable nouns cannot be counted and do not have a
plural form.
Countable Nouns Noncountable
Nouns
cat – cats – three cats furniture
dollar – dollars – 100 dollars math
piece – pieces – ten pieces information
chair – chairs – five chairs jewelry
Things to Remember about Countable and Noncountable Nouns
• Uncountable nouns require a singular verb.
The furniture is very old.
• Depending on the context used, some nouns may be countable
or noncountable.
Doris likes chocolate. In this sentence,
chocolate refers to all chocolate.
I gave Doris a chocolate. Here,
one piece of chocolate from a larger assortment of chocolate
is being described.
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ARTICLES
Two different types of articles are used in the English
language: the definite article, the, and the indefinite
articles, a and an. Articles signal that a noun will
be appearing either directly after the article occurs
or shortly thereafter. The article a should precede
singular nouns that begin with a consonant (a dog, a
bike, a kite)
while the article an should precede singular nouns
beginning with a vowel sound (an article, an egg, an
hour). The
article the should be used when referencing a specific
noun, either singular or plural. The following are
examples of when, where, and how to use articles.
Using a or an with Count Nouns (persons, places, and things
that can be counted)
Incorrect
We asked the baker for loaf of bread and dozen donuts.
Correct
1. We asked the baker for a loaf of bread and a dozen donuts.
Incorrect
They made argument to the judge that was very persuasive.
Correct
2. They made an argument to the judge that was very persuasive.
Incorrect
The instructor gave an information that helped the students
with their midterm.
Correct
3. The instructor gave information that helped the students
with their midterm.
Using the with Nouns Specifically Referenced or with Specific
Identities
Incorrect
George likes a suit he purchased for his first date with
Sue next Saturday.
Correct
4. George likes the suit he purchased for his first date
with Sue next Saturday.
Incorrect
Maggie told me that a carton of milk in the refrigerator
was sour.
Correct
5. Maggie told me that the carton of milk in the refrigerator
was sour.
Incorrect
A furniture in the dining room belonged to my great grandmother
on my father’s side.
Correct
6. The furniture in the dining room belonged to my great
grandmother on my father’s side.
Summary of Correction Methods
*Use a or an with nouns (person, place, or thing) that
can be counted. (Ex. 1, 2)
*Do not use a or an with nouns that cannot be counted or
with abstract ides. (Ex. 3)
*Use the when referring to a specific noun whose identity
is known. (Ex. 4, 5, 6)
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PRONOUNS
Pronouns are words used in place of a specific noun or
noun phrase. The specific noun being replaced is often
referred to as the antecedent. When substituting a
noun with a pronoun, it is important to make certain that
the pronoun “agrees” with the noun. For
example, a singular pronoun should be used to replace
a singular
noun, just as a plural pronoun should be used to replace
a plural noun or a noun phrase with more than one noun.
The definitions and examples below detail the various
types of pronouns and how to properly use them.
Personal Pronouns substitute for nouns that are specific,
usually people or things. Personal pronouns may be the
subject of the sentence, may be the object of a preposition
or verb, or may show possession.
Subjective – I, you, he, she, it, we, they, who.
Objective – me, you, him, her, it, us, them, who.
Possessive – my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers,
it, its, our, ours, their, theirs, whose.
Using Personal Pronouns Correctly
Compound Subjects and Compound Objects
Incorrect
Her and Karen asked my sister and I to the movies.
Correct
She and Karen asked my sister and me to the movies.
She asked me, not her asked I.
Incorrect
Jack and me traveled to London and Paris last summer.
Correct
Jack and I traveled to London and Paris last summer.
I traveled, not me traveled.
After a Preposition
Incorrect
What I just told you is between you and I.
Correct
What I just told you is between you and me.
After prepositions, use me instead of I.
After a Linking Verb
Incorrect
It was him who delivered the pizza.
Correct
It was he who delivered the pizza.
He delivered, not him delivered.
After a Verb and before an Infinitive
Incorrect
The boss called he and I to his office to discuss the company’s
new marketing campaign.
Correct
The boss called him and me to his office to discuss the
company’s new marketing campaign.
The boss called him, not the boss called he; the boss called
me, not the boss called I.
Appositive Phrases and Phrases with “us” or “we” before
a Noun
Incorrect
The academy honored only two students with awards, Amy
and I.
Correct
The academy honored only two students with awards, Amy
and me.
The academy honored me, not the academy honored I.
Incorrect
Only two students, Amy and me, were honored with awards.
Correct
Only two students, Amy and I, were honored with awards.
I was honored, not me was honored.
Incorrect
The president wrote we supporters a letter expressing his
thanks for our votes.
Correct
The president wrote us supporters a letter expressing his
thanks for our votes.
The president wrote us a letter, not the president wrote
we a letter.
Incorrect
Us supporters wrote a letter to the president congratulating
her on her victory.
Correct
We supporters wrote a letter to the president congratulating
her on her victory.
We wrote a letter, not us wrote.
Comparisons
Incorrect
My sister is a better cook than me.
Correct
My sister is a better cook than I.
I am a better cook, not me am a better cook.
Possessive Pronouns show possession or ownership.
The singular possessive pronouns are my, mine, your, yours,
her, hers, his, and its.
The plural possessive pronouns are our, ours, your, yours,
their, and theirs.
Using Possessive Pronouns Correctly
The possessive pronouns hers, theirs, yours, and ours can
stand alone; however, the pronoun mine does not follow
this pattern
Example
The jacket hanging on the left is hers. OR Ours is better
than theirs.
When using a possessive pronoun as a subject, determine
verb agreement based on whether the antecedent is singular
or plural.
Examples
My chocolate cake is scrumptious; hers is not nearly as
tasty.
The pronoun hers refers to the singular antecedent chocolate
cake; therefore, use a singular verb with hers.
My grades are very poor this semester; his are much better.
The pronoun his refers to the plural antecedent grades; therefore, use a plural
verb with his.
Demonstrative Pronouns are often used as adjectives because
they signal that a noun is coming (this morning, that hat).
They can also be used in the place of nouns (This is the
morning I will start my diet; That is the hat I want to
buy).
The demonstrative pronouns are this, that, these, and those.
Reciprocal Pronouns (each other and one another) refer
to the individual parts of a plural antecedent.
We helped each other with the cooking and cleaning.
Indefinite Pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things.
Indefinite pronouns are usually singular, such as, everybody
or nobody, but some are always plural, like, both or many.
List of Indefinite Pronouns
all anyone either few none several something
another anything everybody many no one some
any both everyone neither nothing somebody
anybody each everything nobody one someone
Using Indefinite Pronouns Correctly
Pronoun-Verb Agreement
When using a singular indefinite pronoun, use a singular verb.
Incorrect
Each of the students are taking the exit exams this April.
Correct
Each of the students is taking the exit exams this April.
The singular pronoun each is the subject, not students; therefore, a singular
verb is needed.
Incorrect
Neither Jack nor Jill are capable of climbing the hill.
Correct
Neither Jack nor Jill is capable of climbing the hill.
When using neither/nor or either/or, use a singular verb.
Avoid Gender Bias
When referencing indefinite pronouns with personal pronouns,
use the correct singular or plural form and avoid gender
bias (preferring one sex over another).
To achieve this, recasting the sentence may be necessary.
Examples
Incorrect
Each of the children brought their favorite food dish to class for the holiday
potluck.
Correct
Each of the children brought his favorite food dish to class for the holiday
potluck.
The singular indefinite pronoun Each requires the singular possessive pronoun
his; their is incorrect because it is plural. Note: Although this sentence
is grammatically correct, using his creates a problem with gender bias by
assuming that all of the children are male. Review the following examples
for suggestions
on how to correct this issue:
Each of the children brought his or her favorite dish to class for the holiday
potluck.
Using his or her acknowledges that the students may either be male or female.
The children brought their favorite dishes to class for the holiday potluck.
Recasting the sentence in this way allows for the use of the plural pronoun
their because the subject, the children, is also plural.
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ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS
Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns.
Examples
The dim light cast a shadow on the chair. (Dim is an adjective
modifying the noun light.)
The light was dim. (The adjective dim, following a linking
verb, still modifies light.)
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
Many
times, they are adjectives or nouns ending in -ly.
Examples
The lamp dimly cast a shadow on the chair. (Dimly is an
adverb modifying the verb cast.)
The dimly lit lamp reflected on the wall. (Dimly is an
adverb modifying the adjective lit.)
The very dimly lit lamp created a shadow. (Very is an adverb
modifying the adverb dimly.)
PREPOSITIONS
Prepositions are among the most common words in our language.
Some of the more common prepositions are before, to,
at, of, by, among, in, throughout, as, from, and within.
Prepositions are used with a noun (object) to create a
prepositional phrase. A prepositional phrase adds a detail
or makes clear the identity of the noun (Understanding
English Grammar, Kolln & Funk).
Examples
We went to the store. (To the store is the prepositional
phrase, identifying where we went.)
Eating crackers with one's fingers is acceptable at restaurants.
(At restaurants is a prepositional phrase, identifying
where one can eat crackers with their fingers.)
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TRANSITIONS
Transitions are words, phrases, and sentences that connect
your ideas, so that your writing moves smoothly from one
point to the next. They indicate the relationships between
ideas.
Use transitions when moving from one main support point
to another.
Use them when you want to improve the flow of your writing.
When you edit, get in the habit of checking to see if
you need to insert one or more in order to firm up connections
in your writing.
Be careful! Transition words or terms give strong, but
diverse signals to readers. They say, “turn here,” “stop
for a qualification,” “here’s something
similar,” or “here’s something different.” You
cannot grab a transitional expression at random and insert
it to suit your purposes. You have to check the sense of
the sentence you are putting it into and be sure it is
the transitional signal you want.
Here are typical transitions organized by theme:
Transitions about Space
Above Behind Farther Opposite To the side
Across Below Inside Over Under
At the bottom Beside Near To the left Where
At the top Beyond Next to To the right
Transitions about Time
After Eventually Meanwhile Soon
As Finally Next Then
At last First Now When
Before Last Second While
During Later Since
Transitions Suggesting Importance
Above all In fact Most Important
Best In particular Most
Especially More important Worst
Example
For example For instance For one thing One reason
Transitions to Connect Sentences
Additionally And As well as In addition
Also Another Furthermore Moreover
Transitions to Contradict or Contrast Sentences
Although However Instead On the other hand Yet
But In contrast Nevertheless Still
Transitions to Show Result
As a result Consequently So Therefore
Because Finally Since Thus
Transitions Suggesting Similarity
In the same way Likewise Similarly
Transitions Showing Contrast
Although Instead In contrast No only
However In spite of Nevertheless On the otherhand
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VERB TENSE
Verb tenses are the forms of verbs that indicate when and
for how long things occurred or existed. These time
distinctions are indicated by verb endings such as –ed and –en
and by the “be” verb such as is. Regular
verbs form tenses consistently according to a general
pattern.
In order to understand how verb tense works, the table
below will illustrate the various forms of verb tense.
The Verb “Copy”
Simple Tenses
Present copy, copies
Past copied
Future will (shall) copy
Perfect Tenses
Present Perfect have (has) copied
Past Perfect had copied
Future Perfect will have (shall have)
copied
Verb Agreement
When using the present tense, make sure that the verb agrees
in person (first, second, and third) and number (singular
or plural) with the subject.
• Singular verbs end in –s while plural verbs do
not.
• Note that in English, –s may be added to nouns
and to verbs but for different reasons. An –s added
to a noun denotes a plural noun (brother – singular;
brothers – plural) while an –s added to a verb
indicates a singular verb (eats – singular; eat – plural).
Examples
Singular Plural
Jack runs. Jack and Jill run.
The student studies diligently. The students study diligently.
The monkey eats bananas. The monkeys eat bananas.
Her sister plays piano. Her sisters play piano.
Words Separating the Subject and Verb
When a word or several words come between the subject and
verb, locate the verb and then ask what? or who? about
it.
Examples
The professor lecturing on global warming and other environmental
issues teaches at California State University, Fullerton.
Professor (singular) is the subject and teaches (singular)
is the verb.
His collection of hotrods always impresses his guests.
Collection (singular), not hotrods, is the subject and
impresses (singular) is the verb.
Linking Verb Agreement
Linking verbs such as be, appear, and look are followed
by a subject complement that should not be confused with
the subject itself. The verb should agree with the subject
that precedes the complement and not with the complement
that follows the verb.
Examples
The scariest exhibit at the zoo is the lions.
Exhibit (singular), not lions, is the subject and therefore
needs the singular to be verb is.
The lions are the scariest exhibit at the zoo.
Here, the subject is lions (plural) and therefore needs
the plural to be verb are.
Verb before a Subject
In a question, the auxiliary verb (has, have, do, does,
etc.) agrees with the subject. When using there or here
at the beginning of a sentence, the verb agrees with
the subject.
Examples
Do Alex and Chris study French together?
The subject, Alex and Chris, is plural and needs the plural
auxiliary do.
Has the girl phoned her parents about the accident?
The subject, the girl, is singular and needs the singular
auxiliary has.
There are monkeys swinging from the trees.
The subject, monkeys, is plural and needs the plural auxiliary
are.
Here is the true heir to the inheritance.
The subject, the true heir, is singular and needs the singular
auxiliary is.
Infinitives and –ing Verbs
A singular verb is required when using an infinitive verb
form or an –ing verb (gerund) as the subject.
Examples
To play chess requires skill and careful concentration.
To play is the subject and requires is the verb.
Running five miles each day keeps my father in great physical
shape.
Running is the subject and keeps is the verb.
Singular nouns that end in –s and Verb Agreement
A singular verb is required when using a singular noun
that ends in –s.
Examples
The news is generally very depressing.
News is the singular subject and is is the singular verb.
The Simpsons comes on every evening at 11:00 p.m.
The Simpsons is the singular subject and comes is the singular
verb.
Uncountable Nouns and Verb Agreement
Uncountable nouns always require a singular verb.
Examples
The furniture at my grandmother’s house looks old
and fragile.
The subject is the uncountable noun furniture, and looks
is the singular verb.
The information about the celebrity is false.
The subject is the uncountable noun information, and is
is the singular verb.
Collective Nouns and Verb Agreement
Collective nouns referring to a group as a whole usually
require a singular verb. Collective nouns indicating
that each member of the group acts individually require
a plural verb.
Examples
The class is going on a fieldtrip to the art museum downtown.
The subject is the collective noun class, which requires
the singular verb is.
My family meets at Montgomery Park for a barbeque every
Fourth of July holiday.
The subject is the collective noun family, which requires
the singular verb meets.
The jury are from all over Southern California.
The subject is the collective noun jury, which, in this
case, requires the plural verb are because each individual
member of the jury is from a different part of California.
Subjects with And, Or, or Nor
When a subject is joined by and, it is considered plural
and needs a plural verb; however, if the parts of the
subject refer to a single thing (fish and chips), a singular
verb should be used. If a subject is joined by or or
nor, the verb should agree with the part of the subject
nearer to it.
Examples
Sarah and Rachel read two novels every week for their American
Literature seminar.
The compound subject, Sarah and Rachel, is plural and requires
the plural verb read.
Macaroni and cheese is my little sister’s favorite
food.
Although the subject, macaroni and cheese, is joined by
and, it is referred to as one single thing and therefore
needs the singular verb is.
Amy or Rachel opens the writing center in the morning.
The compound subject is Amy or Rachel; because Rachel is
the closest part to the verb and is singular, the singular
verb opens is necessary.
The coach or the players were the last to leave the locker
room Friday after the game.
The compound subject is the coach or the players; because
the players is the closest part to the verb and is plural,
the plural verb were is necessary.
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FRAGMENTS
Fragments are incomplete sentences that often result from
a missing subject, a missing verb, misuse of dependent
clauses, or misplaced punctuation.
Identifying a Fragment
An independent clause (also known as a complete sentence
or a sentence that can stand alone) always contains at
least one subject and one verb. Ask yourself whether
the phrase in question has a subject and verb; if not,
you have most likely identified a fragment. If a phrase
contains both a subject and verb but begins with a subordinating
conjunction, such as, while, although, if, because, before,
and after, it must be linked with an independent clause.
Here are some examples of fragments and how to correct
them. The fragments appear in red. Missing Subject
Incorrect
They rehearsed their parts for the concert. Taking seriously
the task at hand.
Correct
1. They rehearsed their parts for the concert. Everyone
was taking seriously the task at hand.
2. They rehearsed their parts for the concert, taking seriously
the task at hand.
Incorrect
The author became very ill. Writing the final chapter to
her masterpiece.
Correct
3. The author became very ill while writing the final chapter
to her masterpiece.
4. After writing the final chapter to her masterpiece,
the author became very ill.
5. The author was writing the final chapter to her masterpiece
when she became very ill.
Missing Verb or Incomplete Verb
Incorrect
The doctor
proposed the treatment for the patient’s
ailment. A strict regimen of diet and exercise.
Correct
6. The doctor proposed the treatment for the patient’s
ailment. She suggested a strict regimen of diet and exercise.
7. The doctor proposed treating the patient’s ailment
with a strict regimen of diet and exercise.
Dependent Clause Fragment
Incorrect
While the cheetahs were sprinting. The hippos were swimming.
Correct
8. While the cheetahs were sprinting, the hippos were swimming.
9. The cheetahs were sprinting, and the hippos were swimming.
Misplaced Punctuation
Incorrect
We brought an array of baked goods to the picnic; pies,
cookies, and cakes.
Also Incorrect
We brought an array of baked goods to the picnic. Such
as pies, cookies, and cakes.
Correct
10. We brought an array of baked goods to the picnic, such
as, pies, cookies, and cakes.
11. We brought an array of baked goods to the picnic. Some
of the items included were pies, cookies, and cakes.
Summary of Correction Methods
*Add the missing subject. (Ex. 1)
*Add the missing verb and/or subject. (Ex. 6)
*Use a comma to join fragments to an independent clause.
(Ex. 2, 8, 10)
*Use a subordinating conjunction (such as, while, although,
or if) to make the fragment a dependent clause and connect
it to an independent clause. (Ex. 3, 4)
*Use a coordinating conjunction (such as or, and, or but)
to connect the fragment to an independent clause. If changing
the fragment into an independent clause and connecting
it to another independent clause, make sure to use a comma
with your coordinating conjunction. (Ex. 9)
*Recast the sentence. (Ex. 5, 7, 11)
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RUN-ON SENTENSES AND COMMA
SPLICES
Run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses (complete
sentences) are written together as one without proper
punctuation. A comma splice occurs when two complete
sentences are written as one sentence with only a comma
to separate them.
Here are some examples of run-on sentences and comma splices
and how to correct them. The words in red indicate what
is problematic in the sentence.
Fused Sentence
Incorrect
Janet and her sister are excellent dancers they love to
perform.
Correct
1. Janet and her sister are excellent dancers, and they
love to perform.
2. Janet and her sister are excellent dancers; they love
to perform.
3. Janet and her sister are excellent dancers. They love
to perform.
Misused Transitional Phrase
Incorrect
They vowed never to return to the dirty hotel, in addition,
they warned their friends not to stay there.
Correct
4. They vowed never to return to the dirty hotel; in addition,
they warned their friends not to stay there.
5. They vowed never to return to the dirty hotel. In addition,
they warned their friends not to stay there.
Comma Splice
Incorrect
Sarah worked late every night this week, she was extremely
exhausted.
Correct
6. Sarah worked late every night this week. She was extremely
exhausted.
7. Sarah was extremely exhausted from working late ever
night this week.
8. Sarah worked late every night this week; consequently,
she was extremely exhausted.
9. Having worked late every night this week, Sarah was
extremely exhausted.
Summary of Correction Methods
*Divide independent clauses into two separate sentences.
(Ex. 3, 5, 6)
*Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses with connected
ideas. (Ex. 2, 4, 8)
*Make one sentence a dependent clause and join it to an
independent clause. (Ex. 9)
*Use coordinating conjunctions with a comma to separate
independent clauses. (Ex. 1)
*Recast the sentence. (Ex. 7)
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PUNCTUATION: Commas, Apostrophes, Semi-Colons,
Colons Commas
Commas are used to separate parts of a sentence for greater
clarity. Comma errors can be avoided by asking yourself
a simple question:
Did I insert a comma because I took a breath as I read
my sentence? If so, then you may have added a comma where
it is not necessary. Many times, as we read our papers
for editing purposes, we naturally take a breath as we
read. This practice does not connote adding a comma to
the sentence.
The following are situations in which commas are appropriate:
Commas should be used with Coordinating Conjunctions linking
Independent Clauses. The commas must reside BEFORE the
coordinating conjunction.
Examples
Incorrect
Reading twelve chapters of homework is tiring but, it
is rewarding.
He walked slowly down the street and, he stopped at his
friend's house.
Correct
Commas can be our friends, and they allow for more consistency
in our writing.
I enjoyed the movie very much, but I enjoyed spending
time with Michael more.
Commas should be used to separate the items in a series
Examples
Reading, listening, and discussing issues will help students
become better prepared for class.
I enjoy eating peanut butter, chocolate, and whipped cream
together.
Commas should be used after Introductory Elements
Examples
Although I am very tired today, I must read three chapters
of homework.
On Tuesday, I bought a new puppy for my son.
For example, The Little Engine That Could is a popular
children's book.
As always, he was very late to class.
Commas should be used to separate Coordinating Adjectives
Examples
Julia Roberts is a beautiful, talented actress.
Some postcards feature appealing, dramatic scenes.
Commas should be used with Quoted Works
Examples
The young teacher said, "This is my first time teaching
a composition class."
"
You cheated on me," shouted the angry girlfriend.
"
Oh, how I love thee," responded the boyfriend, "let
me
count the ways."
Apostrophes
Apostrophes, as punctuation, provide possession to nouns.
They communicate ownership or other similar relationships.
Add -'s to nouns, not ending in -s
Incorrect
The parents were very concerned with their childrens education.
The mothers joy was undiminished when she looked at her
new baby.
Correct
The parents were very concerned with their children's education.
The mother's joy was undiminished when she looked at her
new baby.
Add -'s to singular nouns ending in –s
Incorrect
The business' system for handling complaints is inefficient.
Chris' nose seemed to grow larger as he told his tall-tale.
Correct
The business's system for handling complaints is inefficient.
Chris's nose seemed to grow larger as he told his tall-tale.
Add only an apostrophe to plural nouns ending in -s
Incorrect
The boys's behavior was very, very naughty.
The workers's contracts were exceedingly difficult.
Correct
The boys' behavior was very, very naughty.
The workers' contracts were exceedingly difficult.
Do not use an apostrophe on possessive pronouns: hers,
his, its, ours, yours, and theirs.
Incorrect
Because the dog was tired, it's role in the sitcom was
cut for the day.
Correct
Because the dog was tired, its role in the sitcom was cut
for the day.
Semicolons
Semicolons act like periods. They connect similar sentences.
They should be used in only two situations: to replace
a period between sentences that are closely related or
between sentence structures that already contain commas.
If you choose to use a semicolon instead of a period,
you should use it between two Independent clauses that
are closely related in meaning. Do not use a semicolon
between a Dependent Clause and an independent clause.
Incorrect
Although the woman is lonely; she decided to spend Christmas
alone.
Correct
Although the woman is lonely, she decided to spend Christmas
alone. (A dependent clause with an independent clause)
The little girl enjoyed playing with her friend, Anna;
they always play well together. (Two independent clauses)
A semicolon may be used in a sentence with more than one
comma. By adding a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction,
the sentence can be more fluid.
Example
Because Cal State Fullerton is replete with many cultures,
people sometimes find it difficult to fit in; yet, they
will ultimately choose a group similar to their own background,
if they are unable to find an exact match.
A semicolon should not be used with a list of items.
Incorrect
The professor asked the students to bring several items
to class; a book, a calculator and pens.
Correct
The professor asked the students to bring several items
to class: a book, a calculator and pens.
Colons
A colon is used when an independent clause is introduced
with a list. Symbolically, a colon suggests an "=" sign,
meaning the statement of the independent clause should "equal" the
subjects of the list. As well, colons are used after
the phrases the following and as follows if found after
an independent clause.
Colon with a list and an independent clause
Example
The student store offers various services for the students
of Cal State Fullerton: copying, printing, food sales,
and computer support.
Colon with a quotation:
Example
Nike developed one of the most popular slogans of the '90's: "Just
do it."
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