Quiz for Lessons 391 - 395 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

View quiz on Daily Grammar

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. Dear Chairman

2. There are four classes of poetic meter classified as follows iambic, trochaic, anapestic, and dactylic.

3. For this poll we need men, women and children.

4. The following are the three football positions that never carry the ball guard, tackle and center.

5. The polls close promptly at 800 P.M.

6. I just read Job 1414.

7. Volume 20 pages 22-28 had the material that I needed.

8. Jared showed that he was better prepared He was wearing thermal clothes.

9. Have you read The Work and the Glory So Great a Cause?

10. Consider Franklin D. Roosevelt's words to Congress "We have had the lesson before us over and over again -- nations that were not ready and were unable to get ready found themselves overrun by the enemy."

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Dear Chairman:

2. There are four classes of poetic meter classified as follows: iambic, trochaic, anapestic, and dactylic.

3. No colons needed. They are direct objects.

4. The following are the three football positions that never carry the ball: guard, tackle and center.

5. The polls close promptly at 8:00 P.M.

6. I just read Job 14:14.

7. Volume 20: pages 22-28 had the material that I needed.

8. Jared showed that he was better prepared: He was wearing thermal clothes.

9. Have you read The Work and the Glory: So Great a Cause?

10. Consider Franklin D. Roosevelt's words to Congress: "We have had the lesson before us over and over again -- nations that were not ready and were unable to get ready found themselves overrun by the enemy."

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 91 - 95 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in the following sentences. Remember that some sentences can have an inverted order.

1. Here is my shoe!

2. The little boy hit the big girl.

3. You seem unhappy today.

4. Down the road hopped the rabbit.

5. Are we going out on Halloween?

6. Have the men come all the way from Europe?

7. The soup tasted good in the cold weather.

8. The passenger should have been stopped at the gate.

9. The mail could have arrived earlier.

10. Don't go into that house!

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Here is my shoe!

2. The little boy hit the big girl.

3. You seem unhappy today.

4. Down the road hopped the rabbit.

5. Are we going out on Halloween?

6. Have the men come all the way from Europe?

7. The soup tasted good in the cold weather.

8. The passenger should have been stopped at the gate.

9. The mail could have arrived earlier.

10. Don't go into that house! (understood you)

 

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 395 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. The statement from "Gargantua" "Half the world does not know how the other half lives." is still true today.

2. I recall Emerson's words "If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mouse-trap than his neighbor, though he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door."

3. I am concerned about my mother She is not eating enough.

4. The meeting must include the following people Mark, Jay, Chris, and Rulon.

5. My daughters-in-law are Martha, Mary, Jane, and Jen.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The statement from "Gargantua": "Half the world does not know how the other half lives." is still true today.

2. I recall Emerson's words: "If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mouse-trap than his neighbor, though he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door."

3. I am concerned about my mother: She is not eating enough.

4. The meeting must include the following people: Mark, Jay, Chris, and Rulon.

5. No colon needed. They are predicate nominatives.

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 95 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb (predicate - some grammar books use the word predicate, but I will use verb).  A verb shows action or state of being.  The subject tells who or what about the verb.  When finding the subject and the verb in a sentence, always find the verb first and then say who or what followed by the verb.

     Example:
     The bell rang.
     Find the verb - rang
     Who or what rang?
     The bell rang, so bell is the subject.
     The bell rang.

Sometimes a sentence is in inverted order so the subject may come in the middle or at the end of the sentence.

     Example:
     Out of the woods came a bear.
     Find the verb - came
     Who or what came?
     The bear came, so bear is the subject.
     Out of the woods came a bear.

     Example:
     With it, were her cubs in a rolling pile.
     Find the verb - were
     Who or what were?
     The cubs were, so cubs is the subject.
     With it, were her cubs in a rolling pile.

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in these sentences.

1. Just around the corner was the parade.

2. In the fall the leaves cover the ground

3. In the city lived many poor people.

4. Over the fireplace were hanging the stockings for Santa.

5. From the thicket appeared the deer.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Just around the corner was the parade.

2. In the fall the leaves cover the ground

3. In the city lived many poor people.

4. Over the fireplace were hanging the stockings for Santa.

5. From the thicket appeared the deer.

 

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 394 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Place a colon outside of quotation marks. 

 

Example: 

That reminds me of a line from "A Psalm of Life": "Let us, then, be up and doing."

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. When offered an alcoholic drink, one should remember Martial's line in "A Total Abstainer" "No, I really don't care for a drink."

2. Do you remember the quote from "Carpe Diem" "This day's thine own; the next may be denied."

3. A man and a wife should use a line from "The Task" "With all thy faults, I love thee still."

4. Do you agree with this line from "Lacon" "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery."?

5. Whittier says in "Ichabod" "When faith is lost, when honor dies, The man is dead!"

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. When offered an alcoholic drink, one should remember Martial's line in "A Total Abstainer": "No, I really don't care for a drink."

2. Do you remember the quote from "Carpe Diem": "This day's thine own; the next may be denied."

3. A man and a wife should use a line from "The Task": "With all thy faults, I love thee still."

4. Do you agree with this line from "Lacon": "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery."?

5. Whittier says in "Ichabod": "When faith is lost, when honor dies, The man is dead!"

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 94 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb (predicate - some grammar books use the word predicate, but I will use verb).  A verb shows action or state of being.  The subject tells who or what about the verb.  When finding the subject and the verb in a sentence, always find the verb first and then say who or what followed by the verb.

     Example:
     The bell rang.
     Find the verb - rang
     Who or what rang?
     The bell rang, so bell is the subject.
     The bell rang.

An interrogative sentence asks a question.

     Example:
     Do you know the man?

Interrogative sentences many times have the subject between the parts of the verb phrase. To find the verb and the subject, turn the question into a statement.

     Example:
     Have you seen my coat?
     You have seen my coat.
     Find the verb - have seen
     Who or what have seen?
     You have seen, so you is the subject.
     Have you seen my coat?

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in these interrogative sentences.

1. Has James left for home?

2. When did the noise begin?

3. Where is Jeanne attending college?

4. Did Jeff eat any dinner?

5. Will you return on Sunday?

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Has James left for home?

2. When did the noise begin?

3. Where is Jeanne attending college?

4. Did Jeff eat any dinner?

5. Will you return on Sunday?

 

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 393 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use a colon to introduce a long or formal quotation.

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. I like the words of Emerson "The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops--no, but the kind of man the country turns out."

2. The letter to his firm began as follows "Gentlemen We received your last order in May, 1998."

3. Article l, Section l of the Constitution of the United States reads "All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives."

4. The councilman began with these words "If we don't act now and work together, our city faces economic ruin, physical deterioration, and cultural decline. The issues are critical, and the system of government under which we now function must be changed."

5. He said "I will join your group tomorrow."

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I like the words of Emerson: "The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops--no, but the kind of man the country turns out."

2. The letter to his firm began as follows: "Gentlemen: We received your last order in May, 1998." (Two colons)

3. Article l, Section l of the Constitution of the United States reads: "All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives."

4. The councilman began with these words: "If we don't act now and work together, our city faces economic ruin, physical deterioration, and cultural decline. The issues are critical, and the system of government under which we now function must be changed."

5. He said, "I will join your group tomorrow." (use only a comma since the quote is not long nor formal)

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 93 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb (predicate - some grammar books use the word predicate, but I will use verb).  A verb shows action or state of being.  The subject tells who or what about the verb.  When finding the subject and the verb in a sentence, always find the verb first and then say who or what followed by the verb.

     Example:
     The bell rang.
     Find the verb - rang
     Who or what rang?
     The bell rang, so bell is the subject.
     The bell rang.

An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.     

 

     Examples:
     Hand it in now. 

     Stop.

 

Imperative sentences always have an understood but not stated you as the subject. 

 

     Examples:
     Hand it in now. (You) hand it in now.
     Stop. (You) stop.

 

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in the following imperative sentences.

1. Give me the gun!

2. Help me please.

3. Bring me the paper.

4. Lock the car door always.

5. Run next door for some sugar.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Give me the gun! (understood you)

2. Help me please. (understood you)

3. Bring me the paper. (understood you)

4. Lock the car door always. (understood you)

5. Run next door for some sugar. (understood you)

 

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 392 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use a colon to separate two complete sentences when the second sentence explains, amplifies, or illustrates the first. 

 

Example: 

Jim had a good idea: He wanted to consult with the builder.

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. There has been no change in our plans. We will leave at 1000 P.M.

2. He stated his plans. He would borrow money; he would secure a plane; he would fly around the world.

3. That morning the people saw the problem. During the night a tree had downed the power lines.

4. Now the men knew what to do. The pressure would be increased in the forward compartment.

5. They were worried about Fred. He would fall asleep at work and spend too much time alone.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. There has been no change in our plans: We will leave at 10:00 P.M. (two colons)

2. He stated his plans: He would borrow money; he would secure a plane; he would fly around the world.

3. That morning the people saw the problem: During the night a tree had downed the power lines.

4. Now the men knew what to do: The pressure would be increased in the forward compartment.

5. They were worried about Fred: He would fall asleep at work and spend too much time alone.

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 92 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb (predicate - some grammar books use the word predicate, but I will use verb).  A verb shows action or state of being.  The subject tells who or what about the verb.  When finding the subject and the verb in a sentence, always find the verb first and then say who or what followed by the verb.

     Example:
     The bell rang.
     Find the verb - rang
     Who or what rang?
     The bell rang, so bell is the subject.
     The bell rang.

     Example:
     The boy is here.
     Find the verb - is
     Who or what is?
     The boy is, so boy is the subject.
     The boy is here.

There are four (4) kinds of sentences: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory.

1. A declarative sentence makes a statement.

     Example:
     The assignment is due tomorrow.

2. An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.

     Examples:
     Hand it in now. (understood you)
     Stop. (understood you)

3. An interrogative sentence asks a question.

     Example:
     Do you know the man?

4. An exclamatory sentence shows strong feeling. Declarative, imperative, or interrogative sentences can be made into exclamatory sentences by punctuating them with an exclamation point.

     Examples:
     The assignment is due tomorrow!
     Stop!
     Do you know the man!

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in the following sentences.

1. The programs are on the piano.

2. The kittens were under the straw stack.

3. He will be here soon.

4. The weather seems cooler.

5. The money must be on the table.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The programs are on the piano.

2. The kittens were under the straw stack.

3. He will be here soon.

     - verb phrase using a helping verb will

4. The weather seems cooler.

5. The money must be on the table.

     - verb phrase using a helping verb must

 

Note: These verbs are all linking verbs.

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 391 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

View lesson on Daily Grammar

Use a colon before listed items that are introduced by such words as the following, as follows, thus, and these; by a number; or by any other expression that "points-out." 

 

Example: 

In high school he played the following sports: baseball, basketball, football, and tennis.

Use no colon before a list of predicate nominatives, direct objects, or objects of the preposition. A colon should not hinder the natural flow of the sentence. 

 

Example: 

We will need flour, milk, and sugar. (direct objects)

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. You need these guys Will, Boyd, Jeff, and Jim.

2. She had three personality flaws pride, selfishness, and a temper.

3. The singers will be you, Pam, and Becky.

4. For the camp-out we will need the following things a tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern.

5. Next semester I will be taking four courses Algebra II, English Literature, American History, and Biology III.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. You need these guys: Will, Boyd, Jeff, and Jim.

2. She had three personality flaws: pride, selfishness, and a temper.

3. No colon needed. They are predicate nominatives.

4. For the camp-out we will need the following things: a tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern.

5. Next semester I will be taking four courses: Algebra II, English Literature, American History, and Biology III.

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 91 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb (predicate - some grammar books use the word predicate, but I will use verb).  A verb shows action or state of being.  The subject tells who or what about the verb.  When finding the subject and the verb in a sentence, always find the verb first and then say who or what followed by the verb.

     Example:
     The bell rang.
     Find the verb - rang
     Who or what rang?
     The bell rang, so bell is the subject.
     The bell rang.

     Example:
     The boy is here.
     Find the verb - is
     Who or what is?
     The boy is, so boy is the subject.
     The boy is here.

There are four (4) kinds of sentences: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory.

1. A declarative sentence makes a statement.

     Example:
     The assignment is due tomorrow.

2. An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.

     Examples:
     Hand it in now. (understood you)
     Stop. (understood you)

3. An interrogative sentence asks a question.

     Example:
     Do you know the man?

4. An exclamatory sentence shows strong feeling. Declarative, imperative, or interrogative sentences can be made into exclamatory sentences by punctuating them with an exclamation point.

     Examples:
     The assignment is due tomorrow!
     Stop!
     Do you know the man!

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in the following sentences.

1. Karen went to the mall.

2. Carl didn't help his dad.

3. Mom cooks breakfast every morning.

4. I want a new bike for Christmas.

5. Ann has had a new baby girl.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Karen went to the mall.

2. Carl didn't help his dad.

     - verb phrase using a helping verb did

3. Mom cooks breakfast every morning.

4. I want a new bike for Christmas.

5. Ann has had a new baby girl.

     - verb phrase using a helping verb has

Note: These verbs are all action verbs.

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.