chomp!
chomp!
This presentation is brought to you by
Grammar Bytes!, ©2013 by Robin L.
Simmons.
This presentation is brought to you by
Grammar Bytes!, ©2013 by Robin L.
Simmons.
Standard PunctuationStandard PunctuationStandard PunctuationStandard Punctuation
Do I need a comma?
Do I need a comma?
Or do I need a semicolon?
Or do I need a semicolon?
This presentation covers standard punctuation: end marks, commas, semicolons, and
apostrophes.
This presentation covers standard punctuation: end marks, commas, semicolons, and
apostrophes.
Punctuation items on an Punctuation items on an objective test might look like objective test might look like these these .. .. ..
Punctuation items on an Punctuation items on an objective test might look like objective test might look like these these .. .. ..
Sample Item 1Sample Item 1Sample Item 1Sample Item 1
As we got out of the car we could smell the As we got out of the car we could smell the
delicious chicken and rice that Grandma was delicious chicken and rice that Grandma was
cooking for dinner.cooking for dinner.
A.A.car, wecar, weB.B.chicken, andchicken, andC.C.rice, thatrice, thatD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
As we got out of the As we got out of the car wecar we could smell the could smell the AAdelicious delicious chicken andchicken and rice thatrice that Grandma was Grandma was B CB Ccooking for dinner.cooking for dinner.
A.A.car, wecar, weB.B.chicken, andchicken, andC.C.rice, thatrice, thatD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
As we got out of the As we got out of the car, wecar, we could smell the could smell the AAdelicious delicious chicken andchicken and rice thatrice that Grandma was Grandma was B CB Ccooking for dinner.cooking for dinner.
A.A.car, wecar, weB.B.chicken, andchicken, andC.C.rice, thatrice, thatD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Do you need a comma after car, chicken, or rice?
Do you need a comma after car, chicken, or rice?
Exactly! You need to connect the
introductory clause.
Exactly! You need to connect the
introductory clause.
Sample Item 2Sample Item 2Sample Item 2Sample Item 2
A.A. Since Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled the Since Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled the dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.
B.B. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.
C.C. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.
An item might have 3 or 4 versions of a sentence, and you
will have to choose the letter where all punctuation is
correct.
An item might have 3 or 4 versions of a sentence, and you
will have to choose the letter where all punctuation is
correct.
A.A. Since Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled the Since Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled the dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.
B.B. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.
C.C. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.the dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.
Notice that the apostrophes are all correct in version C.
Notice that the apostrophes are all correct in version C.
End MarksEnd MarksEnd MarksEnd Marks
• Use theUse the periodperiod [[ .. ] to end] to end statementsstatements..Jasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffinJasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffin..
• Use theUse the question markquestion mark [[ ?? ] when asking a] when asking a questionquestion..
Did Jasmine eat a chocolate-broccoli muffinDid Jasmine eat a chocolate-broccoli muffin??
• UseUse —— notnot overuseoveruse —— thethe exclamation markexclamation mark [[ !! ]] to signifyto signify excitementexcitement oror emphasisemphasis..
Oh, noOh, no!! Jasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffin Jasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffin!!
Do I have broccoli stuck in my teeth? I have an appointment at the dentist’s!
Do I have broccoli stuck in my teeth? I have an appointment at the dentist’s!
One exclamation mark One exclamation mark per essayper essay is a is a good average.good average.
One exclamation mark One exclamation mark per essayper essay is a is a good average.good average.
But I really love! I mean love! the exclamation
mark! ! ! I want to use it all the time! ! !
It’s me! ! !
But I really love! I mean love! the exclamation
mark! ! ! I want to use it all the time! ! !
It’s me! ! !XX
Commas, Part 1Commas, Part 1Commas, Part 1Commas, Part 1
Without a doubt, Without a doubt, Jasmine will pass the Jasmine will pass the comma test.comma test.
You should know commas as well
as I do!
You should know commas as well
as I do!
• Use commas to connectUse commas to connect introductoryintroductory,, interruptinginterrupting,, and some and some concludingconcluding material.material.
• Interrupting material will include a commaInterrupting material will include a comma before before and a commaand a comma after after..
Jasmine willJasmine will, without a doubt,, without a doubt, pass the pass the comma test.comma test.Jasmine will pass the comma testJasmine will pass the comma test, without a , without a doubtdoubt..
Commas, Part 2Commas, Part 2Commas, Part 2Commas, Part 2
Jasmine will pass the comma test. Slacker Sam Jasmine will pass the comma test. Slacker Sam will not.will not.
• Use a comma with aUse a comma with a coordinating coordinating conjunctionconjunction to connect two sentences.to connect two sentences.
• Coordinating conjunctions =Coordinating conjunctions = andand,, butbut,, forfor,, oror,, nornor,, yetyet,, and and soso..
Jasmine will pass the comma testJasmine will pass the comma test, , butbut Slacker Slacker Sam will not.Sam will not.
You have to study if you want
to do well!
You have to study if you want
to do well!
Commas, Part 3Commas, Part 3Commas, Part 3Commas, Part 3
Jasmine will buy a bag of potato chips Jasmine will buy a bag of potato chips andand a hotdog.a hotdog.
• UseUse andand alone to connectalone to connect twotwo items.items.
• Use commas and an Use commas and an and and to connectto connect three or morethree or more items. items.
Jasmine will buy a bag of potato chipsJasmine will buy a bag of potato chips,, a a hotdoghotdog,, and and a sodaa soda
Hard work deserves a reward!
Hard work deserves a reward!
SemicolonSemicolonSemicolonSemicolon
Jasmine worries about her grade in statistics. Jasmine worries about her grade in statistics. Math is not her best subject. Math is not her best subject.
• Use the semicolon [Use the semicolon [ ;; ] to connect two main ] to connect two main clauses.clauses.
• DoDo notnot use the semicolon to introduce a list. use the semicolon to introduce a list. The comma with a transition likeThe comma with a transition like such as such as oror includingincluding,, or the colon [ or the colon [ :: ] does that job.] does that job.
Jasmine worries about her grade in Jasmine worries about her grade in statistics; statistics; math math is not her best subject. is not her best subject. Jasmine prefers classes that require her to writeJasmine prefers classes that require her to write:: Intro to Humanities, Abnormal Psychology, and Intro to Humanities, Abnormal Psychology, and US Government. US Government.
But I excel at punctuation!But I excel at punctuation!
ApostropheApostropheApostropheApostrophe
We cant cheat from Jasmines punctuation quiz We cant cheat from Jasmines punctuation quiz because shes absent today!because shes absent today!
• Use the apostrophe [Use the apostrophe [ ’’ ] with an] with an ss to showto show possessionpossession:: Jasmine Jasmine’s’s pen, the catpen, the cat’s’s eyes, eyes, the professorthe professors’s’ frownsfrowns
• Or use the apostrophe to indicate the Or use the apostrophe to indicate the letters/spaces removed in aletters/spaces removed in a contractioncontraction:: she she’ ’ d, cand, can’ ’ t, shouldt, should’ ’ veve
We canWe can’’t cheat from Jasminet cheat from Jasmine’’s punctuation s punctuation quiz because shequiz because she’’s absent today!s absent today!
Ha! Dentist appointment!Ha! Dentist
appointment!
Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1
Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, choose In the items that follow, choose the option that corrects an error in the the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”“No change is necessary.”
Show me what you
know.
Show me what you
know.
Item 1Item 1Item 1Item 1
Although Raymond will eat a grasshopper, he Although Raymond will eat a grasshopper, he
refuses all green vegetables; such as peas, refuses all green vegetables; such as peas,
spinach, and even cucumbers.spinach, and even cucumbers.
A.A.Although, RaymondAlthough, RaymondB.B.grasshopper hegrasshopper heC.C.vegetables, suchvegetables, suchD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Although RaymondAlthough Raymond will eat a will eat a grasshopper, hegrasshopper, he AA BBrefuses all green refuses all green vegetables; suchvegetables; such as peas, as peas, CCspinach, and even cucumbers.spinach, and even cucumbers.
A.A.Although, RaymondAlthough, RaymondB.B.grasshopper hegrasshopper heC.C.vegetables, suchvegetables, suchD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Although RaymondAlthough Raymond will eat a will eat a grasshopper, hegrasshopper, he AA BBrefuses all green refuses all green vegetables, suchvegetables, such as peas, as peas, CCspinach, and even cucumbers.spinach, and even cucumbers.
A.A.Although, RaymondAlthough, RaymondB.B.grasshopper hegrasshopper heC.C.vegetables, suchvegetables, suchD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Item 2Item 2Item 2Item 2
Before his calculus exam Scott rubbed his lucky Before his calculus exam Scott rubbed his lucky
rabbit’s foot and found his favorite pencil.rabbit’s foot and found his favorite pencil.
A.A.exam, Scottexam, ScottB.B.rubbed, hisrubbed, hisC.C.foot, andfoot, andD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Before his calculus Before his calculus exam Scottexam Scott rubbed hisrubbed his lucky lucky AA BBrabbit’s rabbit’s foot andfoot and found his favorite pencil. found his favorite pencil. CC
A.A.exam, Scottexam, ScottB.B.rubbed, hisrubbed, hisC.C.foot, andfoot, andD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Before his calculus Before his calculus exam, Scottexam, Scott rubbed hisrubbed his lucky lucky AA BBrabbit’s rabbit’s foot andfoot and found his favorite pencil. found his favorite pencil. CC
A.A.exam, Scottexam, ScottB.B.rubbed, hisrubbed, hisC.C.foot, andfoot, andD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Item 3Item 3Item 3Item 3
Francine has five chair’s but six guests coming Francine has five chair’s but six guests coming
for Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle for Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle
Ross remembers to bring an extra.Ross remembers to bring an extra.
A.A.chairschairsB.B.guest’sguest’sC.C.remember’sremember’sD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Francine has five Francine has five chair’schair’s but six but six guestsguests coming coming AA BBfor Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle for Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle
Ross Ross remembersremembers to bring an extra. to bring an extra. CC
A.A.chairschairsB.B.guest’sguest’sC.C.remember’sremember’sD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Francine has five Francine has five chairschairs but six but six guestsguests coming coming AA BBfor Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle for Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle
Ross Ross remembersremembers to bring an extra. to bring an extra. CC
A.A.chairschairsB.B.guest’sguest’sC.C.remember’sremember’sD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Item 4Item 4Item 4Item 4
Roseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes; while Roseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes; while
Maria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried to Maria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried to
complete a month’s worth of housekeeping in a complete a month’s worth of housekeeping in a
single hour.single hour.
A.A.dishes whiledishes whileB.B.tried, totried, toC.C.monthsmonthsD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Roseanne washed the piles of dirty Roseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes; whiledishes; while AAMaria vacuumed the filthy rug; they Maria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried totried to BBcomplete a complete a month’smonth’s worth of housekeeping in a worth of housekeeping in a CCsingle hour.single hour.
A.A.dishes whiledishes whileB.B.tried, totried, toC.C.monthsmonthsD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Roseanne washed the piles of dirty Roseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes whiledishes while AAMaria vacuumed the filthy rug; they Maria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried totried to BBcomplete a complete a month’smonth’s worth of housekeeping in a worth of housekeeping in a CCsingle hour.single hour.
A.A.dishes whiledishes whileB.B.tried, totried, toC.C.monthsmonthsD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Item 5Item 5Item 5Item 5
Audrey can’t leave work early, and Peggy wont Audrey can’t leave work early, and Peggy wont
help with the cupcakes, so I guess help with the cupcakes, so I guess II’ll have to do ’ll have to do
all the baking myself.all the baking myself.
A.A.cantcantB.B.won’twon’t
C.C.IIllllD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Audrey Audrey can’tcan’t leave work early, and Peggy leave work early, and Peggy wontwont AA BBhelp with the cupcakes, so I guess help with the cupcakes, so I guess II’ll’ll have to do have to do CCall the baking myself.all the baking myself.
A.A.cantcantB.B.won’twon’t
C.C.IIllllD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Audrey Audrey can’tcan’t leave work early, and Peggy leave work early, and Peggy won’twon’t AA BBhelp with the cupcakes, so I guess help with the cupcakes, so I guess II’ll’ll have to do have to do CCall the baking myself.all the baking myself.
A.A.cantcantB.B.won’twon’t
C.C.IIllllD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Item 6Item 6Item 6Item 6
During our picnic, we were tormented by During our picnic, we were tormented by
insects: ants swarming into the potato insects: ants swarming into the potato
salad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydid salad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydid
jumping into Henry’s open mouth.jumping into Henry’s open mouth.
A.A.picnic wepicnic weB.B.insects; antsinsects; antsC.C.salad beessalad beesD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
During our During our picnic, wepicnic, we were tormented by were tormented by AAinsects: antsinsects: ants swarming into the potato swarming into the potato BBsalad, beessalad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydid buzzing by our ears, and a katydid CCjumping into Henry’s open mouth.jumping into Henry’s open mouth.
A.A.picnic wepicnic weB.B.insects; antsinsects; antsC.C.salad beessalad beesD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
During our During our picnic, wepicnic, we were tormented by were tormented by AAinsects: antsinsects: ants swarming into the potato swarming into the potato BBsalad, beessalad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydid buzzing by our ears, and a katydid CCjumping into Henry’s open mouth.jumping into Henry’s open mouth.
A.A.picnic wepicnic weB.B.insects; antsinsects; antsC.C.salad beessalad beesD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2
Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, choose In the items that follow, choose the sentence that is correctly punctuated.the sentence that is correctly punctuated.
Try a different type of item.
Try a different type of item.
Item 7Item 7Item 7Item 7
A.A. Roger spent three hours writing Christinas Roger spent three hours writing Christinas paper.paper.
B.B. Roger spent three hour’s writing Christina’s Roger spent three hour’s writing Christina’s paper.paper.
C.C. Roger spent three hours writing Christina’s Roger spent three hours writing Christina’s paper.paper.
A.A. Roger spent three hours writing Christinas Roger spent three hours writing Christinas paper.paper.
B.B. Roger spent three hour’s writing Christina’s Roger spent three hour’s writing Christina’s paper.paper.
C.C. Roger spent three hours writing Christina’s Roger spent three hours writing Christina’s paper.paper.
Item 8Item 8Item 8Item 8
A.A. When the crickets and the frogs sing Luis When the crickets and the frogs sing Luis cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
B.B. When the crickets and the frogs sing, Luis When the crickets and the frogs sing, Luis cannot get a good night’s sleep.cannot get a good night’s sleep.
C.C. When the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, Luis When the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, Luis cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
A.A. When the crickets and the frogs sing Luis When the crickets and the frogs sing Luis cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
B.B. When the crickets and the frogs sing, Luis When the crickets and the frogs sing, Luis cannot get a good night’s sleep.cannot get a good night’s sleep.
C.C. When the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, Luis When the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, Luis cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
Item 9Item 9Item 9Item 9
A.A. Before you start painting the walls, you’ll need Before you start painting the walls, you’ll need a drop cloth and a ladder.a drop cloth and a ladder.
B.B. Before you start painting the walls you’ll Before you start painting the walls you’ll need a drop cloth, and a ladder.need a drop cloth, and a ladder.
C.C. Before you start painting the walls, youll need Before you start painting the walls, youll need a drop cloth, and a ladder. a drop cloth, and a ladder.
A.A. Before you start painting the walls, you’ll Before you start painting the walls, you’ll need a drop cloth and a ladder.need a drop cloth and a ladder.
B.B. Before you start painting the walls you’ll Before you start painting the walls you’ll need a drop cloth, and a ladder.need a drop cloth, and a ladder.
C.C. Before you start painting the walls, youll need Before you start painting the walls, youll need a drop cloth, and a ladder. a drop cloth, and a ladder.
Item 10Item 10Item 10Item 10
A.A. Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked, Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked, as if goat’s had grazed on his head.as if goat’s had grazed on his head.
B.B. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it looked Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it looked as if goats had grazed on his head. as if goats had grazed on his head.
C.C. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it looked Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it looked as if goats had grazed on his’s head.as if goats had grazed on his’s head.
A.A. Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked, Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked, as if goat’s had grazed on his head.as if goat’s had grazed on his head.
B.B. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it looked Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it looked as if goats had grazed on his head. as if goats had grazed on his head.
C.C. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it looked Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it looked as if goats had grazed on his’s head.as if goats had grazed on his’s head.
chomp!
chomp!
Grammar Bytes! provides additional
handouts and exercises on commas and
apostrophes. Go to chompchomp.com!
Grammar Bytes! provides additional
handouts and exercises on commas and
apostrophes. Go to chompchomp.com!
The End.The End.