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

View Quiz - Print Quiz

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.

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 382 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

View Lesson - Print Lesson

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.

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 381 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

View Lesson - Print Lesson

Use a semicolon between two independent clauses of a compound sentence when they are not joined by a co-ordinate conjunction. 

 

Example: 

There was a sudden silence; everyone was stunned by the outcome.

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

1. Carl is tall his brother is short.

2. He knocked several times no one came to the door.

3. The siren blew loudly I rushed to the window the police raced pass as I looked out.

4. I waited several hours for you you did not return I became concerned.

5. My sister loves mysteries my brother likes technical manuals.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Carl is tall; his brother is short.

2. He knocked several times; no one came to the door.

3. The siren blew loudly; I rushed to the window; the police raced past as I looked out.

4. I waited several hours for you; you did not return; I became concerned.

5. My sister loves mysteries; my brother likes technical manuals.

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 366 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

View Lesson - Print Lesson

Use a comma before the co-ordinate conjunctions that join independent clauses in a compound sentence. Very short clauses joined by and may omit the comma.

 

Examples: 

Harry will leave on the next flight, but you will join him in a week. 

You wash and I will dry.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. She walked and he ran.

2. I went to New York by train but I returned by plane.

3. I neither like you nor will I assist you in your request.

4. He will have to help or the project will not be completed.

5. The boss will be here tomorrow and we will ask for a raise.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. She walked and he ran. (no comma needed, but you would not be wrong to use one after walked)

2. I went to New York by train, but I returned by plane.

3. I neither like you, nor will I assist you in your request.

4. He will have to help, or the project will not be completed.

5. The boss will be here tomorrow, and we will ask for a raise.

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Quiz for Lessons 291- 295 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound/Complex Sentences

View Quiz on Daily Grammar - Print Quiz

Instructions: The following sentences are made up of two independent clauses with one or more dependent clauses. You are to identify the clauses telling what kind each is. The choices are independent clause, noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause.

1. Rulon steered the jeep down the muddy road to the camp site, and then he discovered that it was the wrong road.

2. When Carl came up to bat, the bases were loaded, and there were two outs.

3. I've just learned that our vacation plans must be changed; as a result, we'll leave later in the month.

4. Older television sets had tubes; the newest models, which take less space, are digital televisions.

5. My Uncle Al drove a snow-removal truck, and when there was a big snow storm, he would be called to work at any time.

6. If you are an election judge, you distribute the ballots, and you count them after the polls close.

7. Many monuments are found around the White House, and foreign leaders who come to Washington often visit them.

8. The doctor told us how we could revive a heart-attack victim, and she demonstrated on a dummy, me.

9. Jeff tried the new dance steps that had been demonstrated, and he mastered them quickly.

10. The bola is a rope which is used to catch animals; it has weights on the end of it.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Rulon steered the jeep down the muddy road to the camp site = independent clause

then he discovered = independent clause

that it was the wrong road = noun clause

2. When Carl came up to bat = adverb clause

the bases were loaded = independent clause

there were two outs = independent clause

3. I've just learned = independent clause

that our vacation plans must be changed = noun clause

as a result, we'll leave later in the month = independent clause

4. Older television sets had tubes = independent clause

the newest models are digital televisions = independent clause

which take less space = adjective clause

5. My Uncle Al drove a snow-removal truck = independent clause

when there was a big snow storm = adverb clause

he would be called to work at any time = independent clause

6. If you are an election judge = adverb clause

you distribute the ballots = independent clause

you count them = independent clause

after the polls close = adverb clause

7. Many monuments are found around the White House = independent clause

foreign leaders often visit them = independent clause

who come to Washington = adjective clause

8. The doctor told us = independent clause

how we could revive a heart-attack victim = noun clause

she demonstrated on a dummy, me = independent clause

9. Jeff tried the new dance steps = independent clause

that had been demonstrated = adjective clause

he mastered them quickly = independent clause

10. The bola is a rope = independent clause

which is used to catch animals = adjective clause

it has weights on the end of it = independent clause

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 293 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound/Complex Sentences

View Lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause.

 

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.) A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Instructions: The following sentences are made up of two independent clauses with one or more dependent clauses. You are to identify the clauses telling what kind each is. The choices are independent clause, noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause.

1. We enlarged our house, and after we had finished the work, we moved to Hawaii and never returned.

2. The vacation should be restful, but many people take vacations that are never restful.

3. James said that will be enough, and everyone agreed.

4. Dad went fishing, but Mom stayed home because she wanted to be there when Terri arrived.

5. Although the children were running everywhere, closer observation indicated that they were playing a game, and they had created it themselves.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. We enlarged our house = independent clause

after we had finished the work = adverb clause

we moved to Hawaii and never returned = independent clause

2. The vacation should be restful = independent clause

many people take vacations = independent clause

that are never restful = adjective clause

3. James said = independent clause

that will be enough = noun clause

everyone agreed = independent clause

4. Dad went fishing = independent clause

Mom stayed home = independent clause

because she wanted to be there = adverb clause

when Terri arrived = adverb clause

5. Although the children were running everywhere = adverb clause

closer observation indicated = independent clause

that they were playing a game = noun clause

they had created it themselves = independent clause

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 292 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound/Complex Sentences

View Lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause.

 

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.) A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Instructions: The following sentences are made up of two independent clauses with one or more dependent clauses. You are to identify the clauses telling what kind each is. The choices are independent clause, noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause.

1. Since we had gone only a mile from camp, we could return before dark, and we would not become lost.

2. After the tornado had hit, my house was gone, but my neighbor's house was not touched.

3. Mary heard the frightening noise again, and the sound was one that would frighten the bravest of people.

4. The route can be changed, but I know several people who will not like the change.

5. Dr. Mathews did what could be done, but it simply was not enough to save his life.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Since we had gone only a mile from camp = adverb clause

we could return before dark = independent clause

we would not become lost = independent clause

2. After the tornado had hit = adverb clause

my house was gone = independent clause

my neighbor's house was not touched = independent clause

3. Mary heard the frightening noise again = independent clause

the sound was one = independent clause

that would frighten the bravest of people = adjective clause

4. The route can be changed = independent clause

I know several people = independent clause

who will not like the change = adjective clause

5. Dr. Mathews did = independent clause

what could be done = noun clause

it simply was not enough to save his life = independent clause

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 291 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound/Complex Sentences

View Lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause.

 

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.) A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Instructions: The following sentences are made up of two independent clauses with one or more dependent clauses. You are to identify the clauses telling what kind each is. The choices are independent clause, noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause.

1. John went to school, but James remained at home because he had a sore throat.

2. If he changes his mind, we shall know for sure that Joe has learned his lesson, but only time will tell.

3. Those clouds promise rain; we should hurry before we get caught in a flash flood.

4. Here is the money that I owe you, and I am happy to be free of debt.

5. Were you ever in a storm that was full of lightning, or don't you recall?

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. John went to school = independent clause

James remained at home = independent clause

because he had a sore throat = adverb clause

2. If he changes his mind = adverb clause

we shall know for sure = independent clause

that Joe has learned his lesson = noun clause

only time will tell = independent clause

3. Those clouds promise rain = independent clause

we should hurry = independent clause

before we get caught in a flash flood = adverb clause

4. Here is the money = independent clause

that I owe you = adjective clause

I am happy to be free of debt = independent clause

5. Were you ever in a storm = independent clause

that was full of lightning = adjective clause

don't you recall = independent clause

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 84 - Parts of Speech - Conjunctions

View lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

A conjunction is a word that joins other words, phrases (groups of words), or clauses (groups of words with a subject and verb). 

 

Subordinate conjunctions join dependent clauses (a sentence that must be attached to another clause to make sense) to independent clauses (a sentence that makes sense by itself). Some common subordinate conjunctions are after, although, as, as if, because, before, if, since, so that, than, unless, until, when, where, while.

Instructions: Find the subordinate conjunctions in these sentences.

1. If you don't mind, I will return in a week.

2. I am working hard because I want to succeed.

3. I will not be going north until the weather changes.

4. Unless you are correct about the trail, we will be lost in these mountains.

5. He can do this work better than I can.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. If you don't mind, I will return in a week.

2. I am working hard because I want to succeed.

3. I will not be going north until the weather changes.

4. Unless you are correct about the trail, we will be lost in these mountains.

5. He can do this work better than I can.

 

Next Lesson
 

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Quiz for Lessons 261 - 265 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverb Clauses

View quiz on Daily Grammar - Print Quiz

Instructions: Find the adverb clauses in the following sentences and tell what they modify.

1. I am hungrier than I thought.

2. We left before the game was over.

3. Lee is older than Bill.

4. While I was waiting for the phone call, I read a book.

5. If you don't believe me, ask my wife.

6. Are you upset because I didn't call?

7. The alarm rang while I was in the shower.

8. Open the window so that we can have some fresh air.

9. Paul will take you home when you are ready.

10. You shouldn't say those things unless you are certain about their validity.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I am hungrier than I thought.

- than I thought modifies hungrier

2. We left before the game was over.

- before the game was over modifies left

3. Lee is older than Bill.

- than Bill (is old) modifies older

4. While I was waiting for the phone call, I read a book.

- While I was waiting for the phone call modifies read

5. If you don't believe me, ask my wife.

- If you don't believe me modifies ask

6. Are you upset because I didn't call?

- because I didn't call modifies upset

7. The alarm rang while I was in the shower.

- while I was in the shower modifies rang

8. Open the window so that we can have some fresh air.

- so that we can have some fresh air modifies open

9. Paul will take you home when you are ready.

- when you are ready modifies will take

10. You shouldn't say those things unless you are certain about their validity.

- unless you are certain about their validity modifies should say

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 265 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverb Clauses

View lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

 

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause (which can stand alone and make sense) and a dependent clause (which must be attached to the independent clause to make sense). 

 

Example: 

The television was playing (independent clause) as I left the room (dependent clause). 

 

There are three kinds of dependent clauses: adjective clause, adverb clause, and noun clause.

An adverb clause is a dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It usually modifies the verb.

Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinate conjunctions including after, although, as, as if, before, because, if, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, where, and while. These are just some of the more common ones.

Example: 

They arrived before the game had ended. 

- before the game had ended modifying arrived (telling when)

Sometimes the adverb clause is placed at the beginning of the sentence. When it introduces the sentence, it is always set off with a comma. 

 

Example: 

Before the game had ended, they arrived.

Than and as introduce clauses that are called elliptical clauses. That is they have some of their parts understood but not stated. 

 

Example: 

You are smarter than I. (am smart omitted) 

- than I modifies the comparative word smarter

Instructions: Find the adverb clauses in the following sentences and tell what they modify.

1. Ila reads music better than Becky.

2. The dog whined sadly as I walked into the house.

3. If you have time, finish doing the dishes for me.

4. Many operations are unsuccessful because the patient is not careful afterwards.

5. Whenever I go out the door, the dog barks to go also.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Ila reads music better than Becky. (can read music well omitted)

- than Becky (can read music well) modifies better

2. The dog whined sadly as I walked into the house.

- as I walked into the house modifies whined

3. If you have time, finish doing the dishes for me.

- If you have time modifies finish

4. Many operations are unsuccessful because the patient is not careful afterwards.

- because the patient in not careful afterwards modifies unsuccessful

5. Whenever I go out the door, the dog barks to go also.

- Whenever I go out the door modifies barks

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 264 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverb Clauses

View lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

 

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause (which can stand alone and make sense) and a dependent clause (which must be attached to the independent clause to make sense). 

 

Example: 

The television was playing (independent clause) as I left the room (dependent clause). 

 

There are three kinds of dependent clauses: adjective clause, adverb clause, and noun clause.

An adverb clause is a dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It usually modifies the verb.

Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinate conjunctions including after, although, as, as if, before, because, if, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, where, and while. These are just some of the more common ones.

Example: 

They arrived before the game had ended. 

- before the game had ended modifying arrived (telling when)

Sometimes the adverb clause is placed at the beginning of the sentence. When it introduces the sentence, it is always set off with a comma. 

 

Example: 

Before the game had ended, they arrived.

Than and as introduce clauses that are called elliptical clauses. That is they have some of their parts understood but not stated. 

 

Example: 

You are smarter than I. (am smart omitted) 

- than I modifies the comparative word smarter

Instructions: Find the adverb clauses in the following sentences and tell what they modify.

1. Although I became tired, I enjoyed the hike.

2. You cannot become an expert driver until you drive for several years.

3. Buy that coat now because it might be sold tomorrow.

4. I cannot reach the top window unless I have a ladder.

5. After you have eaten lunch, we will leave for New York.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Although I became tired, I enjoyed the hike.

- Although I became tired modifies enjoyed

2. You cannot become an expert driver until you drive for several years.

- until you drive for several years modifies can become

3. Buy that coat now because it might be sold tomorrow.

- because it might be sold tomorrow modifies Buy

4. I cannot reach the top window unless I have a ladder.

- unless I have a ladder modifies can reach

5. After you have eaten lunch, we will leave for New York.

- After you have eaten lunch modifies will leave

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 263 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverb Clauses

View lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

 

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause (which can stand alone and make sense) and a dependent clause (which must be attached to the independent clause to make sense). 

 

Example: 

The television was playing (independent clause) as I left the room (dependent clause). 

 

There are three kinds of dependent clauses: adjective clause, adverb clause, and noun clause.

An adverb clause is a dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It usually modifies the verb.

Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinate conjunctions including after, although, as, as if, before, because, if, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, where, and while. These are just some of the more common ones.

Example: 

They arrived before the game had ended. 

- before the game had ended modifying arrived (telling when)

Sometimes the adverb clause is placed at the beginning of the sentence. When it introduces the sentence, it is always set off with a comma. 

 

Example: 

Before the game had ended, they arrived.

Than and as introduce clauses that are called elliptical clauses. That is they have some of their parts understood but not stated. 

 

Example: 

You are smarter than I. (am smart omitted) 

- than I modifies the comparative word smarter

Instructions: Complete the elliptical adverb clauses in the following sentences and tell what they modify.

1. My dog is older than I.

2. Jim can run faster than Jeff.

3. Pam spells more accurately than she keyboards.

4. He is trying as hard as James.

5. Barbara is a better tennis player than Jeanne.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. My dog is older than I am old.

- than I am old modifies the predicate adjective older

2. Jim can run faster than Jeff can run fast.

- than Jeff can run fast modifies faster

3. Pam spells more accurately than she keyboards accurately.

- than she keyboards accurately modifies accurately

4. He is trying as hard as James is trying hard.

- as James is trying hard modifies hard

5. Barbara is a better tennis player than Jeanne is a good tennis player.

- than Jeanne is a good tennis player modifies better

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.

Lesson 262 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverb Clauses

View lesson on Daily Grammar - Print Lesson

 

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause (which can stand alone and make sense) and a dependent clause (which must be attached to the independent clause to make sense). 

 

Example: 

The television was playing (independent clause) as I left the room (dependent clause). 

 

There are three kinds of dependent clauses: adjective clause, adverb clause, and noun clause.

An adverb clause is a dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It usually modifies the verb.

Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinate conjunctions including after, although, as, as if, before, because, if, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, where, and while. These are just some of the more common ones.

Example: 

They arrived before the game had ended. 

- before the game had ended modifying arrived (telling when)

Instructions: Find the adverb dependent clauses in the following sentences and tell what they modify.

1. When you came from the garage, did you see the mower there?

2. Because the field was muddy, the game had to be cancelled.

3. Although you should return to class, just wait here for me.

4. As I sat motionless, the two squirrels came closer and closer.

5. Since I can spare only a few minutes, please be brief with your presentation.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. When you came from the garage, did you see the mower there?

- When you came from the garage modifies did see

2. Because the field was muddy, the game had to be cancelled.

- Because the field was muddy modifies the verbal to be cancelled

3. Although you should return to class, just wait here for me.

- Although you should return to class modifies wait

4. As I sat motionless, the two squirrels came closer and closer.

- As I sat motionless modifies came

5. Since I can spare only a few minutes, please be brief with your presentation.

- Since I can spare only a few minutes modifies the predicate adjective brief

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.