Lesson 362 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma when words are omitted from parallel clauses in a compound sentence. 

 

Example: 

Mother baked an apple pie, and Aunt Gayle, a chocolate cake.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. Fred asked the question; Sarah the answer.

2. I like classical music; my wife country music.

3. Ann graduated from Utah State University, and Boyd Arizona State University.

4. This box has the books, and that box the recordings.

5. Stephanie told a funny story; Alaina a scary one.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Fred asked the question; Sarah, the answer.

2. I like classical music; my wife, country music.

3. Ann graduated from Utah State University, and Boyd, Arizona State University.

4. This box has the books, and that box, the recordings.

5. Stephanie told a funny story; Alaina, a scary one.

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Lesson 161 - Parts of the Sentence - Adverbs

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Adverbs are words that modify (1) verbs, (2) adjectives, and (3) other adverbs. They tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). 

 

Why is a common one-word adverb that tells why. Adverbs that tell us how, when, where, and why always modify the verb. These adverbs can shift location in the sentence without changing meaning or what they modify. Adverbs that tell us how much modify adjectives or other adverbs. Adverbs that tell how much will come just before the adjectives or adverbs that they modify. These adverbs are also called qualifiers because they strengthen or weaken the words they modify. 

 

Examples: 

He kicked the ball solidly. (how)

He kicked the ball immediately. (when)

He kicked the ball forward. (where)

He kicked the ball too hard. (how much)

Not and its contraction n't are adverbs. They really modify the entire sentence, but we will have them modify the verb as it is the most important word in the sentence. This is a common practice in grammar books.

Instructions: Find the adverbs in the following sentences and tell what word they modify. They will all modify the verb.

1. Did you ever return the video?

2. He did not answer but just looked up sadly.

3. Now I surely know the answer.

4. He completely forgot about the video.

5. Lanie already returned it for you.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Did you ever return the video?

- ever modifies did return

2. He did not answer but just looked up sadly.

- not modifies did answer 

- just, up, and sadly modify looked

3. Now I surely know the answer.

- now and surely modify know

4. He completely forgot about the video.

- completely modifies forgot

5. Lanie already returned it for you.

- already modifies returned

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Lesson 361 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma to set off a short clause at the end of the sentence to change a statement into a question or an exclamatory sentence. 

 

Example: 

You are going to town, aren't you?

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. That should make them take notice shouldn't it!

2. This is a beautiful location isn't it?

3. Becky is a living miracle isn't she!

4. Joe was here this morning wasn't he?

5. The new player really tries doesn't he!

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. That should make them take notice, shouldn't it!

2. This is a beautiful location, isn't it?

3. Becky is a living miracle, isn't she!

4. Joe was here this morning, wasn't he?

5. The new player really tries, doesn't he!

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Quiz for Lessons 156 - 160 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Find the verbs, subjects, predicate nominatives, direct objects, appositives, nouns of address, and adjectives in the following sentences.

1. Jay, we will need the electrician's help tomorrow.

2. That's right!

3. That attractive woman in the red dress and shoes is she.

4. Two of the most famous bridges are Rainbow Bridge and Natural Bridge.

5. Mars has become the probe graveyard.

6. Ila was wearing her Christmas presents, a pearl necklace and earrings.

7. The game was won in the last second, Boyd!

8. Go and bring in the newspaper, Grandpa.

9. I need a new suit, some shoes, and a fancy tie.

10. Your mother is whipping the cream for the pumpkin pie, your favorite dessert.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. will need = verb; we = subject; help = direct object; Jay = noun of address; the, electrician's = adjectives

2. is ('s) = verb; that = subject; right = predicate adjective

3. is = verb; woman = subject; she = predicate nominative; that, attractive, the, red = adjectives

4. are = verb; Two = subject; Rainbow Bridge/Natural Bridge = predicate nominatives; the, famous = adjectives

5. has become = verb; Mars = subject; graveyard = predicate nominative; the, probe = adjectives

6. was wearing = verb; Ila = subject; presents = direct object; necklace/earrings = appositives; her, Christmas, a, pearl = adjectives

7. was won = verb; game = subject; Boyd = noun of address; the, the, last = adjectives

8. go/bring = verbs; you (understood) = subject; newspaper = direct object; Grandpa = noun of address; the = adjective

9. need = verb; I = subject; suit/shoes/tie = direct objects; a, new, some, a, fancy = adjectives

10. is whipping = verb; mother = subject; cream = direct object; dessert = appositive; your, the, the, pumpkin, your, favorite = adjectives

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Quiz for Lessons 356 - 360 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Comma

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Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. When you return the opportunity will still await you.

2. Having done my best I sat down to see the results.

3. To get the job done you will need to pace yourself.

4. During the last game of the World Series a riot took place.

5. His face stern and set told me that I was in trouble.

6. The answer without doubt will make all the difference.

7. After you finish doing the dishes the floor needs mopping.

8. To get the correct results you must follow the proper order of adding ingredients.

9. Trying to secure the boat the man fell haplessly into the water.

10. In view of the recent events in the Middle East peace does not seem likely.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. When you return, the opportunity will still await you.

2. Having done my best, I sat down to see the results.

3. To get the job done, you will need to pace yourself.

4. During the last game of the World Series, a riot took place.

5. His face, stern and set, told me that I was in trouble.

6. The answer, without doubt, will make all the difference.

7. After you finish doing the dishes, the floor needs mopping.

8. To get the correct results, you must follow the proper order of adding ingredients.

9. Trying to secure the boat, the man fell haplessly into the water.

10. In view of the recent events in the Middle East, peace does not seem likely.

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Lesson 160 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Using all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons, find the verbs, subjects, predicate nominatives, direct objects, appositives, nouns of address, and adjectives in the following sentences.

1. The diamond is the hardest known mineral.

2. The best student in your class is my sister Marilyn.

3. Drink this lemonade and get some rest.

4. Paul, does Sarah like her new dress and skirt?

5. We have been collecting aluminum cans for many weeks.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. is = verb; diamond = subject; mineral = predicate nominative; the, the, hardest, known = adjectives

2. is = verb; student = subject; sister = predicate nominative; Marilyn = appositive; the, best, your, my = adjectives

3. drink/get = verbs; you (understood) = subject; lemonade/rest = direct objects; this, some = adjectives

4. does like = verb; Sarah = subject; dress/skirt = direct objects; Paul = noun of address; her, new = adjectives

5. have been collecting = verb; we = subject; cans = direct object; aluminum, many = adjectives

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Lesson 360 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma or commas to set off transposed (out of their natural order) words, phrases, or other modifiers.

Example: 

This woman, without question, is too weak. 

(These transposed items are very much like the introductory items, but they do not come at the beginning of the sentence.)

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. Turn to increase the volume the knob to the right.

2. The intruder very quietly closed the door.

3. Her hand cut and bruised showed the ordeal undertaken by her.

4. Sam although he likes drama seldom ever attends a play.

5. All the contestants eager and well-prepared required a good night's rest.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Turn, to increase the volume, the knob to the right.

2. The intruder, very quietly, closed the door.

3. Her hand, cut and bruised, showed the ordeal undertaken by her.

4. Sam, although he likes drama, seldom ever attends a play.

5. All the contestants, eager and well-prepared, required a good night's rest.

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Lesson 159 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Using all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons, find the verbs, subjects, predicate nominatives, direct objects, appositives, nouns of address, and adjectives in the following sentences.

1. My Uncle Bill runs a large and spacious horse ranch.

2. Those small boys, Todd and Mark, have built many funny sand castles.

3. The basketball player appeared restless but ready for the game.

4. Claudia, this frightened child has lost his mother.

5. Your father seems very old and feeble now.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. runs = verb; Uncle Bill = subject; ranch = direct object; my, a, large, spacious, horse = adjectives

2. have built = verb; boys = subject; castles = direct object; Todd/Mark = appositives; those, small, many, funny, sand = adjectives

3. appeared = verb; player = subject; restless/ready = predicate adjectives; the, basketball, the = adjectives

4. has lost = verb; child = subject; mother = direct object; Claudia = noun of address; this, frightened, his = adjectives

5. seems = verb; father = subject; old/feeble = predicate adjectives; your = adjective

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Lesson 359 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma after long introductory prepositional phrases or two or more consecutive prepositional phrases. 

 

Examples: 

At the entrance to the cave, the guide gave us instructions. 

During those hot, boring summer days, time passed very slowly.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. After the wreck into the pine tree the car was towed away.

2. Into the woods during the shower ran the black horse.

3. After the long and exhausting trip we finally arrived at our destination.

4. In the hall closet on the top shelf you will find the material I need.

5. Through the vast expanse of space the astronauts traveled continuously.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. After the wreck into the pine tree, the car was towed away.

2. Into the woods during the shower, ran the black horse.

3. After the long and exhausting trip, we finally arrived at our destination.

4. In the hall closet on the top shelf, you will find the material I need.

5. Through the vast expanse of space, the astronauts traveled continuously.

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Lesson 158 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Using all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons, find the verbs, subjects, predicate nominatives, direct objects, appositives, nouns of address, and adjectives in the following sentences.

1. Will's injured arm has been hurting him again.

2. Jeff is always careless with his homework.

3. The startled and excited people began the long march to the park.

4. The short, fat, ugly horse was the last one in the corral.

5. Few explorers have accomplished their intended goals.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. has been hurting = verb; arm = subject; him = direct object; Will's, injured = adjectives

2. is = verb; Jeff = subject; careless = predicate adjective; his = adjective

3. began = verb; people = subject; march = direct object; the, startled, excited, the, long, the = adjectives

4. was = verb; horse = subject; one = predicate nominative; the, short, fat, ugly, the, last, the = adjectives

5. have accomplished = verb; explorers = subject; goals = direct object; few, their, intended = adjectives

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Lesson 358 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma after an introductory dependent adverb clause. 

 

Example: 

If you want to see the Olympics, order your tickets now.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. When my luggage arrives I will give you your present.

2. After the game was over both the team and the fans celebrated.

3. If you do not believe me ask the rest of those present.

4. Although I am afraid I will lead you through the woods.

5. Where the troops are we are going.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. When my luggage arrives, I will give you your present.

2. After the game was over, both the team and the fans celebrated.

3. If you do not believe me, ask the rest of those present.

4. Although I am afraid, I will lead you through the woods.

5. Where the troops are, we are going.

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Lesson 157 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Using all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons, find the verbs, subjects, predicate nominatives, direct objects, appositives, nouns of address, and adjectives in the following sentences.

1. The dog became noisy.

2. Are many women famous athletes?

3. Both girls have been enjoying their vacation, a trip to Disneyland.

4. These black shoes are my favorite ones.

5. Ann, did you see Chris's new camera?

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. became = verb; dog = subject; noisy = predicate adjective; the = adjective

2. are = verb; women = subject; athletes = predicate nominative; many, famous = adjectives

3. have been enjoying = verb; girls = subject; vacation = direct object; trip = appositive; both, their, a = adjectives

4. are = verb; shoes = subject; ones = predicate nominative; these, black, my, favorite = adjectives

5. did see = verb; you = subject; camera = direct object; Ann = noun of address; Chris's, new = adjectives

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Lesson 357 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Commas

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Use a comma after an introductory infinitive phrase used as an adjective. 

 

Example: 

To find her ring, Mary removed everything from the room.

Instructions: Place commas where they are needed.

1. To reach Butte, Montana, in time we will need to leave before 10:00 A.M.

2. To succeed at this task you will need to practice daily.

3. To be chosen for the finals the contestant will have to do better.

4. To truly believe the story one must find answers for one's self.

5. To get the best results you should soak it for an hour.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. To reach Butte, Montana, in time, we will need to leave before 10:00 A.M.

2. To succeed at this task, you will need to practice daily.

3. To be chosen for the finals, the contestant will have to do better.

4. To truly believe the story, one must find answers for one's self.

5. To get the best results, you should soak it for an hour.

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Lesson 156 - Parts of the Sentence - Review

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Instructions: Using all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons, find the verbs, subjects, predicate nominatives, direct objects, appositives, nouns of address, and adjectives in the following sentences.

1. The two little boys wore their new suits.

2. Audrey, your new house has many beautiful features.

3. The howling wind frightened the small children.

4. That idea is brilliant, John.

5. George Washington, our first President, was also a great general.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. wore = verb; boys = subject; suits = direct object; the, two, little, their, new = adjectives

2. has = verb; house = subject; features = direct object; Audrey = noun of address; your, new, many, beautiful = adjectives

3. frightened = verb; wind = subject; children = direct object; the, howling, the, small = adjectives

4. is = verb; idea = subject; John = noun of address; brilliant = predicate adjective; that = adjective

5. was = verb; George Washington = subject; general = predicate nominative; President = appositive; our, first, a, great = adjectives

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