grammar rules

When there are two independent clauses and a conjunction

Comma

When there is an independent clause followed by a dependent clause and a conjunction

No comma

When there is a dependent introductory phrase followed by an independent clause

Comma

Ex: while I worked, I blah blah independent clause.

What do you put when indicating two choices?

Ex: You have two choices -punctuation- this or that

Colon

You have two choices: this or that

What do you put after the introduction phrase “for example”

Comma

For example, blah blah

Can you start a sentence with “For example”?

Yes. Can also use it after semicolon. It is used after a complete thought is ended with punctuation.

Can you use “for example” in the middle of a sentence?

Yes

“I, for example, like food”

OR

“Whom do I have” or “who do I have”

Whom

Does “not this but that” require a comma?

Not unless the two are independent clauses

“I did not want cake but ice cream”

“I wanted to eat cake, but I ate ice cream”

A dependent clause followed by an independent clause

Comma at the end of dependent clause

Ex: “if I get to leave, I will be happy.”

If makes the dependent clause dependent.

When to use the -en particle version of a verb

When used as an adjective

Ex: “a proven method”

Or as a less formal past tense

“I had proven” or “I have proven” though “I had proved” and “I have proved” are more formal

Parenthetical

When talking about a collective entity, do you use a plural or singular verb

Generally a singular verb, but use a plural one when highlighting individuallity

Ex:

The team scores a goal.

Vs

The team fight among themselves.

Adverb vs adjective

Adjective for noun

Adverb for verb or other adverb

Ex: I am slowER vs I MOVED slowLY

Gerund

Participle

Conjunctions

Conjunctive Adverb

THAMO: therefore, however, additionally, meanwhile, otherwise

Also, thus, for example, etc.

When a conjunctive adverb falls in between two complete thoughts:

Place a period or semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.

Don't place a comma before a THAMO that connects two complete thoughts.

When a conjunctive adverb falls in between two incomplete thoughts:

comma before and after the conjunctive adverb.

Subordinating conjunction

SWABI = since, while, after, before, if

If at the front of the sentence, comma. If in the middle of the sentence, no comma.

Either combines an introductory (dependent) clause with an independent clause or combines independent clause with independent clause.

With commas between adjs,

1. Does the sentence sound natural with the word “and” between the adjectives?

2. Does the sentence sound natural if you switch the order of the adjectives?

If the answer to both questions is "yes," place a comma between the adjectives.

If the answer to either question is "no," do not place a comma between the adjectives.