Saturday, January 11, 2025

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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Quiz for Lessons 81-85 - Parts of Speech - Conjunctions

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A conjunction is a word that joins other words, phrases (groups of words), or clauses (groups of words with a subject and verb).
 
Co-ordinate conjunctions join words, phases, or clauses of equal rank. There are two kinds: simple and correlative. Subordinate conjunctions join dependent clauses to independent clauses. I will refer to them simply as co-ordinate, correlative, and subordinate.

The co-ordinate conjunctions are the following: and, but, or, nor, for, and yet. (For and yet can only join clauses.)

The correlative conjunctions are always in pairs. They are either-or, neither-nor, both-and, not only-but also, and whether-or.

Some common subordinate conjunctions are after, although, as, as if, because, before, if, since, so that, than, unless, until, when, where, and while.

Instructions: Find the conjunctions in these sentences, and tell whether it is co-ordinate, correlative, or subordinate.

1. If you have time, visit your sister while you are in Tucson.

2. The hurricane damaged not only North Carolina but also New Jersey.

3. The injured boy could neither walk nor talk.

4. Soccer and basketball are popular sports throughout the world.

5. The principal and the teacher were shocked, but they soon punished him.

6. She was arrested because she was both dishonest and corrupt.

7. As I said, you may have either this dog or the other.

8. Did you honk, or did I imagine it?

9. Although the storm passed, the clouds were dark and gloomy.

10. After the semester was over, my friend and I traveled to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.


--For answers scroll down.











Answers:

1. If you have time, visit your sister while you are in Tucson.
    - If (subordinate), while (subordinate)

2. The hurricane damaged not only North Carolina but also New Jersey.
    - not only-but also (correlative)

3. The injured boy could neither walk nor talk.
    - neither-nor (correlative)

4. Soccer and basketball are popular sports throughout the world.
    - and (co-ordinate)

5. The principal and the teacher were shocked, but they soon punished him.
    - and (co-ordinate), but (co-ordinate)

6. She was arrested because she was both dishonest and corrupt.
    - because (subordinate), both-and (correlative)

7. As I said, you may have either this dog or the other.
    - as (subordinate), either-or (correlative)

8. Did you honk, or did I imagine it?
    - or (co-ordinate)

9. Although the storm passed, the clouds were dark and gloomy.
    - although (subordinate), and (co-ordinate)

10. After the semester was over, my friend and I traveled to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.
    - After (subordinate), and (co-ordinate), and (co-ordinate) 
 

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Friday, January 10, 2025

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 85 - Parts of Speech - Interjections

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An interjection is a word or word group that shows feeling. A mild interjection is followed by a comma; a strong interjection is followed by an exclamation mark. Interjections are rather easy to understand so we will not spend much time on them.

      Examples:
      Well, we will soon be home.
      Oh! I didn't know he had died.

Instructions: Find the interjections in these sentences.

1. Dear me! That is terrible.

2. Nonsense, you can do it.

3. Wow! You look gorgeous!

4. Sh! The baby is asleep.

5. Oh, what a beautiful baby you have.


--For answers scroll down.











Answers:

1. Dear me! That is terrible.

2. Nonsense, you can do it.

3. Wow! You look gorgeous!

4. Sh! The baby is asleep.

5. Oh, what a beautiful baby you have.


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Thursday, January 9, 2025

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 84 - Parts of Speech - Conjunctions

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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.
 

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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

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 83 - Parts of Speech - Conjunctions

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A conjunction is a word that joins other words, phrases (groups of words), or clauses (groups of words with a subject and verb).
 
Correlative conjunctions join words, phases, or clauses of equal rank. The correlative conjunctions are always in pairs. They are either-or, neither-nor, both-and, not only-but also, and whether-or.

Instructions: Find the correlative conjunctions in these sentences and tell if they are joining words, phrases, or clauses.

1. I like neither the blue one nor the red one.

2. Both the man and his wife wanted not only the television but also the VCR.

3. Whether you like it, or you don't like it, I am going home.

4. Either you get the work done now, or I will get someone else to do it.

5. Both the letter to the editor and the response to it were gratifying.


--For answers scroll down.











Answers:

1. I like neither the blue one nor the red one.
    - words (The adjectives "the blue" and "the red" don't change what is joined.)

2. Both the man and his wife wanted not only the television but also the VCR.
    - words (Again the adjectives don't change the fact that you are joining words/nouns.)

3. Whether you like it, or you don't like it, I am going home.
    - clauses 

4. Either you get the work done now, or I will get someone else to do it.
    - clauses  

5. Both the letter to the editor and the response to it were gratifying.
    - words (Leaving out the modifiers doesn't change the meaning of the sentence.)


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Tuesday, January 7, 2025

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.



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 82 - Parts of Speech - Conjunctions

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A conjunction is a word that joins other words, phrases (groups of words), or clauses (groups of words with a subject and verb). 
 
Correlative conjunctions join words, phases, or clauses of equal rank. The correlative conjunctions are always in pairs. They are either-or, neither-nor, both-and, not only-but also, and whether-or.
 
Instructions: Locate the correlative conjunctions joining clauses in these sentences.

1. Either I heard someone knocking, or I thought that I did.

2. Whether you like it, or they like it, doesn't matter.

3. Both what I say, and what I do are important.

4. Not only will I do my best, but also I will do it correctly.

5. Neither had the man gone, nor was he going soon.


--For answers scroll down.











Answers:

1. Either I heard someone knocking, or I thought that I did.

2. Whether you like it, or they like it, doesn't matter.

3. Both what I say, and what I do are important.

4. Not only will I do my best, but also I will do it correctly.

5. Neither had the man gone, nor was he going soon.


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Monday, January 6, 2025

Lesson 381 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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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.



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 81 - Parts of Speech - Conjunctions

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A conjunction is a word that joins other words, phrases (groups of words), or clauses (groups of words with a subject and verb). 
 
Correlative conjunctions join words, phases, or clauses of equal rank. The correlative conjunctions are always in pairs. They are either-or, neither-nor, both-and, not only-but also, and whether-or.

Instructions: List the correlative conjunctions joining phrases in the following sentences.

1. You can go neither to the corn maze nor to the movie.

2. Not only in the movie but also in the book, the plot was outstanding.

3. I will wear either the gray coat or the brown sweater with this pair of pants.

4. I didn't know whether to correct him or let him learn the hard way.

5. I enjoyed both reading the book and seeing the movie.


--For answers scroll down.











Answers:

1. You can go neither to the corn maze nor to the movie.

2. Not only in the movie but also in the book, the plot was outstanding.

3. I will wear either the gray coat or the brown sweater with this pair of pants.

4. I didn't know whether to correct him or let him learn the hard way.

5. I enjoyed both reading the book and seeing the movie.


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.