Lesson 187 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Using all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons, find the verbs (v), subjects (subj), predicate nominatives (pn), direct objects (do), appositives (app), nouns of address (na), adjectives (adj), predicate adjectives (pa), adverbs (adv), prepositions (prep), and objects of the preposition (op) in the following sentences. If there are any adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases then tell what word they modify.

1. The man with his boxes of candy stumbled and collapsed.

2. The necklace was placed in the display case in the window of the jewelry store.

3. Those immense factories on the southwest side are changing our city.

4. The man in the first car is the new governor.

5. Many of the citizens had hated the plan from the beginning.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. stumbled/collapsed = v; man = subj; the = adj. modifying man; with his boxes modifying man/of candy modifying boxes = p ph; with/of = prep; boxes/candy = op; his = adj. modifying boxes

2. was placed = v; necklace = subj; the = adj. modifying necklace; in the display case modifying was placed/in the window modifying case/of the jewelry store modifying window = p ph; in/in/of = prep; case/window/store = op; the/display = adj. modifying case; the = adj. modifying window; the/jewelry = adj. modifying store

3. are changing = v; factories = subj; city = do; those/immense = adj. modifying factories; our = adj. modifying city; on the southwest side = p ph modifying factories; on = prep; side = op; the/southwest = adj. modifying side

4. is = v; man = subj; governor = pn; the = adj modifying man; the/new = adj modifying governor; in the first car = p ph modifying man; in = prep; car = op; the/first = adj modifying car

5. had hated = v; many = subj; plan = do; the = adj modifying plan; of the citizens modifying many/from the beginning modifying had hated = p ph; of/from = prep; citizens/beginning = op; the = adj modifying citizens; the = adj modifying beginning

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Lesson 387 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

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Use a colon to express the hours and minutes in figures. 

 

Example: 

12:30 A.M.

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. We will meet at 800 A.M. tomorrow morning.

2. I will be on the plane at 1153 P.M.

3. Which would be better for you, 1000 A.M. or 200 P.M?

4. Be in my office promptly at 1035 A.M.

5. You never get to bed before 1130 P.M.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. We will meet at 8:00 A.M. tomorrow morning.

2. I will be on the plane at 11:53 P.M.

3. Which would be better for you, 10:00 A.M. or 2:00 P.M?

4. Be in my office promptly at 10:35 A.M.

5. You never get to bed before 11:30 P.M.

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Lesson 186 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Using all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons, find the verbs (v), subjects (subj), predicate nominatives (pn), direct objects (do), appositives (app), nouns of address (na), adjectives (adj), predicate adjectives (pa), adverbs (adv), prepositions (prep), and objects of the preposition (op) in the following sentences. If there are any adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases then tell what word they modify.

1. We are proud of our family and of their effort.

2. The dark colors from the accident stained everything by the road.

3. The teacher grabbed from her desk a new test for one of the students.

4. Into the police station staggered the wounded man.

5. The president of the company, Mr. Wright, is never wrong.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. are = verb; we = subject; proud = predicate adjective modifying we; of our family/of their
effort = prep phrases modifying proud; of/of = preposition; family/effort = objects of preposition; our = adj. modifying family; their = adj. modifying effort

2. stained = verb; colors = subject; everything = direct object; the/dark = adj. modifying colors; from the accident modifying colors/by the road modifying everything = prep phrases; from/ by = prepositions; accident/road = objects of preposition; the = adj. modifying accident; the = adj. modifying road

3. grabbed = verb; teacher = subject; test = direct object; the = adj. modifying teacher; a/new = adj. modifying test; from her desk modifying grabbed/for one modifying grabbed/of the students modifying one = prep phrases; from/for/of = prepositions; desk/one/students = object of preposition; her = adj. modifying desk; the = adj. modifying students

4. staggered = verb; man = subject; the/wounded = adj. modifying man; into the police station = prep phrase modifying staggered; into = preposition; station = object of preposition; the/police = adj. modifying station

5. is = verb; president = subject; Mr. Wright = appositive; wrong = predicate adjective; the = adj. modifying president; never = adv. modifying is; of the company = prep phrase modifying president; of = preposition; company = object of preposition; the = adj. modifying company

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Lesson 386 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

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Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter. 

 

Example: 

Dear Sir:

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. Dear Mr. Witt

2. Dear Madam

3. My dear Mrs. Garrity

4. Gentlemen

5. To whom it may concern

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Dear Mr. Witt:

2. Dear Madam:

3. My dear Mrs. Garrity:

4. Gentlemen:

5. To whom it may concern:

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Quiz for Lessons 181 - 185 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase. Notice that some prepositional phrases may be adverbs or adjectives because of their location in the sentence.

 

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences, identify what they tell us, and what they modify.

1. The librarian took from her desk a new edition of one of the classics.

2. It was placed in the display case in the corner of the library.

3. Many books of mysteries and detective stories are found in the library.

4. One story about magic appears in our literature book.

5. This story contains clues to the solution of the mystery.

6. I have read many stories by Arthur Conan Doyle about Sherlock Holmes.

7. A wall of ancient Pompeii was discovered accidentally by an ordinary peasant.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The librarian took from her desk a new edition of one of the classics.

- from her desk modifies took (telling where)

- of one modifies edition (telling which)

- of the classics modifies one (telling what kind)

2. It was placed in the display case in the corner of the library.

- in the display case modifies was placed (telling where)

- in the corner modifies case (telling which)

- of the library modifies corner (telling which)

3. Many books of mysteries and detective stories are found in the library.

- of mysteries and detective stories modifies books (telling what kind)

- in the library modifies are found (telling where)

4. One story about magic appears in our literature book.

- about magic modifies story (telling what kind)

- in our literature book modifies appears (telling where)

5. This story contains clues to the solution of the mystery.

- to the solution modifies clues (telling which)

- of the mystery modifies solution (telling which)

6. I have read many stories by Arthur Conan Doyle about Sherlock Holmes.

- by Arthur Conan Doyle modifies stories (telling which)

- about Sherlock Holmes modifies stories (telling what kind)

7. A wall of ancient Pompeii was discovered accidentally by an ordinary peasant.

- of ancient Pompeii modifies wall (telling which)

- by an ordinary peasant modifies was discovered (telling how)

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Quiz for Lessons 381 - 385 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. I am looking for the poem "The Path Not Taken" I need it tomorrow.

2. Jim sings bass Jeff, tenor.

3. I have visited Riverside, California, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Butte, Montana.

4. I will steal, cheat, and lie for you but I will not kill for you.

5. There was a sudden noise everything stopped immediately.

6. Although we may need more time, I believe we will be victorious and I believe you feel that way, too.

7. We can trust him implicitly nevertheless, we should not be careless.

8. The house looked like what we wanted on the other hand, we had not been inside.

9. I had food, clothing, and furniture but I didn't have my family.

10. He was such a "klutz" I couldn't stand him.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I am looking for the poem "The Path Not Taken"; I need it tomorrow.

2. Jim sings bass; Jeff, tenor.

3. I have visited Riverside, California; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Butte, Montana.

4. I will steal, cheat, and lie for you; but I will not kill for you.

5. There was a sudden noise; everything stopped immediately.

6. Although we may need more time, I believe we will be victorious; and I believe you feel that way, too.

7. We can trust him implicitly; nevertheless, we should not be careless.

8. The house looked like what we wanted; on the other hand, we had not been inside.

9. I had food, clothing, and furniture; but I didn't have my family.

10. He was such a "klutz"; I couldn't stand him.

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Lesson 185 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase. Notice that some prepositional phrases may be adverbs or adjectives because of their location in the sentence.

 

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences, identify what they tell us, and what they modify.

1. Yesterday many people in Alaska suffered from the heat.

2. During the morning the family drove through the lovely mountains.

3. At noon we ate our lunch at the summit with great excitement.

4. Later our friends and we strolled down the wooded path.

5. The giant hole in the mountain is an unusual monument of our past.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Yesterday many people in Alaska suffered from the heat.

- in Alaska modifies people (telling which)

- from the heat modifies "suffered" (telling how)

2. During the morning the family drove through the lovely mountains.

- During the morning modifies drove (telling when)

- through the lovely mountains modifies drove (telling where)

3. At noon we ate our lunch at the summit with great excitement.

- At noon modifies ate (telling when)

- at the summit modifies ate (telling where)

- with great excitement modifies ate (telling how)

4. Later our friends and we strolled down the wooded path.

- down the wooded path modifies strolled (telling where)

5. The giant hole in the mountain is an unusual monument of our past.

- in the mountain modifies hole (telling what kind or which)

- of our past modifies monument (telling what kind)

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Lesson 385 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Place a semicolon outside of quotation marks. 

 

Example: 

I have just read "Jabberwocky"; are you familiar with it?

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Joe is considered "simpatico" Frank is "feio."

2. Terry was wearing "glad rags" Martha, her "threads" Mary, her "duds."

3. I read the poem "Mending Wall" Don read a novel.

4. The car went "bork, bork" the train sounded like "shoosh, shoosh" the plane went "ka-boom."

5. Although it was too late, Jim shouted, "Look out!" and I said, "Duck!"

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Joe is considered "simpatico"; Frank is "feio."

2. Terry was wearing "glad rags"; Martha, her "threads"; Mary, her "duds."

3. I read the poem "Mending Wall"; Don read a novel.

4. The car went "bork, bork"; the train sounded like "shoosh, shoosh"; the plane went "ka-boom."

5. Although it was too late, Jim shouted "Look out!"; and I said "Duck!"

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Lesson 184 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase. Notice that some prepositional phrases may be adverbs or adjectives because of their location in the sentence.

 

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences, identify what they tell us, and what they modify.

1. Do you have a reason for your absence from class?

2. The veterans from the war in Spain remained loyal.

3. The class was delighted by the outcome of the story.

4. Dozens of stories about heroes are in the school library.

5. In the afternoon Henrietta went to the library.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Do you have a reason for your absence from class?

- for your absence modifies reason (telling what kind)

- from class modifies absence (telling which)

2. The veterans from the war in Spain remained loyal.

- from the war modifies veterans (telling which)

- in Spain modifies war (telling which)

3. The class was delighted by the outcome of the story.

- by the outcome modifies was delighted (telling how or why)

- of the story modifies outcome (telling which)

4. Dozens of stories about heroes are in the school library.

- of stories modifies dozens (telling what kind)

- about heroes modifies stories (telling what kind)

- in the school library modifies are (telling where)

5. In the afternoon Henrietta went to the library.

- In the afternoon modifies went (telling when)

- to the library modifies went (telling where)

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Lesson 384 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon to separate phrases or clauses of equal rank which contain commas. The semicolon in such sentences brings clarity of meaning. 

 

Example: 

We have lived in Logan, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Rio Claro, Brazil.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. The new in-laws are Jay, Pam's husband, Wendy, Will's wife, and Mark, Terri's husband.

2. For the campout we took our raincoats, boots, and tarp, but we didn't use them.

3. The mayor of the city, who attended the conference, gave a report, and he suggested several ways to save money.

4. My son is a medical technician, my daughter, a postal worker, and my wife, an editor.

5. The class officers are Fred Ogden, president, Dan Royal, vice-president, and Jayne Allen, secretary.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The new in-laws are Jay, Pam's husband; Wendy, Will's wife; and Mark, Terri's husband.

2. For the campout we took our raincoats, boots, and tarp; but we didn't use them.

3. The mayor of the city, who attended the conference, gave a report; and he suggested several ways to save money.

4. My son is a medical technician; my daughter, a postal worker; and my wife, an editor.

5. The class officers are Fred Ogden, president; Dan Royal, vice-president; and Jayne Allen, secretary.

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Lesson 183 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase. Notice that some prepositional phrases may be adverbs or adjectives because of their location in the sentence.

 

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences, identify what they tell us, and what they modify.

1. The real owner of the property is not available for comment.

2. I have no time for your excuses or delays.

3. The manager came for the answer.

4. In this century we are preserving our forests.

5. You will always be one of my best friends.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The real owner of the property is not available for comment.

- of the property modifies owner (telling which)

- for comment modifies available (telling how)

2. I have no time for your excuses or delays.

- for your excuses or delays modifies time (telling what kind)

3. The manager came for the answer.

- for the answer modifies came (telling why)

4. In this century we are preserving our forests.

- in this century modifies are preserving (telling when)

5. You will always be one of my best friends.

- of my best friends modifies one (telling which)

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Lesson 383 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that introduces a clause in a compound sentence.

Common conjunctive adverbs are therefore, nevertheless, moreover, consequently, furthermore, besides, then, thus, instead, accordingly, otherwise, so, yet, still, hence, however. 

 

Example: 

Jill knew she could not win; nevertheless, she kept running.

Explanatory expressions (for example, namely, on the contrary, in fact, that is, on the other hand) are used similarly as conjunctive adverbs with a semicolon preceding them and a comma following. 

 

Example: 

The weather was wonderful; in fact, it was the best weather for a month.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. I have not heard the latest comments therefore, I cannot render an opinion.

2. Our children have traveled throughout the world for example, Australia, Brazil, Korea, and Russia.

3. In Brazil we have seen many places on the other hand, we have never been to Africa.

4. We plan to return some day to Brazil therefore, we want to visit Rio, Sao Paulo, and Manaus.

5. Barbara is a diligent student she, in fact, is tops in her class.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I have not heard the latest comments; therefore, I cannot render an opinion.

2. Our children have traveled throughout the world; for example, Australia, Brazil, Korea, and Russia.

3. In Brazil we have seen many places; on the other hand, we have never been to Africa.

4. We plan to return some day to Brazil; therefore, we want to visit Rio, Sao Paulo, and Manaus.

5. Barbara is a diligent student; she, in fact, is tops in her class.

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Lesson 182 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase. Notice that some prepositional phrases may be adverbs or adjectives because of their location in the sentence.

 

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences, identify what they tell us, and what they modify.

1. The early settlers were very careless of our forests.

2. We divided the candy among the children at the party.

3. I still live in that stucco house in the next block.

4. The rooms of the house were dark and dreary.

5. The sound of whispers came to us through the window.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The early settlers were very careless of our forests.

- of our forests modifies careless (telling how)

2. We divided the candy among the children at the party.

- among the children modifies divided (telling how)

- at the party modifies children (telling which)

- or -

- at the party modifies divided (telling where)

3. I still live in that stucco house in the next block.

- in that stucco house modifies live (telling where)

- in the next block modifies house (telling which)

4. The rooms of the house were dark and dreary.

- of the house modifies rooms (telling which)

5. The sound of whispers came to us through the window.

- of whispers modifies sound telling what kind)

- to us modifies came (telling where)

- through the window modifies came (telling how)

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Lesson 382 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon between the two independent clauses of a compound sentence joined by a co-ordinate conjunction if commas are also used in the sentence. 

 

Example: 

Although the story is impossible, I believe you; and the others will, too.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Since you asked my opinion, I will tell you and I hope you will listen well.

2. Although he is highly qualified, he is not dependable and I am afraid to hire him.

3. Because Sarah is absent a great deal, she has a hard time keeping up but she is willing to work overtime.

4. Although I prefer English, I know that math is important and I will work hard in both classes.

5. When you arrive on the train, take a taxi to the bus station or I can meet you at the train.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Since you asked my opinion, I will tell you; and I hope you will listen well.

2. Although he is highly qualified, he is not dependable; and I am afraid to hire him.

3. Because Sarah is absent a great deal, she has a hard time keeping up; but she is willing to work overtime.

4. Although I prefer English, I know that math is important; and I will work hard in both classes.

5. When you arrive on the train, take a taxi to the bus station; or I can meet you at the train.

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