question marks, and exclamation points...question marks, and exclamation points write the following...

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4. The Mississippi River flows from Lake Itasca, MN, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico at Port Eads, LA. 5. The letter was addressed to Mr. Schenk on Pine St. in Boise, ID. 6. Juan hopes to fly jets for the United States AF. 7. The keynote speaker was Dr. David Hoyt, Ph.D. B. Congress has designated holidays to honor the memory of such great Americans as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Martin Luther King, Junior. 9. R. Reagan was the fortieth president of the United States. 10. The table on page 13 gives the measurement as "6 ft, 3 in deep." Review A Correcting Sentences by Adding Periods, Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE 1. Does Pete come from New York City 1. Does Pete come from New York City? 1. What a car that is 2. Whose car is that 3. I went to Washington, DC., to visit Patrick. 4. We asked who owned that boat 5. By AD. 1100, Moscow was already an important city 6. George Washington Carver, J r, received the Spingarn Medal in 1923 7. Why do so many dogs enjoy playing fetch B. Please explain why so many dogs enjoy playing fetch 9. When did Bill Bradley run for president 10. Terrific Here's another coin for my collection Commas Items in a Series 26f. Use commas to separate items in a series. EXAMPLES The basketball coach recommended that Desiree practice dribbling, shooting, weaving, and passing. [words in a series] We can meet before English class, during lunch, or after school. [phrases in a series] COMPUTER TIP Publishers usually print time abbreviations as small capitals-uppercase letters that are slightly smaller than standard uppercase letters. Your word processor may offer small capitals as a style option. If it does not or if you are writing by hand, you may use either uppercase or lowercase letters for time abbreviations, as long as you are consistent within each piece of writing.

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Page 1: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

4. The Mississippi River flows from Lake Itasca, MN, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico at Port Eads, LA.

5. The letter was addressed to Mr. Schenk on Pine St. in Boise, ID.

6. Juan hopes to fly jets for the United States AF. 7. The keynote speaker was Dr. David Hoyt, Ph.D.

B. Congress has designated holidays to honor the memory of such great Americans as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Martin Luther King, Junior.

9. R. Reagan was the fortieth president of the United States. 10. The table on page 13 gives the measurement as "6 ft, 3 in deep."

Review A Correcting Sentences by Adding Periods, Question Marks, and Exclamation Points

Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed.

EXAMPLE 1. Does Pete come from New York City

1. Does Pete come from New York City?

1. What a car that is

2. Whose car is that 3. I went to Washington, DC., to visit Patrick. 4. We asked who owned that boat

5. By AD. 1100, Moscow was already an important city 6. George Washington Carver, J r, received the Spingarn Medal

in 1923 7. Why do so many dogs enjoy playing fetch

B. Please explain why so many dogs enjoy playing fetch 9. When did Bill Bradley run for president

10. Terrific Here's another coin for my collection

Commas

Items in a Series

26f. Use commas to separate items in a series.

EXAMPLES The basketball coach recommended that Desiree practice dribbling, shooting, weaving, and passing. [words in a series]

We can meet before English class, during lunch, or after school. [phrases in a series]

COMPUTER TIP

Publishers usually print time abbreviations as small capitals-uppercase letters that are slightly smaller than standard uppercase letters. Your word processor may offer small capitals as a style option. If it does not or if you are writing by hand, you may use either uppercase or lowercase letters for time abbreviations, as long as you are consistent within each piece of writing.

Page 2: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

?

I STYLE/~ For clarity, some writers prefer always to use the comma before the conjunc­tion in a series. Follow your teacher's instructions on this point.

~~

I STYLE/~ The abbreviation etc. (meaning "and so forth")

I' at the end of a series should be followed by a comma unless it falls at the end of a sentence.

EXAMPLES AI bought hamburger, buns, onions, etc., for the French Club's cookout.

For the French Club's cookout, AI bought ham­burger, buns, onions, etc.

Reference Note

I Independent clauses in a series can be separated by semicolons. For more about this use of the semicolon, see page 804.

After school I must make sure that my room is clean, that my little brother is home from his piano lesson, and that the garbage has been emptied. [clauses in a series]

When and, or, or nor joins the last two items in a series, the comma is sometimes omitted before the conjunction if a comma is not needed to make the meaning of the sentence clear.

UNCLEAR Phyllis, Ken and Matt formed a rock band. [It looks as though Phyll is is being addressed.]

CLEAR Phyllis, Ken, and Matt formed a rock band. [Phyl lis is clearly a member of the band.]

eN o ~_0' Some words-such as bread and butter and law and order-are paired so often that they may be considered a single item.

EXAMPLE For lunch we had soup, salad, bread and butter, and milk.

(1) If all the items in a series are joined by and, or, or nor, do not use commas to separate them.

EXAMPLES Tyrone and Earlene and Lily won awards for their sculptures.

Should we walk or ride our bikes or take the bus?

(2) Generally, a comma should not be placed before or after a series.

INCORRECT I enjoy, gymnastics, basketball, and wrestling.

CORRECT I enjoy gymnastics, basketball, and wrestling.

INCORRECT I'll meet Mr. Catalano, Mr. Lawson, and Mr. Liu, tomorrow afternoon.

CORRECT I'll meet Mr. Catalano, Mr. Lawson, and Mr. Liu tomorrow afternoon.

(3) Short independent clauses in a series may be separated by commas.

EXAMPLE I came, I saw, I conquered.

Julius Caesar

26g. Use commas to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun.

EXAMPLE Lucia is an intelligent, thoughtful, responsible student.

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Page 3: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

Do not use a comma before the final adjective preceding a noun if that adjective is thought of as part of the noun.

EXAMPLES Let's play this new video game. [not new, video game]

I've finally found a decent, affordable used car. [not afford­able, used car]

~

1

N aTE An adverb may modify an adjective preceding a noun. Do not

use a comma between the adverb and the adjective.

EXAMPLE I think you should wear the bright blue shirt with that suit.

Independent Clauses

26h. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet) when it joins independent clauses.

EXAMPLES I read a review of Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain, and now I want to read the book.

Amy followed the recipe carefully, for she had never made paella before.

IN aT SJ Always use a comma before for, so, or yet joining independent

clauses. The comma may be omitted before and, but, nor, and or if the

independent clauses are very short and if the sentence is not awkward

or unclear without it.

CLEAR The phone rang and I answered it.

We can go in the morning or we can leave now.

AWKWARD The teacher called on Maria and John began to answer.

CLEAR The teacher called on Maria, and John began to answer.

Do not confuse a compound sentence with a simple sentence that has a compound verb.

SIMPLE SENTENCE

COMPOUND SENTENCE

My stepsister had been accepted at Howard University but decided to attend Grambling State University instead. [one independent clause with a compound verb]

My stepsister had been accepted at Howard University, but she decided to attend Grambling State University instead. [two independent clauses]

I TIPS & TRICKS I A compound noun such as video game or used car is considered a single noun. You can use two tests to determine whether an adjective and a noun form a unit.

TEST 1 Change the order of the adjectives. If the order of the adjectives can be reversed sensibly, use a comma. Affordable, decent used car makes sense, but used decent car and video new game do not.

TEST 2 Insert the word and between the adjectives. If and fits sensibly between the adjectives, use a comma. And cannot be logically inserted between new and video game. And sounds sensible between decent and affordable but not between afford­able and used.

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Page 4: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

Reference Note

I For more about com­pound subjects and compound verbs, see page 517. For more about compound sentences, see page 570.

Also, keep in mind that compound subjects and compound objects are generally not separated by commas.

EXAMPLES What he is saying today and what he said yesterday are two different things. [two subordinate clauses serving as a compound subject)

Exercise 3

Television crews covered the women's triathlon and the awards ceremony. [compound object)

Using Commas Correctly

Write each of the following sentences, inserting or deleting commas wherever necessary. If a sentence is already correct, write C.

EXAMPLE 1. Salvatore is an eager, willing, and able, young man.

1. Salvatore is an eager, willing, and able young man.

1. Soon both coasts would be connected by huge coal-black "iron horses" traveling along the rails.

2. I'll draw the plans Clay will get the supplies and Kerry will build the fountain.

3. I can't decide what to order but I'm sure that I'll have something spicy, mild or sweet-and-sour.

4. I enjoy, guitar music, Zarzuelas, and light opera. 5. Dad had sent away for the new coat but then changed his mind

and canceled the order. 6. The tenor sang his solo and the soprano sang hers. 7. The watch has been ordered from Europe, but will not be delivered

until next month. S. They will visit museums, shops, and art galleries, this week. 9. You'll be writing many addresses in your life so learn to use com­

mas now and you won't have many problems later. 10. Blanche Kelso Bruce took a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1875 served

six years, and so became the first African American to serve a full term as senator.

Exercise 4 Correcting Sentences by Adding Commas

For the following sentences, write each word that should be followed by a comma, and add the comma. If a sentence is already correct, write C.

EXAMPLE 1. Taylor Greer is the strong-minded unpredictable heroine of Barbara Kingsolver's novel The Bean Trees.

1. strong-minded,

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Page 5: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

1. The photograph showed a happy mischievous good-natured boy. 2. Barbara will bring potato salad to the picnic and Marc will bring

the cold cuts and the volleyball net. 3. Alain Locke taught philosophy created one of the foremost collec­

tions of African art and mentored many black writers. 4. We studied the following authors in English class this semester:

F. Scott Fitzgerald Lorraine Hansberry and Rudolfo Anaya. 5. The introduction of the hardy sweet potato helped the Chinese

to alleviate the famines that plagued them. 6. The committee has suggested that the cafeteria serve a different

selection daily that classes not be interrupted by announcements and that pep rallies always be held during sixth period.

7. Students will receive paper pencils rulers etc. at the beginning of the test.

8. April looked on the desk, under the chair, and in her purse. 9. Last winter was abnormally cold icy and snowy.

10. The concert consisted of African American music and featured jazz rhythm and blues spirituals and several gospel songs.

Review B Proofreading for the Correct Use of End Marks and Commas

Rewrite the sentences in the following paragraph, adding, deleting, or reordering end marks and commas as necessary.

EXAMPLE [1] Do you know the name of the famous structure shown in the photograph on the next page

1. Do you know the name of the famous structure shown in the photograph on the next page?

[1] Known as Stonehenge, this great circle of stones is located in England, and remains one of the most mysterious structures of the ancient world. [2] Much of the riddle of Stonehenge concerns the transport of the awesome massive stones that stand in the monument's inner circle. [3] These rocks are indigenous to Wales and many people have asked, "How did these huge stones travel two hundred miles to England" [4] Do you remember Merlin from the stories of King Arthur's legendary court [5] This wily, and powerful sorcerer is said to have moved the stones by magic. [6] The story of Merlin may be fasci­nating but modern astronomers anthropologists, and other scientists are searching for a more rational explanation. [7] Some theorists believe that many of the incredibly heavy gigantic monoliths were shipped by raft through dangerous tidal waters, but other scientists

Page 6: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

Reference Note

I For more about subordi­nate clauses, see page 559. For more about participial phrases, see page 541.

scoff and exclaim, "That's impossible"! [8] Still other theorists wonder whether glaciers may have lifted moved, and deposited the stones so far from their home? [9] Visitors to Stonehenge are no longer allowed within the monument and venturing inside the protected area will draw a polite but authoritative, "Will you please step back" [10] So far, Stonehenge has not yielded a solution to the mystery of the stones yet a section of the site remains unexplored and may contain clues as to how they got there.

Nonessential Clauses and Phrases

26i. Use commas to set off nonessential subordinate clauses and nonessential participial phrases.

A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) subordinate clause or participial phrase adds information that is unnecessary to the basic meaning of the sentence.

NONESSENTIAL Marie Curie, who studied radioactivity, CLAUSES won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.

Did the 1998 Senate hearings, which were televised, attract a large audience?

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Page 7: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

NONESSENTIAL PHRASES

Monique, carrying the heaviest load, lagged far behind the others.

Willie Herenton, defeating the incumbent in 1991, became the first African American mayor of Memphis.

Notice that the nonessential clause or phrase from each of the examples above can be left out without changing the basic meaning of the sentence.

EXAMPLES Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.

Did the 1998 Senate hearings attract a large audience?

Monique lagged far behind the others.

Willie Herenton became the first African American mayor of Memphis.

An essential (or restrictive) subordinate clause or participial phrase is not set off by commas because it contains information that cannot be left out without changing the basic meaning of the sentence.

ESSENTIAL The juniors who were selected for Boys State CLAUSES and Girls State were named.

Should material that is quoted verbatim be placed in quotation marks?

ESSENTIAL Those participating in the food drive should PHRASES bring their donations by Friday at the latest.

The election won by Willie Herenton was in October 1991.

Notice how leaving out the essential clause or phrase changes or restricts the basic meaning of each of the examples above.

EXAMPLES The juniors were named. [Which juniors?]

Should material be placed in quotation marks? [Which material?]

Those should bring their donations by Friday at the latest. [Which those?]

The election was in October 1991. [Which election?]

Some subordinate clauses and participial phrases may be either essential or nonessential. The presence or absence of commas tells the reader how the clause or phrase relates to the main idea of the sentence.

I TIPS & TRICKS I A subordinate clause or a participial phrase that modifies a proper noun is generally nonessential.

EXAMPLES The Eiffel Tower, which Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel designed, is in Paris.

Skipper, barking at the mail carrier, would not calm down.

I TIPS & TRICKS I Adjective clauses beginning with that are nearly always essential.

EXAMPLE The platypus and the spiny anteater are the only mammals that lay eggs.

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Page 8: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

NONESSENTIAL CLAUSE

ESSENTIAL CLAUSE

NONESSENTIAL PHRASE

ESSENTIAL PHRASE

Exercise 5

Una's cousin~ who wants to be an astronaut~ attended a space camp in Huntsville, Alabama, last summer. [Una has only one cousin, and that cousin attended the space camp.]

Una's cousin who wants to be an astronaut attended a space camp in Huntsville, Alabama, last summer. [Una has more than one cousin. The one who wants to be an astronaut attended the space camp.]

Your cat~ draped along the back of the couch~ seems contented. [You have on ly one cat, and it seems contented.]

Your cat draped along the back of the couch seems contented. [You have more than one cat. The one draped along the back of the couch seems contented.]

. Using Commas Correctly

Rewrite the following sentences, adding or deleting commas as neces­sary. If a sentence is already correct, write C.

EXAMPLE 1. The movie which is one of my favorites is about a friendly extraterrestrial.

1. The movie, which is one of my favorites, is about a friendly extraterrestrial.

1. Students, going on the trip tomorrow, will meet in the auditorium. 2. The White River Bridge which closed today for resurfacing will not

be open for traffic until mid-October. 3. The symphony, that Beethoven called the Eroica, was composed to

celebrate the memory of a great man. 4. From the composer's letters, we learn that the "great man" whom

he had in mind was Napoleon Bonaparte. 5. Natalie Curtis Burlin always interested in the music of American

Indians recorded their songs in the early 1900s. 6. The driver stopped on the side of the road had a flat tire. 7. The musician, who founded the annual music festival in Puerto

Rico, was Pablo Casals. 8. Semantics which is concerned with the meanings of words is an

interesting subject of study for high school students. 9. My parents' station wagon which is more than seven years old sim­

ply refuses to start on cold mornings. 10. All contestants, submitting photographs, must sign a release form.

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Page 9: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

Introductory Elements

26j. Use a comma after certain introductory elements.

(1) Use a comma to set off a mild exclamation such as well, oh, or why. Other introductory words such as yes and no are also set off by commas.

EXAM PLES Well, I guess so.

Yikes, are we late!

Yes, I heard your question .

(2) Use a comma after an introductory participle or participial phrase.

EXAMPLES Exhausted, the scouts took a break.

Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the podium.

eN OTE , Do not confuse a gerund phrase used as the subject of a sentence with an introductory participial phrase.

EXAM PLES Following directions can sometimes be difficult. [Following directions is a gerund phrase used as the subject of the sentence.]

Following directions, I began to assemble the bike. [Following directions is an introductory participial phrase modifying I.]

(3) Use a comma after two or more introductory prepositional phrases or after one long one.

EXAMPLES In the first round of the golf tournament, I played against one of the best golfers in the state.

In the secret chamber called "the crystal keep," the heroine found the missing map.

A single short introductory prepositional phrase does not require a comma unless the sentence is awkward to read without one or unless the phrase is parenthetical.

EXAMPLES At the track, meet me in front of the snack bar. [The comma is needed to avoid reading "track meet."]

By the way, I need to borrow a quarter. [The comma is needed because by the way is parenthetical.]

I STYLE

Make sure that an intro­ductory participial phrase modifies the subject of the sentence; otherwise, the phrase may be misplaced.

MISPLACED Cracking and eating the seeds from the bird feeder, we enjoyed watching the playful cardinals.

REVISED Cracking and eating the seeds from the bird feeder, the playful cardi­nals were a joy to watch.

Reference Note

I For information on par­ticipial phrases and gerund phrases, see pages 541 and 544. For information on prepo­sitional phrases, see page 536.

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Page 10: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

Reference Note

I For more about adverb clauses, see page 565.

(4) Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause.

An introductory adverb clause may appear at the beginning of a sen­tence or before any independent clause in the sentence.

EXAMPLES After I had locked the car door, I remembered that the keys were still in the ignition.

I had a spare set of keys with me; if I hadn't, I would have had to walk home.

'~

( N O ~Ed An adverb clause that follows an independent clause is generally

not set off by a comma.

EXAM PLE Thousands of homes in the Philippines were destroyed when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991.

Review C Using Commas in a Paragraph

For the sentences in the following paragraph, write each word that

should be followed by a comma, and add the comma. If a sentence is already correct, write C.

EXAMPLE [1] Well what do you think the clocks in the painting shown on the opposite page symbolize?

1. Well,

[1] Have you ever had a dream that seemed absolutely real; then, as

you awoke you realized how outlandish it was? [2] An artist painting a surrealistic picture can sometimes generate that same dreamlike feeling

in an audience. [3] For example, this painting which is one of many

surreal landscapes by Salvador Dali conveys the strange experience of a dream. [4] In a dream time has a different meaning, and the bizarre

can seem ordinary. [5] While only five minutes may actually have passed events requiring hours or days may have taken place in a dream.

[6] Dali's clocks drooping as limply as a sleeper show that the rigid march of time can relax in a dream. [7] In the liquid time and

unearthly space of dreams not even solid reality can be certain. [8] Objects far more fantastic and incredible than the creature who

reclines on the sand can seem in dreams to be as familiar as your own

face. [9] Sleeping peacefully Dali's strange creature does not seem to realize that it is saddled with the burden of time. [10] Well until the

alarm clock wakes you from your own dreams you probably don't realize it either.

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Page 11: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

Interrupters

26k. Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence.

(1) Nonessential appositives and appositive phrases are set off by commas.

An appositive is a noun or pronoun placed beside another noun or pronoun to identify or describe it. An appositive phrase consists of an appositive and its modifiers.

A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) appositive or appositive phrase adds information that is unnecessary to the meaning of the sentence. In other words, the basic meaning of the sentence is clear and complete with or without the appositive or appositive phrase.

EXAMPLES Ron Arias's first novel, The Road to Tamazunchale, was nominated for the National Book Award.

Tylan, my oldest nephew, plays the accordion.

Is that he, the young man with the red hair?

Notice that the basic meaning of each of the examples above remains clear and complete without the appositive or appositive phrase.

EXAMPLES Ron Arias's first novel was nominated for the National Book Award.

Reference Note

I For more about apposi­tives and appositive phrases, see page 550.

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Page 12: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

Reference Note

I For information on correcting misplaced modifiers, see page 712.

Reference Note

I Some parenthetical expressions, such as conse­quently, however, more­over, and therefore, are conjunctive adverbs. See page 570.

Reference Note

I Parentheses and dashes can also be used to set off parenthetical expressions. See page 809.

Tylan plays the accordion.

Is that he?

"'~.!l; An essential (or restrictive) appositive or appositive phrase is

not set off by commas because it adds information that is necessary to

the meaning of the sentence. In other words, the basic meaning of the

sentence is unclear or incomplete without the appositive or appositive

phrase.

\ I

EXAMPLES Does your friend Joshua have a part in the play, too?

The old saying "Haste makes waste" certainly applies to this situation.

Notice that without the appositive the meaning of the examples

above is unclear or incomplete.

(2) Words used in direct address are set off by commas.

EXAMPLES Mom, have you called Mrs. Johnson yet?

Your painting, Andy, is very original.

Will you answer the question, Monica?

(3) Parenthetical expressions are set off by commas.

A parenthetical expression is a side remark that adds information or shows a relationship between ideas.

Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions - -.

after all I believe (hope, etc.) naturally

. at any rate incidentally nevertheless

by the way in fact of course

consequently in general . on the contrary

for example in the first place on the other hand

for instance meanwhile that is

however moreover therefore

EXAMPLES Incidentally, I won't be home for supper.

Exercise makes the heart and lungs more efficient, and, moreover, it contributes to an overall sense of well-being.

It's too late to call now, I believe.

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Page 13: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

• a state abbreviation from a ZIP Code

EXAMPLE Is 1410 Azalea Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005-9725, the correct address?

• items joined by prepositions

EXAMPLE The play is at the Majestic Theater on Broad Avenue in Midland Heights.

(2) Use a comma after the salutation of a personal letter and after the closing of any letter.

EXAMPLES Dear Dale and Amy, Sincerely yours,

'll"N aTE) Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.

EXAMPLE Dear Dr. Wong: ~

(3) Use commas to set off a title, such as Jr., Sr., or M.D., that follows a person's name.

EXAMPLES Coretta Jones, M.D.

Isaiah Walker, Sr., makes animated films.

Unnecessary Commas

26m. Do not use unnecessary commas.

Use a comma only if a rule requires one or if the meaning is unclear without one.

INCORRECT The teacher in the room across the hall, is Cameron's aunt. [There is no rule requiring a comma to separate the subject, teacher, from the verb, is.]

CORRECT The teacher in the room across the hall is Cameron's aunt.

Review D Correcting Sentences by Adding Periods, Question Marks, Exclamation Points~ and Commas

Rewrite each of the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, exclamation points, and commas where they are needed.

EXAMPLE 1. Gina can you tell us how many American astronauts have walked on the moon

1. Gina, can you tell us how many American astronauts have walked on the moon?

Reference Note

I For information on writ­ing business letters, see "Writing" in the Quick Reference Handbook.

Page 14: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

1. Wow Rob who taught you to draw a bow like that 2. First performed on March 11 1959 on Broadway in New York City

Lorraine Hansberry's most famous play A Raisin in the Sun was awarded the New York Drama Critics Circle Award

3. Grinning Dad said that if we all helped put away toys and books picked up all the clothes lying around dusted the furniture and vacuumed the rug the house might very well look presentable by the time Grandma arrived

4. After all you could look at the map to see whether there is an exit from Interstate 70 to a state road that will take us south to Greenville Illinois instead of just complaining because I don't know the way

5. On her way to work each morning she saw young people on their paper routes children waiting for school buses mail carriers begin­ning their deliveries and the inevitable joggers puffing along on their morning workouts

6. Why do buses run so infrequently and when they do arrive why are they in bunches of three or four or more

7. Gen Benjamin 0 Davis Jr the first African American who was pro­moted to the rank of lieutenant general in the u.s. Air Force was the grandson of a slave

8. If you are going to paint window frames cover the panes of glass with masking tape which will protect the glass from being spattered

9. On a beautiful fall day in New England it is wise to go for a walk playa game outdoors or go for a drive; for it won't be long until everything is bleak cold and dreary

10. If I had my way I would live in a climate where it would be warm not hot in the daytime and cool in the evening all year round

Page 15: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

36. Will you be asking Dean to come to the movies with us.

37. The meadow was covered with tiny delicate flowers.

38. We told the man who brought us the menus that we wanted a pitcher of lemonade.

39. Vincente said, "Wait would you like to come with us."

40. The play by Oscar Wilde was witty, and also serious.

Writing Application Using Commas in an Essay

Punctuating Interrupters Next Friday, your English class will celebrate Literary Heroes Day. Your teacher has asked you to write a brief essay (two or three paragraphs long) about your favorite fictional character. Describe the character, and explain why the character is your hero. In your essay, use at least two appositives and three parenthetical expressions. Be sure to use commas correctly with each interrupter.

Prewriting First, you will need to decide on a character. Choose the one that impressed or entertained you the most. In your notes, be sure to include the character's strongest and most interesting traits.

Writing Use your notes to help you write your first draft. Begin by describing the character and noting some of the most important traits that make this person your hero. Illustrate these traits by giving at least two examples of things the character does or says.

Revising Ask a friend or relative to read your essay. Does your description give a vivid picture of the character? Is it clear why this character is your hero? If not, add or revise details to make your point more clearly. Be sure that you have used at least two appositives and three parenthetical expressions.

Publishung Proofread your essay for any errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Pay special attention to commas before and after par­enthetical expressions. You and your classmates may want to celebrate Literary Heroes Day by creating a bulletin board display. Place a typed Dr neatly written copy of each essay on the bulletin board along with illustrations of the different characters.

Page 16: Question Marks, and Exclamation Points...Question Marks, and Exclamation Points Write the following sentences, adding periods, question marks, and exclamation points as needed. EXAMPLE

~, , " ""., # , , " , I "" #

rHELP-~C>\ There may be ~ more than one error per sentence in the Diagnostic Preview. You may have to add punctuation where it is needed, and you may have to delete punctuation that is used incorrectly. Some sentences have commas where other punctuation marks should be.

Punctuation Other Marks of Punctuation

Diagnostic Preview

A. Proofreading Sentences for Correct Punctuation

The following sentences contain errors in the uses of semicolons, colons, dashes, parentheses, brackets, italics (underlining), quotation marks, ellipses, apostrophes, and hyphens. Rewrite the sentences, correcting the errors. If a sentence is already correct, write C.

EXAMPLE 1. Did you say "that you want to join us"?

1. Did you say that you want to join us?

1. Ed's and Jim's essays were both titled Kwanzaa A Special Time for African Americans.

2. Heres my phone number, call me if you decide to see the movie. 3. The circus audience loudly applauded and cheered as the acro

bats performed the perfectly-timed stunt. 4. Paula said in a desperate tone, "I know Sue's directions stated,

"Turn right when you get to the gas station; but, unfortunately, I'm not sure which gas station she meant.

5. William Butler Yeats 1865-1939, an Irish poet and playwright who won the Nobel Prize in literature, was once a member of the Irish parliament.

6. At the end of the play, Macbeth concludes that life is only "a tale ..... signifying nothing."

7. Oh no, I think my driver's license has no, it says here it wo'nt expire for another two weeks.