Punctuation and Sentence Structure

Punctuation and Sentence Structure English I Fall 2013 Wattie

When writing you will use four kinds of sentences . • Can you name the types of sentences and the punctuation that goes with each? • Declarative/Period (.) • Direct Question (Interrogative)/Question Mark (?) • Imperative/ Period (.) • Exclamatory/Exclamation Mark (!) Four Kinds of Sentences

. • A declarative sentence makes a statement and therefore needs a period. • An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request and will also use a period. • An interrogative sentence asks a question and requires a question mark. • An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion which denotes an exclamation mark. Four Kinds of Sentences ? !

. • Activity #1 Directions: Write four sentences about what you did this summer. You must use one declarative, one imperative, one interrogative, and one exclamatory sentence. Four Kinds of Sentences ? !

. • Activity #1 Example This summer I went to Las Vegas. Have you every been to Las Vegas? You should not miss the opportunity to see this city. I won a thousand dollars when I was there! Four Kinds of Sentences ? !

There are several ways that colons can be used in a sentence, but we are only going to focus on the following two: • Introducing a list • Introducing a long quotation Introducing the Colon:

Introducing a List • Use a colon to introduce a list, especially after a statement that uses such words as these, the following, or as follows. • Example: • The science test on Friday will cover these areas: the circulatory system, the digestive system, and the nervous system. • Do not use a colon to introduce a list if the list immediately follows a verb or a preposition. • Example: • My sister likes to top her hamburger with lettuce, tomato, mustard, ketchup, and relish. (The list follows the preposition with.) Introducing the Colon:

Colons Before Quotations • Use a colon to introduce a long or formal question. A formal quotation is often preceded by such words as this, these, the following, or as follows. • Example as follows: • Mrs. Hopkins asked the class to write an essay on the following traditional saying for the Hausa tribe of Africa: “It is the rainy season that gives us wealth.” Introducing the Colon:

Activity #2: Using Colons Directions: Rewrite the following sentences using colons to separate the lists and quotes from the rest of the sentence. Remember that some sentences you will have to insert the words: follows, these, the following, as follows, or this to complete the sentence. Also if you think a sentence is correct then write correct on that line. Introducing the Colon:

Activity #2: Using Colons • Many people enjoy playing these board games chess, checkers, and pachisi. • Chess may have spread from place to place in the following order India, Persia, and Spain. • These are several board games that resemble chess checkers, the Japanese game go, and Chinese Checkers. • In Chess each player has the following playing pieces one king, one queen, two bishops, two knights, two rooks, and eight pawns. • The qualities essential to a good chess player are a good memory, a quick mind, and foresight. • In some ways chess is like war it pits two “armies” against each other. • The Encyclopedia Britannica notes that chess players use strategies of attack and defense aimed at the surrender of the opponents’ king. The Encyclopedia Britannica continues as follows “Nevertheless, the game is only a rather limited simulation of war or, in Freudian terms, a sublimation of that aggressive impulse.

Activity #2: Using Colons • Many people enjoy playing these board games: chess, checkers, and pachisi. • Chess may have spread from place to place in the following order: India, Persia, and Spain. • These are several board games that resemble chess: checkers, the Japanese game go, and Chinese Checkers. • In Chess each player has the following playing pieces: one king, one queen, two bishops, two knights, two rooks, and eight pawns. • The qualities essential to a good chess player are a good memory, a quick mind, and foresight. Correct • In some ways chess is like war: it pits two “armies” against each other. • The Encyclopedia Britannica notes that chess players use strategies of attack and defense aimed at the surrender of the opponents’ king. The Encyclopedia Britannica continues as follows: “Nevertheless, the game is only a rather limited simulation of war or, in Freudian terms, a sublimation of that aggressive impulse.

Other uses of colons • Colons are used between the hour and minute. (7:30 A.M.) • Between the chapter and verse in a biblical reference. (Genesis 7:20-24) • After the salutation of a business letter. (Dear Ms. Brown:) Introducing the Colon:

Semicolons are uses to separate main clauses from dependent clauses when there is no use of a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, and for). • A dependent clause is a fragment that cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence and, there fore, must “depend” on the main clause for completeness. Introducing the Semicolon;

Example of a sentence without a semicolon. • Paul Robeson was an excellent singer and actor, and he was also a talented football player. *** Because the writer used the coordinating conjunction AND there was no use for a semicolon in this sentence. Introducing the Semicolon;

Example of a sentence with a semicolon. • Paul Robeson was an excellent signer and actor; he was also a talented football player. ***Taking the conjunction AND out of the sentence forces us to insert a semicolon to connect the dependent clause to the main clause. Introducing the Semicolon;

Here is where things get tricky so be sure to pay attention!!! • Semicolons and commas • Use a semicolon to separate the items in the series when the items contain commas. • Example • Some of the powerful African kingdoms that flourished before the sixteenth century were Kush, which dominated the eastern Sudan;Karanga, which was located around Zimbabwe in southern African;Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, which successively controlled the Niger River in West Africa;and Benin, which had its center in what is now Nigeria. Introducing the Semicolon; Each of these dependent clauses require the informational section at the beginning of the sentence.

Use of a semicolon to separate two main clauses jointed by a coordinating conjunction when the clauses already contain several commas. Introducing the Semicolon;

Each sentence can stand alone as a complete sentence, but the author is trying to make a certain connection • Example • The rule of Mansa Musa, the Moslem emperor of the African kingdom of Mali from 1312 to 1337, is remember for military success, trade expansion, and Moslem scholarship;butthis period is probably most noteworthy as a golden age of peace and prosperity. Introducing the Semicolon;

Use a semicolon to separate main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, nevertheless, moreover, furthermore, and subsequently) or by an expression such as for example or that is. • Example: • Robeson appeared in many plays and musicals; for example, he starred in Othello and Porgy and Bess. • Robeson appeared in Show Boar in 1926; subsequently, he acted in the films Jericho, and Song of Freedom. Introducing the Semicolon;

Activity #3: Semicolons…. • Directions: Rewrite each sentence inserting a semicolon in the correct location. • Remember to look for those coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, yet, for), as well as those dependent clauses!!!!!!! Introducing the Semicolon;

Activity #3: Semicolons…. • The sculptor Louise Nevelson lived in a number of places in Europe and the United States, including Kiev, Russia, Rockland, Maine, Munich, Germany, and New York City, New York. • At the age of five, Nevelson moved to Rockland with her family, she lived there for fifteen years. • Nevelson’s family name was Berliawsky, at the age of twenty she married Charles Nevelson and moved to New York. • Nevelson studied art under Hans Hofmann, the abstract painter who used primary colors in explosive contrasts, she also studied with the muralist Diego Rivera. • Many artists are not willing to struggle however, Louise Nevelson worked for years without money or fame. Introducing the Semicolon;

Activity #3: Semicolons…. Solutions • The sculptor Louise Nevelson lived in a number of places in Europe and the United States, including Kiev, Russia; Rockland, Maine; Munich, Germany; and New York City, New York. • At the age of five, Nevelson moved to Rockland with her family; she lived there for fifteen years. • Nevelson’s family name was Berliawsky; at the age of twenty she married Charles Nevelson and moved to New York. • Nevelson studied art under Hans Hofmann, the abstract painter who used primary colors in explosive contrasts; she also studied with the muralist Diego Rivera. • Many artists are not willing to struggle; however, Louise Nevelson worked for years without money or fame. Introducing the Semicolon;

There are a plethora of ways that you can use and misuse commas. Understanding that this can be daunting, I hope that you will be able to understand all of the rules for commas after the upcoming slides. Introducing the Comma ,

Commas and Compound Sentences • Use commas between the main clauses in a compound sentence. • The major difference between using a comma and a semicolon in this scenario is that the sentences do NOT contain lists separated by commas. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #1 • Commas and Compound Sentences • Use commas between the main clauses in a compound sentence. • Place a comma BEFORE a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, for) that join two main clauses. • Example • I am not going to the concert, for I am too busy. • Many of the prospectors searched for years, but others struck gold immediately, and some became quite rich. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #1 • Commas and Compound Sentences • You may omit (take out) the comma between very short clauses if the sentence remains understandable and clear. • Examples • Mara washed the dishes and Jim dried them. (clear and understandable) • We visited Miami and the Everglades are next. (confusing) • We visited Miami, and the Everglades are next. (clear and understandable) Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #2 • Commas in a Series • Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series. • Example: • A chair, a table, and a sofa were the room’s only furnishings. • It was a sunny, hot, and humid day in July. • There are NO commas needed when all the items in the series are connected by conjunctions. • Example: • It was a sunny and hot and humid day in July. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #2 • Commas in a Series • Nouns that are used in pairs (thunder and lightening, table and chairs, bacon and eggs, bread and butter) are usually considered single units and are not separated in a series with commas. • Example: • My favorite breakfast is bacon and eggs, toast, and milk. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #3 • Commas and Coordinate Adjectives • Place a comma between coordinate adjectives that precede (come before) a noun. • Coordinate adjectives modify a noun equally. • To determine whether adjectives are coordinate, try to reverse their order or put the word and between them. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #3 • Example • Skyler is a good, obedient, gentle dog. • To see if a comma is needed in the sentence above we need to try to rules we learned before. • Skyler is an obedient, good, gentle dog • Skyler is a good and obedient and gentle dog. • Both sentences continue to make sense, therefore a comma can be placed between the coordinating adjectives. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #3 • Adjectives that describe size, shape, age, and material do NOT need commas between them. • Example • AshLeigh grew up in a small white frame house. • Small describes the house’s size. • Frame describes the shape of the house. • Because of the choice in adjectives there is no need for a comma. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #3 • Commas may be needed between some of the adjectives in a series but not between others. • Example • I like to read in our bright, cozy family room. • In this sentence and would sound natural between bright and cozy, but it would not sound natural between cozy and family. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #3 • Activity #4: • Directions: Rewrite the following sentences inserting commas in the correct places. All sentences BUT one need commas. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #3 • Activity #4: • Arthur Schomburg led a long active productive life. • He grew up in Puerto Rico studied in the Virgin Islands and came to the United States in 1891. • Schomburg was an author and historian but he is best know as a collector of literature about African-American culture. • Schomburg was also an important figure in the literary artistic and musical movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. • Schomburg collected over ten thousand books and manuscripts and pamphlets about Africans and African Americans. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #3 • Activity #4 Solutions: • Arthur Schomburg led a long, active, productive life. • He grew up in Puerto Rico, studied in the Virgin Islands, and came to the United States in 1891. • Schomburg was an author and historian, but he is best know as a collector of literature about African-American culture. • Schomburg was also an important figure in the literary, artistic, and musical movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. • Schomburg collected over ten thousand books and manuscripts and pamphlets about Africans and African Americans. CORRECT Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #4 • Commas and Nonessential Elements • There are three specific rules that go with this category. • Use commas to set off participles, infinitives, and their phrases if they are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. • Use commas to set off a nonessential adjective clause. • Use commas to set off an appositive if it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #4 • Use commas to set off participles, infinitives, and their phrases if they are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. • Participle: verb form that can function as an adjective. • Infinitives: a verb form that is usually preceded by the word to and is used as a noun, adjective, or an adverb. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #4 • Example • She watched,puzzled, as the man in the yellow hat drove away. (puzzled = participle) • A customer, complaining loudly, stepped up to the counter. (complaining loudly = participle phrase) • I have no idea, to be honest, what you would like for a graduation present. (To be honest = infinitive) Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #4 • Use commas to set off a nonessential adjective clause. • A nonessential (nonrestrictive) clause can be considered an extra clause, because it gives additional information about a noun. • Example • Atlanta, which is the capital of Georgia, is the transportation center of the Southeast. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #4 • Use commas to set off an appositive if it is not essential to the meaning of a sentence. • A nonessential appositive can be considered an extra appositive; it calls for commas. • Example • Nelson Mandela, a leader of the African National Congress, was freed from a South African prison in 1900. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #5 • Commas with Interjections, parenthetical expressions, and conjunctive adverbs. • Use commas to set off interjections, parenthetical expressions, and conjunctive adverbs. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #5 • Commas with Interjections, parenthetical expressions, and conjunctive adverbs. • Examples • Well, we’d better be going home. • Oh, I don’t know. • We have to leave, unfortunately. • Last night, on the other hand, we could have stayed longer. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #5 • Activity 5 Directions: Rewrite the following sentences inserting commas in the correct places. If the sentence is correct write correct for that number Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #5 • Most Native American languages before the eighteenth century were not written down; consequently it was difficult for people to learn them. • A Cherokee Sequoya saw the need for a way of writing down his language. • The Cherokees who had no system of writing thought that writing was the privilege of certain people. • Sequoya a skilled silversmith began to draw marks on twigs and stones. • People who once laughed at Sequoya’s dream began to change their mind about him. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #5 • Most Native American languages before the eighteenth century were not written down; consequently, it was difficult for people to learn them. • A Cherokee, Sequoya saw the need for a way of writing down his language. • The Cherokees who had no system of writing, thought that writing was the privilege of certain people. • Sequoya, a skilled silversmith, began to draw marks on twigs and stones. • People who once laughed at Sequoya’s dream began to change their mind about him. correct Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #6 • Commas and Introductory Phrases • Use a comma after a short introductory prepositional phrase only if the sentence would be misread without the comma. • Example • To those outside, the house appeared deserted. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #6 • Use a comma after a long prepositioned phrase or after the finals phrase in a succession of phrases. • Example • On the afternoon of the day of the game, we made a banner. • Do NOT use a comma if the phrase is immediately followed by a verb. • Example • On the stone above the front door of the building was the date. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #6 • Use a comma to set off introductory participles and participial phrases. • Example • Purring, the kitten curled up in my lap. • Sitting in a tree, my little sister called down to us. Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #7 • Commas and Tag Questions • Use commas to set off tag questions. • Examples • You’ve already seen this film, haven’t you? • You won’t repeat this, will you? Introducing the Comma ,

Rule #8 • Misuse of Commas • Do NOT use a comma before a conjunction that connects a compound predicate composed of only two verbs or verb phrases INCORRECT: She started the car, and drove down the hill. CORRECT: She started the car and drove down the hill. Introducing the Comma ,

Punctuation and Sentence Structure