Grammar Boot Camp
Semicolon, Colon, Comma
Phrases and Clauses
 A phrase is a collection of words that may have nouns
or verbs, but it does not have a subject doing a verb.
 leaving behind the dog
 smashing into a fence
 before the first test
 A clause is a collection of words that has a subject that
is actively doing a verb.
 I despise individuals of lower character
 When the saints go marching in
 Because she smiled at him
Review:
 Independent Clause – A clause that can stand by
itself as a sentence.
 I despise individuals of low character.
 Dependent clauses have a subject doing a verb, but
they have a subordinate conjunction placed in front of
the clause. They need to be attached to more words.
 Because she smiled at him
Practice:
 Phrase, Independent Clause, or Dependent Clause
 The Beatles are the greatest band of all time.

Independent clause
 Between The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Phrase (no subject)
 Because of their songwriters.

Phrase (subject isn’t doing a verb)
 Because John Lennon is a brilliant song writer.

Dependent clause
 When I figure it out.

Independent clause or dependent clause (when can be a
subordinate conjunction)
Comma
 Rule #1: After every item in a series except the last.
 Wilco, The Rolling Stones , Arcade Fire, and Radiohead are
also some of my favorite bands.
 This summer I saw Paul Mccartney in Milwaukee, Pearl Jam
at Wrigley, and Glen Hansard, Robert Plant, and The Shins at
smaller venues.
 The professor explained what a recession is, why it happens,
and how the economy can recover from it.
 Rule #2: Use commas after the adverbs first, second, third,
and so on, when these adverbs introduce a series of parallel
items.
 This is how we got publicity: first, we buy Mentos; second, we
buy Pepsi; third, we put them together.
Comma
 Rule #3: When two or more adjectives come before a
noun, use a comma after each adjective except the last
one.
 Larry has a fast, sporty car.
 The XX have a small, minimal sound to their music.
 Rule #4: Use a comma to separate in introductory
word, phrase, or clause from the rest of a sentence.
 No, I do not like reality television.
 When playing basketball, wear suitable shoes.
 Because the world is round, it blows my mind.
Comma
 Rule #5: Use commas to set off words or groups of
words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.
-Use commas before and after parenthetical
expressions (by-the-way phrases).
 The Pearl Jam show, we believed, had been canceled.
 Betsy, however, was sure of the answer.
 They usually cost, if you get a good deal, about $230.
 Interrupters: moreover, I suppose, I think, nevertheless,
on the other hand, to tell the truth…
Practice:
 After being stuck under the rock for 127 hours the hiker cut off his
own arm.
 After being stuck under the rock for 127 hours, the hiker cut off his
own arm. (Introductory clause)
 With my leftover student loan money, I visited exciting countries
like France Switzerland and Italy.
 While on my cruise, I visited exciting countries like Greece, Turkey,
and Italy. (Introductory clause and series)
 Toads however have rougher skin.
 Toads, however, have rougher skin. (Parenthetical expression)
 The tired hungry searchers refused to give up.
 The tired, hungry searchers refused to give up. (Adjectives before a
noun)
Semicolon
 Rule #1: Join the parts of a compound sentence.
 This replaces the comma + FANBOYS
 Ex: I tried the water fountain; it was not working \
Semicolon
 Rule #2: When there are commas within items in a series,
use semicolons to separate the items.
 Carson has lived in Selma, Alabama; Syracuse, New York; and
Bismarck, North Dakota.
 Rule #3: Use a semicolon before a word that joins the
clauses of a compound sentence. Joining words:
therefore, however, hence, so , then, moreover, besides,
nevertheless, yet, consequently
 Sara has never taken lessons; however, she plays very
well.
Practice:
1. The loudspeakers were broken no one could hear the music.
 The loudspeakers were broken; no one could hear the music.
2.Popular ocean resorts include Atlantic City, New Jersey Ocean City,
Maryland Virginia Beach, Virginia and Nags Head, North Carolina.
 Popular ocean resorts include Atlantic City, New Jersey; Ocean City,
Maryland; Virginia Beach, Virginia and Nags Head, North Carolina.
3. Bud is an excellent player however, he didn’t make the team.
 Bud is an excellent player; however, he didn’t make the team.
Colon
 Cannot follow a verb
 Rule #1: Use a colon before some lists
 Before these phrases: these are, there are, the following,
as follows, such as , these things.
 My favorite sports are the following: baseball, basketball.
Soccer, and freeze tag.
 Rule #2: Use a colon before a long, formal quotation
 Governor Smith stated to the press: “I think that
children should study grammar for a least six hours a
day...”
Colon
 Rule #3: When you want to say “here comes an
example” or “here’s what I’m talking about.”
 There’s only one sport for me: alligator wrestling
Practice
 When you are getting ready for camp, be sure you pack these things
toothbrush, sleeping bag, and pillow.
 When you are getting ready for camp, be sure you pack these things:
toothbrush, sleeping bag, and pillow.
 There’s one thing I love more than anything else in the world pizza.
 There’s one thing I love more than anything else in the world: pizza.
 Mr. K stated the following “I love grammar boot camp so much that I
sleep with my grammar packet under my pillow! I loved being able to
apply the tools I learned in class to my perfect paragraph so that it
really is perfect!”
 Mr. K stated the following: “I love grammar boot camp so much that I
sleep with my grammar packet under my pillow! I loved being able to
apply the tools I learned in class to my perfect paragraph so that it really
is perfect!”