3. Chapter 15
Writing Simple Sentences
Identifying Subjects
The subject is a noun or pronoun that tells who or what is being
talked about in the sentence.
Ex. A wild dog barked in the distance.
Identifying Complete Subjects
The complete subject is the simple subject along with all the words
that describe it.
Ex. Since 2000, major advancements have included color displays
and touch screens.
Ex. My bedroom window is hard to open.
Identifying Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition and its object.
Ex. Mathematicians with an interest in Sudoku have discovered
over five billion unique grids.
Study Frequently Used Prepositions Box on pg. 222
4. Chapter 15 Cont.’d
Identifying Action Verbs
Action verbs tell what the subject is doing and shows mental or
emotional action.
Ex. Kobe Bryant plays basketball. Wendy loves backpacking.
Identifying Linking Verbs
Linking verbs so not show action. They connect the subject to a
word or words that describe or rename it.
Ex. An aging population is one trend that is creating more services
jobs. Related service fields, such as home maintenance, look strong
too.
Study Frequently Used Linking Verbs on pg. 225
Identifying Helping Verbs
Helping verbs come before the main verb.
Ex. The candidates will name their running mates within two weeks.
Do you want breakfast now?
5. Chapter 16
Writing Compound Sentences
Using Coordinating Conjunctions
A coordinating conjunction joins together two simple
sentences into a compound sentence.
A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple
complete sentences (independent clauses).
Remember FANBOYS (For And Nor But Or Yet So)
Ex. I could order the chicken fajitas, or I could have chili.
Using Semicolons
A semicolon can join two complete sentences, but it
cannot join a sentence and a fragment.
Incorrect: Because New York City has excellent public
transportation; it was a good choice for the convention.
Correct: New York City has excellent public
transportation; it was a good choice for the convention.
6. Chapter 16 Cont.’d
Using Transitional Words and Phrases
When a transitional word or phrase joins two sentences, a semicolon
always comes before the transitional word or phrase, and a comma
always comes after it.
Refer to Frequently Used Transitional Words and Phrases on pg. 240
Addition Cause-and-Effect Contradiction
Also, besides, As a Nevertheless, however, i
furthermore, in addition, result, therefore, consequently, n contrast, still
moreover thus Ex. Some of the world’s
Ex. Golf can be an Ex. Professional baseball best athletes are track
expensive sport; players are bigger and stars; nevertheless, few
besides, it can be hard stronger than ever before; of their names are widely
to find a public golf therefore, home runs have known
course. become more common.
Alternatives Time Sequence
Instead, on the At the same
contrary, otherwise time, eventually, finally, later, meanwhile,
Ex. Shawn got a football subsequently, then
scholarship; otherwise, he could Ex. The popularity of women’s tennis has
not have gone to college. been growing; meanwhile, the popularity
of men’s tennis has been declining.
7. Chapter 17
Writing Complex Sentences
Using Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction joins an independent clause with a dependent clause to
make a complex sentence.
Ex. Because Tanya was sick yesterday, I had to work a double shift.
Study Frequently Used Subordinating Conjunctions on pg. 249
Punctuating with Subordinating Conjunctions
Use a comma after the dependent clause.
Ex. Although they had no formal training as engineers, Orville and Wilber Wright built the
first airplane.
Do not use a comma after the independent clause.
Ex. Orville and Wilber Wright built the first airplane although they had no formal training as
engineers.
Using Relative Pronouns
You can also create a complex sentence by joining two simple independent sentences with a
relative pronoun.
Ex. The Miami Heat’s LeBron James, who was only eighteen years old at the time, was the
Cleveland Cavaliers’ first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Ex. Japanese merchants are allowed to sell whale meat that is left over after the research.
8. Chapter 18
Fine-Tuning Your Sentences
Varying Sentence Openings
Beginning with Adverbs: Ex. Originally, the cards were white.
Beginning with Prepositional Phrases: Ex. In 1940, the U.S. government
issued the first “green cards.”
Combining Sentences
Creating Compound and Complex Sentences: Ex. Many young adults do not
vote because they don’t trust politicians. Maybe they are too lazy to vote, or
maybe they don’t think their votes will do any good.
Expanding Simple Sentences: Ex. Public libraries provide essential services.
They are often underfunded. Often underfunded, public libraries provide
essential services.
Creating a Series: Ex. Consumers are buying more iPads, smart phones, and
bottled water.
Choosing Exact Words
Specific words refer to particular people, places, and things. General words
refer to entire classes of things.
Ex. I would like to apply for the job you advertised. I would like to apply for
the assistant manager’s job you posted on Monster.com
9. Chapter 18 Cont.’d
Using Concise Language
Say what you have to say in as few words as possible and without
unnecessary repetition.
Wordy: During the period of the Great Depression, many people
were out of work.
Concise: During the Great Depression, many people were out of
work.
Repetitive: They were repeatedly told time and time again to
follow safety procedures.
Concise: They were repeatedly told to follow safety procedures.
Avoiding Clichés
Include phrases like “raining cats and dogs” and “hard as a rock.”
Cliché: After a year of college, I learned that what goes around
comes around.
Revised: After a year of college, I learned that if I don’t study, I
won’t do well.
