Grammar Boot Camp Semicolon, Colon, Comma Phrases and Clauses A 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 dog smashing into a fence before 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 character When the saints go marching in Because 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. Comma Rule #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. Comma Rule #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) Semicolon Rule #1: Join the parts of a compound sentence. This replaces the comma + FANBOYS Ex: I tried the water fountain; it was not working \ Semicolon Rule #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, consequently Sara 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. Colon Cannot follow a verb Rule #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 quotation Governor Smith stated to the press: “I think that children should study grammar for a least six hours a day...” Colon Rule #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 Practice When 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!”