YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SPOT A GRAMMAR MISTAKE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE.

This booklet contains:1) Nouns/Verbs/Pronouns2) Adjectives/Adverbs3) Prepositions/Conjunction4) Subject/Verb Agreement5) Faulty References6) Sentence Fragments/Run-on Sentences7) Paragraph I (narrative, persuasive)8) Paragraph II (descriptive, explanatory)9) Reflexive Pronouns10) Parallel Structure11) Complex Sentences12) Comma13) Common word errors14) Review

NOUN/VERB/PRONOUN

NOUNS: Word that names a person, place, thing or an ideaVERB: A word that expresses action. EVERY sentence must have a verb.The PRONOUN is a word used in place of one or more nouns. It may stand for a person, place, thing, or idea.

GRAMMAR EDITION

Personal I, me, mine, you, your, yours, he, his, him,/she/it, we, theyDemonstrative

This, that, these, those

Indefinite Anybody, someone, either, eachInterrogative Who, whom, what, which, whose

An ADJECTIVE modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. Adjectives answer these questions:

WHICH? HOW MANY? WHAT KIND?

An ADVERB Modifies or describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs answer these questions:

HOW? Tara spoke slowly. WHEN? He left yesterday. TO WHAT DEGREE? I am very uncomfortable. WHERE? Put the book over there

A preposition introduces a noun or pronoun or a phrase or clause functioning in the sentence as a noun. The word or word group that the preposition introduces is its object.

A conjunction is a word that joins words or groups of words.

ASSIGNMENT: Find the adjectives, adverbs and conjunctions in the following dialogue from the 1975 film “Jaws.”Quint:Y'all know me. Know how I earn a livin'. I'll catch this bird for you, but it ain't gonna be easy. Bad fish! Not like going down to the pond and chasing bluegills and tommycods. This shark, swallow ya whole. Little shakin', little tenderizin', down you go. And we gotta do it quick, that'll bring back the tourists, that'll put all your businesses on a payin' basis. But it's not gonna be pleasant! I value my neck a lot more than three thousand bucks, chief. I'll find him for three, but I'll catch him, and kill him, for ten. But you've gotta make up your minds. If you want to stay alive, then ante up. If you want to play it cheap, be on welfare the whole winter. I don't want no volunteers, I don't want no mates, there's too many captains on this island. Ten thousand dollars for me by myself. For that you get the head, the tail, the whole damn thing..

Subject/Verb Agreement, Intervening Words and Inverted Order

Intervening Words -- To find the correct verb, try this technique. When the subject and the verb are separated by other words between them, cross out those intervening words. Then, match the subject to the verb. For example, look at this sentence:

Subj. VerbMy brother, as well as my sisters, ( attend, attends) the martial arts dojo. (dojo = school for training in self-defense)

You can easily see that "attends" is the correct verb.

Under line the subject in each sentence first. Then, choose the correct verb in the following sentences.

1.The teacher, as well as twenty-one students, ( is, are ) happy about the Victoria Day holiday. 2.Each of the players ( take, takes ) team practice seriously.3.A clairvoyant, say many faithful followers, ( predict, predicts ) the future. 4.Directions for the cinnamon rolls (is, are ) on the back of the package.5.Kyle, together with Randy and Jack, ( plan, plans ) to go to Ottawa this month. (Find an error.)6.The master plumber with several qualified assistants ( was, were ) on the scene to repair the downed power line. (Find an error.)7.One of the English students at Niagara College ( write, writes ) much better essays then the others. (Find an error.)8.The Ford truck with the tinted windows and diamond plate rail caps ( need, needs ) to be polished.9.The young mother with her three small children ( want, wants ) to catch a ride on the trolley.10.A plan for several new schools in various locations ( is, are ) under consideration.11.A large map of all 48 states and 11 Canadian provinces ( is, are) printed in a road atlas. (Find an error.)12.One of the boys ( want, wants ) to go home.13.This magazine, including all the articles about basket weaving, ( is, are ) boring.14.The family van, filled with laughing children and their parents, ( wait, waits ) at the stoplight.15.A hungry teacher, followed in line by three ravenous students, ( fight, fights ) for the last chicken wing in the serving tray.

16.One dollar, in addition to a 30 cents, ( is, are) my only money until I get payed. (Find an error.)17.Every one of my six goldfish ( demand, demands ) tiny crumbs of fried shrimp for breakfast.18.The flavor of Columbian coffees ( is, are) superior to the brews from Vietnamese beans.Inverted Order -- Sometimes the normal order of a sentence (subject verb) is reversed. Writers do this to add variety to their sentences, and poets sometimes invert the order of sentences, too. For example, look at this sentence:

Verb subjectIn the back of the closet under the shelving ( was, were ) a pair of old

shoes.To decide if the verb is "was" or "were," reverse the order of the sentence like this:

A pair of old shoes ( was, were ) in the back of the closet under the shelving.

Choose the correct verb in the following sentences. There are a few other errors as well. Can you find them?

1.In the refrigerater ( is, are ) an old sandwich and an opened can of soda.(Find an error.)

2.Over the river and through the woods ( is, are ) the route to grandmother's house.3.Along the shoreline ( was, were ) a peice of driftwood and a small crab.

(Find an error.)4.Under the bed ( is, are ) much dust and dirt.5.Behind the ramshackle old garage ( rest, rests ) a couple of vintage cars.6.In distant galaxies far from earth (live, lives ) unknown peoples and civilizations. (Find an error.)7.Below the sea near the Atlantic Ridge ( roam, roams) rare species of bioluminescent fish. (bioluminescent = glow from living things)8.In ancient forests around the Smokey Mountains ( dwell, dwells ) an ancestor of modern ferns. (Find an error.)9.In a cave forgotten for thousands of years ( lie, lies ) an stone blade made by a Neanderthal Man.10.From nations all over the world ( come, comes) representatives to the United Nations.

11.( Have, Has ) the mail for the Smiths arrived yet? (Hint: Turn the question into a statement.)12.At the end of the driveway on High Point Road ( sit, sits ) two large eagles mounted on brick pillars.13.Below the bridge ( live, lives ) a family of trolls.14.From this project ( has, have ) come many important discoveries cause a grant paid for the research.15.(Find an error.)16.( Is, Are ) there going to be many people at tonight’s homecoming bonfire? (Hint: Turn the question into a statement.)17.Throughout the story of Dracula ( occur, occurs ) one scarey episode after another. (Find an error.)

FAULTY PRONOUN REFERENCE

Faulty pronoun reference occurs when the reader cannot tell to which antecedent the pronoun in a sentence is referring. The reference must be clear, not ambiguous. Study the following examples: Ambiguous: Justin and Matthew are brothers, but he has always been taller. (Who is “he”?) Clear: Justin and Matthew are brothers, but Owen has always been taller. Ambiguous: She enjoys oranges, bananas, and grapes, but they are her favorite. (Which ones?) Clear: She enjoys oranges, bananas, and grapes, but oranges are her favorite. Ambiguous: Mr. Jones told MIchael that he needed to study. (Which person needed to study?) Clear: Mr. Jones told Billy, “You need to study.” Mr. Jones told Billy, “I need to study.” Ambiguous: When Jim’s son was a year old, he decided to get married again. (Who is getting married?) Clear: Jim decided to get married again when his son was a year old.

Directions: Place a check by the clear sentence(s) in each group. 1a.___ Many students like both Math and English, but it has always been my favourite. 1b.___ Many students like both Math and English, but Math has always been my favourite. 2a.___ Carson said to his brother, “ You should see your doctor.” 2b.___ Carson thought that his brother should see his doctor. 3a.___ After Boon had fought Atamynak, he ran around the ring and shouted for joy. 3b.___ Boon ran around the ring and shouted for joy after he had fought Atamynak.

3c.___ After Boon had fought Atamynak, Boon ran around the ring and shouted for joy. 4a.___ Alex told Kerri that she hated her new hair style. 4b.___ Alex told Kerri that she hated Kyra’s new hair style. 4c.___ Kerri told Alex, “I hate your new hair style.” 5a.___ Jake and Ryan are good athletes, but he is a better student. 5b.___ Jake and Ryan are good athletes, but the latter is a better student. 5c.___ Jake and Ryan are good athletes, but the former is a better student. 6a.___ Although I enjoyed chemistry and biology, I never fully understood them. 6b.___ Although I enjoyed chemistry and biology, I never fully understood biology. 6c.___ Although I enjoyed chemistry and biology, I never fully understood it. 6d.___ Although I enjoyed chemistry and biology, I never fully understood the latter.

Directions: Revise each of the following sentences.

1. Bill told his dad that he needed to lose some weight.

2. After the coach had hollered at Morton, he felt terrible.

3. When I parked my car next to the bus, I noticed that it had a flat tire.

4. He removed the stone from the cloth and washed it carefully.

5. When I tried to remove the dog’s dish, it bit me.

6. The candidate informed his aide that he was leaving on the next plane.

7. He bought a new car with an AM-FM radio, but it was in poor condition.

8. Jane thought that Kathy ought to consult her doctor.

9. When the eggs were served to the customers, they often looked green.

10. Elaine had to stay home with her little sister because she had been naughty.

11. Before the tourists mingle with the natives, they should be inoculated.

12. Sam told his brother that he couldn’t go to the game.

13. I dropped the glass on my foot and broke it.14. I gave some food to my kitten and chopped it up

15. After eating all their food, we put the cats outside

16. Mrs. Einhorn was proud that on her first hunting trip, she was able to shoot

several animals as well as her husband

17. The Iroquois hunter crouched behind a tree waiting for a bear to come along with a bow and arrow.

18. I gave some food to my kitten and chopped it up19. After eating all their food, we put the cats outside20. If a baby does not thrive on raw milk, boil it. 21. Mrs. Kimber says the course is fun to teach because it’s small, and they’re

motivated.22. I read that Sara was married in the newspaper

Sentence Fragments/Run-on Sentences

A fragment is only a piece of a complete thought that has been punctuated like a sentence. Fragments canbe phrases or dependent clauses or any incomplete word group. Study the following examples:

Jeff walked all alone. To the store. (prepositional phrase fragment)Walking to the store. She saw a car accident. (present participial phrase)

Because she exercises regularly. She is in good condition. (dependent/adverb clause fragment)

A run-on occurs when two sentences are run together without the proper punctuation and/or connecting words. One type of run-on, the fused sentence, occurs when two sentences are written together without any punctuation at all. Another type, the comma splice, occurs when a comma is used between two sentences without any connecting word (such as "and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet"). Study these examples:

Joe was happy about the raise he felt like celebrating. (fused sentence)Joe was happy about the raise, he felt like celebrating. (comma splice)

Directions: Label each word group as one of the following: Fragment (F), Run-On (R), or Correct (C). Correct the fragments or run-ons in the space provided.

1. Although Cindy has been my best friend.2. No one I know watches “Glee”, I can't believe it.3. Her husband loves to cook, however, he does not like to clean the kitchen afterwards.4. Carson started his new job last Wednesday, and he really likes the boss.5. I have a hard time understanding her lectures, when I talk to her one-on-one, I understand her fine.

6. Mary signed up because she thought the training would be interesting and help her on the job.7. Meet me after class, I want to talk with you about the upcoming test.8. The one who looks like a military officer but acts like a spoiled brat.9. Although she has studied very hard, she is still worried about the midterm exam.10. One of the best ways to improve your writing. Is to read and analyze what you read.11. It has been a long time since I have been to the beach, I am looking forward to the trip.12. When you have finished your homework and are ready to take a break.PARAGRAPH WRITING (The Shark Part)The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic. The topic of a paragraph is stated in one sentence. This is called the topic sentence. The rest of the paragraph consists of sentences that develop or explain the main ideaThe concluding sentence should:

Restate the topic sentence in different words. A clincher sentence or concluding sentence clinches the point made in the

paragraph. It summarizes the paragraph.

Types of paragraphs: The narrative paragraph tells a story. The persuasive paragraph tries to convince the

audience. The descriptive paragraph describes something. The expository or explanatory paragraph gives

information or explains something.

ASSIGNMENT: After viewing an episode from Discovery’s “Shark Week” write a paragraph for each of the above types.

The SELF pronouns (Reflexive Pronouns)

1. The reflexive pronouns are myself, himself, herself, itself, themselves, and ourselves.Two other forms are always incorrect—hisself and theirselves. Do not use these nonstandard words.

2. A reflexive pronoun must always refer to another noun or pronoun in the sentence.Examples:I myself signed the document. (“Myself” refers to “I” in the sentence.)John himself chaired the meeting. (“Himself” refers to John in the sentence.)

The students cleaned the room themselves. (“Themselves” refers to students in the sentence.)INCORRECT: My brother and myself went to the concert. (“Myself” doesn’t refer to anything.)The job was done by himself. (“Himself” doesn’t refer to anything.)

Correct the following practice sentences. Write “C” if correct.

1. I hurt myself with a hammer.2. The scratches on my arm will heal theirselves.3. Chelsea asked herself a question: How can I graduate from high school?4. Tim saved his money for his wife, for his children, and for hisself.5. The counselor scheduled Faith, Shelby, and myself for HRE 3O.6. We gave hisself a pieces of our minds.7. They prepared a meal for themselves.8. They themselves prepared the meal.9. The meal was prepared by themselves.10. Give the cash to myself on payday.11. The boss gave the cash to me myself on payday.12. I myself locked the door before I left.13. Mr. Tessier gave the tests to Cole, Max, and myself.14. Mother wanted my brother to clean his room himself.15. The mouse ate the cheese by itself.16. We ourselves decorated the room for the banquet.17. The room was decorated by ourselves.18. These candies are so good that they will sell theirselves.19. You should do your homework yourself.20. Yourselves should be the best judge of what is right.

Parallel Structure in Sentences Parallel structure means using similar forms of words and phrases to express similar parts of a sentence. You can see what this means by looking at some examples like those below:

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy , wealthy , and wise . 3 adjectivesSailing , surfing , and swimming are popular sports 3 –ing endings

After I opened the bill , I wrote the check. 2 past tense verbsStanley likes to fish , to hunt , and to drive . 3 infinitivesGovernment of the people , for the people and by the people … 3 similar phrases

Non-examples:Stanley likes to fish , to hunt , and driving . “Driving” is not parallel.It is easier to do the right thing than doing wrong. “To do” does not match “doing.”

Read each sentence. If the sentence structure is parallel, write “C.” If the structure is not parallel, write in corrections.

1.The new student was tall, athletic, and he was strong.2.Planning your work in advance is better than to correct errors later.3.We amused ourselves on Halloween Eve by telling ghost stories and watching spooky movies.4.“To know you is loving you,” said the bride to her new husband.5.Today’s new homes are smaller, simpler, and cost less money.6.The young mechanic performed skillfully and competently on his first job.7.The graduates crossed the stage slowly and with great care.8.The babysitter entered the home, looked at the rowdy children, then she resigned from the job.9.Many young workers not only have a full-time job but also they also work part-time.10.Medical researchers have had much better luck finding cures for bacterial illnesses than illnesses caused by viruses.11.A good ending is more important than a beginning that is good.12.Two hundred years ago, most people could neither read nor write.13.Mr. Nori scheduled the new student for English, Economics, and for Canadian history.14.The excited Lotto winner jumped for joy and cashed the check.15.The fugitive dyed his hair, packed his bags, and was leaving town.16.Driving under the influence of alcohol is as dangerous to play Russian roulette.17.In the movies, most young people are single, attractive, and free of cares.

being as,being as how,make it where,reason is because…

Our Non-standard English Errors!Watch out for these non-standard usage errors that we make when we write. Study each error, and learn how to correct each one of them.

being as, being that Correction: Use because or since. Look at the examples below.

Wrong: Being as you are here, come in for class.Right: Since you are here, come in for class.

the reason is because… Correction: Use that instead of because or eliminate because.

Wrong: The reason he isn’t here is because he is sick.Right: The reason he isn’t here is that he is sick.

make it where… Correction: Reword the sentence. Get rid of excess words.make it to where… Wrong: The government should make it to where taxes are lower.

Right: The government should lower taxes.

seeing as how… Correction: Use because or since. Get rid of excess words.being as how… Wrong: Seeing as how the work was done, the workers got paid.

Right: Because the work was done, the workers got paid.

Notice that in each correction, the best ways to write these meanings are shorter than the worst ways.

Read each sentence, find the errors, and write a correction above the sentence. There are a few extra errors in the sentences. If the sentence is correct, write “C.”

1.Being as we have bugs in the pantry, we should call an archaeologist immediately! Find an error.

2.The principal should make it where we have a longer lunch break.

3.The reason there was a salami was because there was an earthquake in the Pacific. Find an error.

4.The hiker took a detour seeing as how Sasquatch was standing in the path.

5.The school board should make it to where students could wear flip-flops to school.

6.Being that a student accidently drove his auto into the cement block wall of the equipment room on Saturday, an emergency crew had to cover the hole with plywood. Find an error.

7.The boy dropped his cell phone on the floor, and the reason was because his teacher was looking over his shoulder.

8.Being that the caveman felt frustrated by civilization, he sang sadly, “Please, just one time, let me be myself.”

9.Being as how the Ogopogo had just been sighted, dozens of photographers ringed the shore of the lake.

10. The main reason for most fatal accidents is because of excess speed.

Review on complex sentences!Here we go again! We are forgetting how to write and punctuate complex sentences. Hey, they don't call them complex sentences for nothing, you know. Think about this topic one more time.

A complex sentence always has at least one dependent clause and at least one independent clause. Dependent clauses start with conjunctions like these, but there are many others. Do not try to memorize the list.

after as soon as if though wherealthough as though in order that unless whereveras because since until whileas far as before so that when inasmuch asas long as even though than whenever

You, with punctuation errors.Refresh your memory by writing these definitions:

What is a dependent clause? ______________________________________________________________

What is an independent clause? ____________________________________________________________

Punctuation Rules

1. Place a comma after a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence.(When Clyde tripped, he broke his nose.)

2. Do NOT place a comma before a dependent clause at the end of a sentence. (Clyde broke his nose when he tripped.)REVIEW : Underline the conjunctions in these sentences. Then punctuate these complex sentences. Correct any other errors as well.

1.If you need a ride to Ottawa call me. Call me if you need a ride to Mexico City, too.2.Even though the teacher is 130 years old she is still in her prime.3.Turn off lights and appliances when not in use unless you want to pay high electric bills.4.Wherever you may go in life you can find happeiness and contentment.

Find an error.5.Before you dismiss going to college because of high tuition fees investigate scholerships. Find an error.6.Even though you are soon to be graduated from high school you will keep learning all of your life.7.As far as the little gecko is concerned Geico Auto Insurance is the best.8.By the time we get to Phoenix the sun will be rising.

Miscellaneous Topic

LOSE -- to miss something from one's possession LOOSE -- not fastened or secured, not tight fitting, to release, uncontrolled

1.Quinn will ( lose, loose) his keys if Zach pulls his keychain ( lose, loose).2.Don't ( lose, loose) your hair in the wind, or you may ( lose, loose) your formal hairstyle.3.If you ( lose, loose) a button, your waistband will be ( lose, loose).4.Do not turn the horses ( lose, loose) unless they are fenced in a pasture.5.( Lose, Loose) living frequently gets people into trouble.6.The Beatles, Three Doors Down, and Beck have all recorded songs with the word "( loser, looser )" in the title.7.Banks that are ( losing, loosing ) money are usually taken over by an agency of the federal government.8."Don't ( lose, loose) out! Get your designer series Snuggie today!" announces the television commerical. Find an error.

REVIEW ALL THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED.Although the character Quint from the film “Jaws” is loved for his straightforward manner, his grammar requires work. Correct the following dialogue using the knowledge we learned from this unit.

Quint: Japanese submarine slammed two torpedoes into our side, Chief. We was comin' back from the island of Tinian to Leyte - just delivered the bomb, the Hiroshima bomb. Eleven hundred men went into the water. Vessel went down in 12 minutes. Didn't see the first shark for about half an hour - a tiger - thirteen footer. You know how you know that when you're in the water, Chief? You tell by lookin' from the dorsal to the tail. What we didn't know was our bomb mission had been so secret, no distress signal had been sent. They didn't even list us overdue for a week. Very first light, Chief, sharks come cruisin'. So we formed ourselves into tight groups. You know, it was kinda like old squares in the battle like that you see in the calendar named 'The Battle of Waterloo.' And the idea was, the shark comes to the nearest man and he starts poundin' and hollerin' and screamin'. Sometimes the shark go away. Sometimes he wouldn't go away. Sometimes that shark, he looks right into ya, right into your eyes. Y'know, the thing about a shark, he's got lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll's eyes. When he comes after ya, he doesn't seem to be livin' until he bites ya, and those black eyes roll over white, and then - aww, then you hear that terrible high-pitch screamin', the ocean turns red, and in spite of all the poundin' and the hollerin', they all come in and rip ya to pieces. You know, by the end of that first dawn, we lost a hundred men. I don't know how many sharks, maybe a thousand. I don't know how many men. They averaged six an hour. On Thursday morning, Chief, I bumped into a friend of mine, Herbie Robinson from Cleveland. Baseball player. Boatswain's mate. I thought he was asleep. I reached over to wake him up. Bobbed up, down in the water just like a kinda top. Upended. Well, he'd been bitten in half below the waist. Noon the fifth day, Mr. Hooper, a Lockheed Ventura saw us. He swung in low and he saw us. He was a young pilot, a lot younger than Mr. Hooper. Anyway, he saw us and he come in low and three hours later, a big fat PBY comes down and start to pick us up. You know, that was the time I was most frightened - waitin' for my turn. I'll never put on a life jacket again. So, eleven hundred men went in the water, three hundred and sixteen men come out, and the sharks took the rest, June the 29th, 1945. Anyway, we delivered the bomb.