Unit 1 Part 4

Editing Your Writing
Language and Grammar Focus

The Sentence:
A sentence contains at least one subject (a noun or a phrase) and a
verb, and it expresses a complete idea. The verb expresses the action
of the sentence, and the subject tells who or what completed the
action. A simple sentence may contain more than one noun or verb.
Continue
Subject Verb
The dog runs.
The dog runs and chases squirrels /ˈskwɜr·əl/ (two
The dog and cat verbs)
run after squirrels
Continue
A complete sentence must contain at least one main clause. A main clause contains a subject and
a verb, and it expresses a complete idea.
The simple sentence
A simple sentence, shown below, contains one main clause.
Subject verb
The dog runs after squirrels.
The Compound Sentence:
A compound sentence has two main clauses separated by a comma and a conjunction, or by a
semicolon.
Main Clause Conjunction Main Clause
The dog runs after squirrels, and the squirrels run away.
The dog terrifies the squirrels, so they stay high in the street.
The dog chase them everyday, but it has never caught one.
The squirrels climb trees, or they run through fences.
Main Clause Main Clause
Exercise 1 (page 21) Identifying clauses
Read the sentences. Circle the number of clauses contained in each sentence.
1. The fish were hungry 1 2
2. The fish were hungry, and they ate the food quickly 1 2
3. I love to go to the park, so I try to go every weekend 1 2
4. The bus takes a long time, but it is less expensive than a car 1 2
5. Computers are very important today; they can do many things 1 2
6. My father is a man with a good education and an honest character 1 2
Run-on Sentences :
A run-on sentence is not a correct sentence. In a run-on sentence, important
punctuation is missing between the clause. The sentence “runs on” too long and
confuses the reader.
You can correct run-on sentences with a period, a comma and conjunction, or s
semicolon.
The dog runs fast it likes to chase animals in the park (incorrect).
The dog runs fast. It likes to chase animals in the park .
The dog runs fast, and it likes to chase animals in the park ( correct).
My little brother is difficult to take care of still I love him very much. (incorrect)
My little brother is difficult to take care of; still, I love him very much.
My little brother means a lot to me ; he is my best friend.
Exercise 2 (correcting run-on sentences with conjunctions
The following sentences are run-on sentences. Rewrite them as complete sentences by adding the
conjunctions and, or, so, or but
1. I am busy with work I am studying
I am busy with work, or I am studying.
2. Almost everyone in her neighborhood speaks her language she does not have to use English.
Almost everyone in her neighborhood speaks her language, so she does not have to use English.
3. Credit cards are convenient they are also dangerous.
Credit cards are convenient, but they are also dangerous.
4. I didn’t have experience I tried to get a job.
I didn’t have experience, but I tried to get a job.
5. Every time I travel, either I take a suitcase I take a backpack.
Every time I travel, either I take a suitcase, or I take a backpack.
6. My favourite flower is a rose my favourite color is red.
My favourite flower is a rose, and my favourite color is red.
Dependent Clauses:
A dependent clause is a clause that is not a complete sentence by itself.
It has a subject and a verb, but it does not have a complete idea. A
dependent clause often starts with a subordinating conjunction like
because, before, since, when, after, or while. A dependent clause must
always be attached to a main (or independent) clause to make one
complete sentence. The dependent clause can come before or after the
main clause without changing the meaning but the punctuation is
different.
Dependent clause main clause
When I talk to my friend, she likes to tell me about her adventure.
main clause Dependent clause
She likes to tell me about her adventure when I talk to my friend.
Exercise 3 Identifying dependent and main clause.
Underline and label the clauses. Write M in front of main clause in
each sentence. Write D in front of the dependent clause.
1 When I was growing up, (D) everything was less expensive. (M)
2 I guess things have changed (M) since I was younger. (D)
3 I was sad (M) when we left my country.(D)
4 When I am older, (D) I want to have a big house with a patio and
swimming pool.(M)
5 After you understand the meaning of a word, (D) you can use the
word in sentences.(M)
6 It is only dangerous (M) when the roads are wet.(D)
7 Because the tide went out,(D) the jellyfish were stranded on the
beach.(M)
8 My country was invaded many times (M) before we formed our
Exercise 4 Correcting run-on sentences with punctuation
Read the sentences. If the sentence is correct, write C. if the sentence is incorrect,
write I and add correct punctuation, using a comma, semicolon, or period. Check
1.forI proper capitalization .
2. C 1 I went to the store with my friend Rachel. we We
bought milk.
3. I 2 We brought the groceries through the back door
after we got back.
1. C 3 I noticed that there was a little dirt on the floor.
Tthe DVD player was missing. Nnothing else was
2. C gone.
4 We called the police after we realized there had
been a robbery.
1. I
5 The police arrived immediately and inspected the
whole apartment.
1 They took statements later that afternoon . Tthey

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Editing Your Writing

Language and Grammar Focus

1 They took statements later that afternoon . Tthey

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