Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) (use to combine words, phrases, and clauses)
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
You do NOT use a comma when you use these to combine words and phrases, but you DO
use a comma when you use them to combine 2 Independent Clauses. IC, and IC. Example:
I like him, and he likes me.
Subordinating conjunctions (WABBITS) (these words make a dependent clause)
after, although, as, as long as, because, before, even if, even though, how, if, in order that, once,
provided that, rather than, since, so that, than, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where,
wherever, whether, while
If you start a sentence with a WABBIT, use a comma before the IC. You don’t use a comma if the IC comes
first and then the WABBIT (DC). DC, IC. or IC DC
Sentence Patterns:
IC. Example: I like him.
IC, and IC. Example: I like him, and he likes me.
DC, IC.
IC DC.
Ex: When it is cold outside, I wear a jacket.
Ex: I wear a jacket when it is cold outside.
When Dependent Clause
As
Because
Before
If
Though
Since
,
Independent Clause
Independent Clause
when
Dependent Clause
as
because
before
if
though
since
.
.
Commonly misspelled or confused words:
Rather—Whether—Weather : Rather means “prefer” or “instead of.” Whether means “alternative
possibilities” and “weather” means if it’s cloudy or hot, etc.
Two vs. Too vs. To: Two = 2; Too = extra or also; To = preposition of location, direction, or with a verb: to love.
Their vs. They’re vs. There: Their = owners; They’re = They are; There = location or place holder for a delayed
subject.
With “Would/Could/Should Have” vs. Would/Could/Should of: Use Have!
Whose vs. Who’s: Whose = unknown owner; who’s = who is.
Where vs. Were: Where = location; were = past tense verb (rhymes with “fur”) (and we’re = we are)
Less-Known Comma Rules:
1. Use a comma after introductory elements (DCs, Prepositional Phrases, Transitions, etc.)
2. Use two commas to surround interrupters (transitions, conjunctive adverbs).
Pronoun Antecedent Agreement
1. For singular nouns that could be male or female (student, person, athlete, customer), use
“he or she,” “his or her,” or “him or her.”
Example: If a student wants to do well, he or she will study.
2. The following indefinite pronouns are considered singular: Anybody, anyone, everybody,
everyone, each, every, either, nobody, none, neither, somebody, and someone. Use “he or she,”
“his or her,” or “him or her.”
Example: If everybody wants to do well, he or she will study.
3. Collective nouns (team, committee, family) seem plural, but they are singular. Use it or its.
Example: The committee is presenting its report at the board meeting tonight.
NOTE: when you can, use plural nouns so you can avoid using it or its, “he or she,” “his or her,”
or “him or her.”
Example: The members of the committee are presenting their report tonight.
Example: If students want to do well, they will study.
How to Organize Your Essay
Introductory Paragraph:
The first paragraph includes your way of bringing up the subject/topic—maybe with a small story or an exciting
fact. It ends with your answer to the topic question. That answer is called the thesis. The introduction is usually
no less than 3 sentences and certainly can be more than 3.
Body Paragraphs:
Each body paragraph should have one and only one idea that supports the thesis. The main idea of support
should be your first sentence and the rest of the sentences in the paragraph should offer evidence for and
examples of that idea. A well developed paragraph will have 5 or more sentences. Your FEE should have at
least one body paragraph, but it is likely to have 2 or more.
Concluding Paragraph:
This paragraph signals the end of your paper. You might re-say your thesis, but change the wording. You might
go over your main ideas of support, but don’t copy them exactly. This is likely to be your shortest paragraph.