1: Conventions of Standard Written English

Knowledge Check:

Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?

She likes swimming, biking, and jogging.

Which of the following sentences contains a comma splice?

He missed the bus, he had to walk to school.

Which of the following is the correct sentence?

It’s what you don’t see on the inside that matters.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

He always tells me that I am right.

Which of the following sentences contains correct diction?

The effect of the speech was clear to everyone.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct use of a modifier?

He did the assignment quickly and submitted it on time.

Which of the following best demonstrates the correct use of an idiom?

Let’s call it a day and head home.

Which sentence is written in the active voice?

The student completed the assignment before class.

Which sentence properly includes a subject in both clauses?

I smoked behind the garage, and then I got in trouble.

Which sentence contains a logical comparison?

Julie’s collection has more stamps than Bob’s does.

Which revision best corrects the logical agreement error in the sentence: “Each student must bring their own laptop?”

Each student must bring his or her own laptop.

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Finish your work; ask for an extension; or take the zero.

1.1: Syntax (Parallelism, Coordination, Subordination)

Simple Sentence = A sentence that contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. (VERB)

Jane went to the store.
I like my new house.
She sells clothes online.

Clause = a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, and can express a complete thought. A clause can be independent or dependent, where an independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot, relying on an independent clause to complete its meaning.

Independent Clause = Bill is a poet.
Dependent (Subordinate) Clause = who lives in Madrid.

Compound Sentences = two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, creating a more complex sentence structure. (or, and, but, for, so, yet, not)

Bill is a poet and Jane is an architect
You are very tired so you should go home

Complex Sentence = a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which adds depth and detail to the main idea.

When I called my parents, they were eating dinner.
She is the one who helped me fix the car when I broke down.

Compound-Complex Sentence = a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause, allowing for a more intricate structure that conveys multiple ideas simultaneously.

She studies a lot and she spends a lot of time in the library because she wants to get good grades.

Parallelism = phrases repeated in the sentence that is the same in another part of the sentence (doesn’t change when repeated)

You should either go to the store or begin your homework now.
Whether you decide on staying here or going there, you will need to tell us soon.
After you write the letter, collect the envelopes and address them, please send them on

1.2: Sentence Boundaries (Comma Splice, Run-Ons, Sentence Fragments)

Comma Splice = a grammatical error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without an appropriate coordinating conjunction.

Run-on Sentence = a grammatical error that occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without the use of punctuation or coordinating conjunctions, resulting in a sentence that is difficult to read and understand.

Sentence Fragment = a grammatical error where a group of words does not express a complete thought and is typically missing a subject or a verb, leading to confusion in understanding the intended message.

1.4: Concord/Agreement (Pronoun Reference, Case Shift, and Number; Subject-Verb; Verb Tense)

Types of Agreements:

Pronoun Reference: Ensures that pronouns clearly refer to the correct nouns, avoiding ambiguity in meaning.
Case Shift: Maintains the consistency of pronouns in terms of their grammatical case throughout the sentence, ensuring proper subject, object, and possessive forms are used appropriately.
Number Agreement: Requires that subjects and verbs match in number (singular or plural), as well as ensuring pronouns agree with their antecedents in number.
Subject-Verb: Requires that subjects and verbs are correctly aligned in number and person, creating a clear relationship and enhancing the readability of the sentence.
Verb Tense: Ensures that verbs are used consistently in the same tense throughout a sentence or passage, thereby preserving clarity and coherence in the narrative.

1.5: Diction

Diction = the choice of words used by a writer or speaker, which can greatly affect the tone, style, and overall effectiveness of the communication.

Effect (Noun) 1. Affect (Verb)
Farther (Space) 2. Further (Abstract)
Who/Whom = (Subject) / (Object)
Stationery/Stationary = (Noun) Paper used for writing / (Adjective) Not moving.

1.6: Modifiers

Adjectives = (Descriptive words) Words that modify nouns to provide more detail.

Adverbs = (Descriptive words) Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express manner, place, time, or degree.

Floating Modifier = a word or phrase that is placed in a sentence in such a way that it seems to modify something it is not intended to, often leading to ambiguity.

1.7: Idiom

Idiom = figurative meanings

“Let’s call it a day”

“Off the hook”

1.8: Active/Passive Voice

Active voice: The subject performs the action (e.g., "The cat chased the mouse.")
Passive voice: The subject receives the action (e.g., "The mouse was chased by the cat.")

1.12: Punctuation

Semicolons = Used to connect closely related independent clauses, as in, "I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight."

Colons = Used to introduce a list, a quote, or further explanation, as in, "She has three favorite colors: blue, green, and red."