MAKING
COMPLETE
SENTENCES
INDEPENDENT CLAUSES vs.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Freshman A English
GRAMMAR BOOT CAMP!
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE = IND
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE = COMPLETE SENTENCE
SUBJECT + PREDICATE = COMPLETE SENTENCE
NOUN + VERB (+ OBJECT+ RECEIVER) =
INDEPENDENT
Wheaton North is the best high school.
The Falcons have the most spirit.
Wheaton is a diverse city.
American history has been created by diverse
stories.
DEPENDENT CLAUSES, PHRASES, FRAGMENTS,
WORDS = DCW
DCW = NOT A COMPLETE SENTENCE
TYPE #1: DCW starting with one of these words: after,
although, as, before, even though, in order to, since,
though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever,
whether, and while
Examples for TYPE #1:
Since I am a teacher = DCW
Because Falcons are so cool = DCW
Even though Wheaton is a suburb of Chicago = DCW
DEPENDENT CLAUSES, PHRASES,
FRAGMENTS, WORDS = DCW
DCW = NOT A COMPLETE SENTENCE
TYPE #2: DCW starting with verbs.
Knowing that I am an avid reader = DCW
Enjoying a good book on a sunny day = DCW
Reading literature about the world = DCW
Completed SOAPSToneD for English class = DCW
DEPENDENT CLAUSES, PHRASES, FRAGMENTS,
WORDS = DCW
DCW = NOT A COMPLETE SENTENCE
TYPE #3: Non-essentials
Our class, the best class ever, won the Falcon spirit award!
Wheaton North fans, the loudest fans of them all, stormed the
football field.
Chicago’s baseball fans, the most energetic, stormed U.S. Cellular,
formerly known as Comiskey Park.
DEPENDENT CLAUSES, PHRASES, FRAGMENTS,
WORDS = DCW
DCW = NOT A COMPLETE SENTENCE
TYPE #4: DCW that are select transition words:
consequently, clearly, furthermore, in addition,
moreover, also, however, on the other hand,
nevertheless, on the contrary
Clearly, Wheaton has changed over the last century.
Nevertheless, Wheaton still maintains historic elements
from the past.
Practice #1: IND or DCW?
(1) Wheaton North has a reputation for having great
students.
(2) Because we all have identities
(3) While we research world religions
(4) We are learning advanced reading and writing skills.
(5) Chicago has a long history of social inequality.
(6) Knowing my homework is good for me.
(7) Nevertheless
(8) The loudest fans ever
Practice #1: IND or DCW?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
IND
DCW
DCW
IND
IND
DCW
DCW
DCW
GOLDEN RULES: SEPARATE IND vs DCW
(1) IND, FANBOYS (coordinating conjunctions) IND
Coordinating conjunctions: FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, so)
Wheaton North rules, and WWS are ok too.
We are studying about different cultural practices, and we are
learning how to be good readers and writers.
Your Example: _____________________________________
(2) IND, DCW
I went to a WWS game, knowing I am a Wheaton North fan.
I cheered on the WWS team, even though I am a Wheaton
North fan. WWS was playing a Naperville team.
Your Example: ______________________________________
GOLDEN RULES: SEPARATE IND vs
DCW
(3) IND1, DCW, IND1
Chicago, the Windy City, is a fantastic city.
Your Example: ___________________________
(4) DCW, IND
Even though I have limited understanding of
sports, I still enjoy the fan culture.
Your Example: ___________________________
GOLDEN RULES: SEPARATE IND vs
DCW
Type #5:
IND1 FANBOYS (coordinating conjunctions) DCW
Wheaton North students are ready to learn and
become future leaders.
Your Example: ___________________________
Practice #2: Fix These!
Make each a complete sentence. Be creative!
(1) The best city.
(2) Because we all have identities
(3) While we research world religions
(4) reading and writing skills.
(5) the effects of social inequality.
(6) Knowing my homework is good for me.
(7) However
(8) The loudest fans ever
Practice #2: Fix These!
1) Trade with a partner.
2) Partners: For each sentence, underline IND
and circle DCW
3) Put a ? mark for sentences that do not follow
the GOLDEN RULE!
4) Return to your partner.
Grammar Boot Camp
Part Two
Semi-colons, colons, and other commas
GOLDEN RULE: SEPARATE IND vs DCW
THE SEMI-COLON
Rule #1: IND1;IND2.
Montag struggles to challenge his dystopic society;
this is an example of his attempt to break the cycle
.
NEW IND
Rule #2: IND; DCW,IND.
We have been working hard; however, we still have
much to learn.
Practice #3: Semi-Colons
Directions: First, underline all the IND and circle all the DCW, if there are
any. Some of these sentences need semi-colons. Add semi-colons as
necessary. For sentences with no mistakes, write NO CHANGE.
1) We learned how to use MLA format however, we could still use
some practice.
2) Montag’s attempts to break the cycle of his society he knows
there will be grave consequences.
3) We will be writing perfect paragraphs; our claims will focus on
how characters break the cycle.
4) Katniss in The Hunger Games is the protagonist; Aibeleen is the
protagonist of The Help.
Practice #3: Semi-Colons
1) We learned how to use MLA format; however, we could
still use some practice.
2) Montag’s attempts to break the cycle of his society;
he knows there will be grave consequences.
3) We will be writing perfect paragraphs; our claims
will focus on how characters break the cycle.
4) Katniss in The Hunger Games is the protagonist;
Aibeleen is the protagonist of The Help.
GOLDEN RULE: SEPARATE IND vs DCW
COLON
IND: DCW
Rule #1: Use a colon before a DCW that is a list.
– A colon is needed before these phrases: these are, there are, the
following, as follows, such as , these things.
– Ex: We are annotating for the following: essential questions,
imagery-evoking syntax, and long versus short sentences.
Rule #2: Use a colon before a DCW that is an
explanation of the IND.
- Ex: There is one golden rule: separate IND and DCW.
- Ex: Mildred has one interest: the characters on her TV shows.
GOLDEN RULE: SEPARATE IND vs DCW
COLON
Rule #3: (Exception to IND:DCW) Use a colon before a
long, formal quotation
The narrator described Montag’s fire hose as
he incinerates a house full of books: “With the
brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python
spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world,
the blood pounded in his head, and his hands
were the hands of some amazing conductor
playing all the symphonies of blazing and
burning to bring down the tatters and charcoal
ruins of history” (Montag 1).
Practice #4: Colons
Directions: First, underline all the IND and circle all the DCW, if there are
any. Some of these sentences need colons. Add colons as necessary.
For sentences with no mistakes, write NO CHANGE.
1) Karen Armstrong described her definition of religions “A call to
change human behavior” (Armstrong).
2) I recall one of the most controversial issues in human
civilization: religion.
3) We have learned the following annotating for SOAPSToneD,
writing with MLA format, and grammar.
4) I am going to one of my favorite places in the city The Art
Institute Museum.
5) I plan on reading the following Fahrenheit 451, MacBeth, and
other classics.
Practice #4: Colons
Directions: First, underline all the IND and circle all the DCW, if there are
any. Some of these sentences need colons. Add colons as necessary.
For sentences with no mistakes, write NO CHANGE.
1) Karen Armstrong described her definition of religions: “A call to
change human behavior” (Armstrong).
2) I recall one of the most controversial issues in human
civilization: religion.
NO CHANGE
1) We have learned the following: annotating for SOAPSToneD,
writing with MLA format, and grammar.
2) I am going to one of my favorite places in the city: The Art
Institute Museum.
3) I plan on reading the following: Fahrenheit 451, MacBeth, and
other classics.
GOLDEN RULE: SEPARATE IND vs DCW
OTHER COMMA USAGE
Rule #1: Use a comma after every item in a series except the
last. The items in a series may be single words, or phrases,
or clauses.
Ex: We have read about the following: different world
religious structures, different cultural practices, and
different belief systems.
Rule #2:When two or more adjectives come before a noun,
use a comma after each adjective except the last one.
Ex: We might describe our own homes as comfortable,
valuable places.
Practice #5: Other Comma Usage
Rule #1:Use a comma after every item in a series
except the last. The items in a series may be
single words, or phrases, or clauses.
Your Example: ___________________________
Rule #2:When two or more adjectives come
before a noun, use a comma after each
adjective except the last one.
Your Example:___________________________
Grammar Bootcamp:
Getting Grammar Fit!
Daily Exercise: Keep a running log of
these daily exercises in your binder.
We will be doing “sets” of these
exercises every week! 
We work out!
Directions: Select the most correct choice for the
underlined portion. Then, rewrite the following sentence
using the correct answer.
Without really
knowing the
content of the
books the
firemen burnt
the house down.
A)NO CHANGE
B)books with
the firemen
C)books, the
firemen
D)booking the
firemen
Directions: Select the most correct choice for the
underlined portion. Then, rewrite the following sentence
using the correct answer.
Montag knew
Beatty could
kill Faber
Montag chose
to burn his
problem.
A)NO CHANGE
B) Faber, Montag
C) Faber; Montag
D) Faber, Montag,
Directions: Select the most correct choice for the
underlined portion. Then, rewrite the following sentence
using the correct answer.
Beatty may have
been a father figure
to Montag before
Montag chose to
break the cycle
however Faber is
now a father figure
for Montag, the
rebel and fugitive.
A) NO CHANGE
B) the cycle however
Faber
C) the cycle; however
Faber
D) the cycle; however,
Faber
E) the cycle, however,
Faber
Directions: Select the most correct choice for the
underlined portion. Then, rewrite the following sentence
using the correct answer.
Beatty, Montag’s
fire captain is
ironically well-read,
even though he
preaches that
reading is
dangerous and
useless.
A) NO CHANGE
B) Beatty, Montag’s
fire, captain was
C) Beatty Montag’s
fire captain, is
D) Beatty, Montag’s
fire captain, is
Directions: Select the most correct choice for the
underlined portion. Then, rewrite the following sentence
using the correct answer.
Our class has been
doing a great job
participating in
Socratic Seminars a
method of
discussion that
Aristotle once used
in ancient Greece!
A) NO CHANGE
B) Socratic
Seminars, way of,
C) Socratic Seminars
a method, of
D) Socratic Seminar,
a method of
USING
APOSTROPHES
GRAMMAR BOOTCAMP!
DIAGNOSTIC: Make corrections for each of the
following:
1) INCORRECT: Is this anybodys book?
CORRECT: ______________
2) INCORRECT: Who's dog is this?
CORRECT: ______________
3) INCORRECT: The group made it's decision.
CORRECT: ______________
4) INCORRECT: The geeses’ honks are loud.
CORRECT: ______________
DIAGNOSTIC: Make corrections for
each of the following:
CORRECT: Is this anybody's book?
CORRECT: Whose dog is this?
CORRECT: The group made its decision.
CORRECT: The geese’s honks are loud.
POSSESSIVE NOUNS: USE
APOSTROPHES
• Apostrophe Rule #1: add 's to the singular form of the word
(even if it ends in -s):
 The zoo’s animals are wild.
• Apostrophe Rule #2: add 's to the plural forms that do not end in
-s:
 The geese’s honking is loud.
• Apostrophe Rule #3: add ' to the end of plural nouns that end in s:
 Three friends’ letters arrived in the mail.
• Apostrophe Rule #4: add 's to the last noun to show joint
possession of an object:
 Mrs. Delacruz and Ms. Guzdziol’s room is pretty.
PRACTICE: MAKE YOUR OWN
•
Apostrophe Rule #1: add 's to the singular form of the word (even if it ends in -s):
________________________________________________________
•
Apostrophe Rule #2: add 's to the plural forms that do not end in -s:
________________________________________________________
•
Apostrophe Rule #3: add ' to the end of plural nouns that end in -s:
________________________________________________________
•
Apostrophe Rule #4: add 's to the last noun to show joint possession of an object:
________________________________________________________
Grammar Boot Camp: Part Three
Common Errors in VERB TENSES
Prepositions & Idioms
Tricky Verbs
Infinitive
Arise
Begin
Choose
Dwell
Flee
Fling
Know
Lay
Lead
Lie (to recline)
Lie (tell fibs)
Ride
Ring
Rise
See
Shrink
Sink
Strive
Swear
Take
Write
Simple Past
Arose
Began
Chose
Dwelt/Dwelled
Fled
Flung
Knew
Laid
Led
Lay
Lied
Rode
Rang
Rose
Saw
Shrank
Sank
Strove/strived
Swore
Took
Wrote
Past Participle
Arisen
Begun
Chosen
Dwelt/Dwelled
Fled
Flung
Known
Laid
Led
Lain
Lied
Ridden
Rung
Risen
Seen
Shrunk
Sunk
Striven/strived
Sworn
Taken
Written
Prepositions & Idiomatic Usage
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He can’t abide _____ the no-spitting rule.
It’s terrible to discriminate against parakeets.
She accused me of stealing.
I have a plan to escape from this prison.
I agreed to eat the broccoli.
There’s no excuse for your behavior.
I apologized _______ losing the hamsters.
You can’t hide _______ your past.
She applied for a credit card.
It was all he’d hoped _______.
She pretends to approve of my boyfriend.
I must insist __________ it.
She argued with the bouncer.
It’s impossible to object _______ her arguments.
I arrived at work ________ noon.
I refuse to participate _____ this discussion.
You believe in ghosts.
Pray for me.
Prepositions & Idiomatic Usage
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He can’t abide by the no-spitting rule.
It’s terrible to discriminate against parakeets.
She accused me of stealing.
I have a plan to escape from this prison.
I agreed to eat the broccoli.
There’s no excuse for your behavior.
I apologized for losing the hamsters.
You can’t hide from your past.
She applied for a credit card.
It was all he’d hoped for.
She pretends to approve of my boyfriend.
I must insist upon it.
She argued with the bouncer.
It’s impossible to object to her arguments.
I arrived at work at noon.
I refuse to participate in this discussion.
You believe in ghosts.
Pray for me.
Prepositions & Idiomatic Usage
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I can’t be blamed ______ your neuroses.
Protect me from evil.
Do you care about me?
Provide me with plenty ____ Skittles.
He’s in charge of grocery shopping.
She stayed home to recover _______ the flu.
Nothing compares to you.
I rely on myself.
What is there to complain ________?
She stared ________ his chest.
He can always count on money __________ his mommy.
He subscribes to several trashy magazines.
Ice cream consists of milk, fat, and sugar.
I succeeded __________ fooling him.
I depend on no one.
Wait for me!
That’s where cats differ ________ dogs. Work with me, people!
Prepositions & Idiomatic Usage
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I can’t be blamed for your neuroses.
Protect me from evil.
Do you care about me?
Provide me with plenty of Skittles.
He’s in charge of grocery shopping.
She stayed home to recover from the flu.
Nothing compares to you.
I rely on myself.
What is there to complain about?
She stared at his chest.
He can always count on money from his mommy.
He subscribes to several trashy magazines.
Ice cream consists of milk, fat, and sugar.
I succeeded in fooling him.
I depend on no one.
Wait for me!
That’s where cats differ from dogs. Work with me, people!