ACT English Grammar & Usage Notes

English 3 - CompMrs. B-T

Must agree in NUMBER ◦ Generally, nouns ending in ‘s’ are plural and verbs

ending in ‘s’ are singular: brothers know, student sings, etc.

◦ The number of a subject is not changed by a phrase following the subject: One of the kittens is stuck in a tree. The ring set with rubies was stolen from the jeweler. Mary, along with her sisters, takes piano lessons.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Pronouns also must agree in NUMBER These pronouns are SINGULAR:

◦ Anybody/one - no one ◦ Somebody/one - Each◦ Everybody/one - Either◦ One - Neither

These are PLURAL:◦ several, few, many, both

Agreement

Some pronouns depend on the sentence:◦ Some of the food was eaten.◦ Some of the apples were eaten.◦ All of the furniture looks comfortable.◦ All of the chairs look comfortable.◦ Any of these students is qualified.◦ Any of these students are qualified.◦ None of the cartons was full. (not one was full)◦ None of the cartons were full. (no cartons were full)

Agreement

The news on the front page is/are upsetting. Our teacher, along with several others,

is/are gone for a conference. The windows on the north side has/have

thermal glass. All of the members of the team was/were

present for the award ceremony. Either of the books is/are worth reading. Each of the students has/have parent

permission.

Agreement Practice

End day 1

Subjects joined by ‘and’ take a plural verb if they name more than one thing:◦ Poetry and prose are different in form.◦ Lucille Clifton and Leslie Silko are writers.

Warning: If the compound subject names one object, it is still singular:◦ Bacon and eggs is a delicious breakfast.◦ Romeo and Juliet is a well known play.

Agreement w Compound Subjects

Single subjects joined by ‘or’ and ‘nor’ are singular:◦ Every Saturday, Gail or Joe gets/get the car

washed.◦ Either Jamie or Sue run/runs the 5k this weekend.

If varied subjects are joined by ‘or’ and ‘nor’ then agree with the subject closer to the verb:◦ Neither the singers nor the accompanist has/have

memorized the music.◦ Either cookies or cake is/are for dessert.◦ Either cake or cookies is/are for dessert.

Agreement - compounds

Collective nouns are generally singular if they refer to one group:◦ Committee flock class club◦ Audience familyfleet team

Titles are singular:◦ Great Expectations is by Charles Dickens.◦ Romeo and Juliet is read in English 1

Words stating an amount are usually singular:◦ Ten dollars is a lot for a movie ticket.◦ Twenty minutes was given for the task.

Agreement – other cases

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is/are a popular Disney movie.

2. Fifteen pounds is/are a lot of weight to lose.

3. Measles is/are not common anymore due to immunizations.

4. Neither the captain nor the coach plan/plans to attend the pep rally.

5. Jeff and Sally is/are going to prom together.

6. The hammer or the nails was/were left at the work site.

Practice

End day 2

What are they?

Pronouns take the place of a noun:◦ I, me, we us, you◦ He, she, him, her, they, them, it

Pronouns

Must agree in GENDER◦ Mrs. B-T loves to talk about her sons.◦ Steve was shocked at his surprise party.◦ The snake swallowed its prey whole – yuk!

If the antecedent can be masculine or feminine, you can pick one or use both.◦ Anyone going on the field trip needs to bring his

or her lunch. ◦ Everyone going on the field trip needs to bring

his lunch.

Pronouns- Agreement

Pronouns also must agree in NUMBER These pronouns are SINGULAR:

◦ Anybody/one - no one ◦ Somebody/one - Each◦ Everybody/one - Either◦ One - Neither- One of the boys left his helmet on the bus.- Everybody who is interested can submit an

application. These are PLURAL:

◦ several, few, many, both

Pronoun Agreement

Pronouns joined by and are plural◦ Kim, Laura, and Steve donate their time at the

food bank.

Pronouns joined by or / nor are singular and match the closer antecedent.◦ Either Sally or Jim brought his camera.

Pronoun Agreement

1. A person should not expect too much from friends.

2. Amazon.com sent Jack and Ray the books ordered.

3. Nancy or Gina will stay after school so that can help decorate the room.

4. Several of the prisoners refused to eat food.5. Each of the seals caught the fish that were thrown to

.6. Neither person apologized for mistake.7. One of her brothers used to think could get away

with anything.8. Everyone needs own copy of the notes.

Pronoun Agreement Practice

End day 3

Pronouns can be: ◦ Nominative– used as the subject of a clause◦ Objective – direct or indirect objects of objects of

prepositions◦ Possessive – to show ownership

We will deal with these only in terms of usage problems.

Week 2: PRONOUN CASE

These include: I, we, you, he, she, it, theyThey are used in two ways:

The SUBJECT of a sentence ◦ She and they passed the test.

After a “to be” verb (such as is, am, was, were, be, etc.)◦ The winner should have been he.

(He should have been the winner.)◦ (On the phone): “Is Jessica there?” “This is she.”

(because she is speaking.)

PRONOUN CASE – Subjective Pronouns

You and ____ will go to the library today. My cousins and ____ have research to do. Either Terry or ____ chose a different topic. Did you and ____ decide to go to the movies

on Saturday? The chairperson of that committee is ____. The only guys who auditioned for the part

were Joe and ____ The winner has to be ____.

Nominative Pronouns

These include: me, us, you, him, her, it, them and are used as:

Direct objects (answer who or what): ◦ The visitors surprised her.◦ He helped us boys with our homework.

Indirect objects (answer to or for who/what): ◦ My kids baked me a cake.

Objects of prepositions: ◦ We’ll practice with you and them.

(You do not have to be able to label these uses!)

Objective Pronouns

End Week 2, day 1

Pronoun Case Chart

Use when subject or after “to be” verbs: is, am, are, was, were…

Use when not nominative.

Nominative◦I◦we◦He, she◦They

Objective◦me◦us◦Him, her◦them

1. While in Mexico, my grandmother, Uncle Luis, and I/me visited the Oaxaca Valley.

2. The state of Oaxaca is where they/them were born.3. Luis was amazed to find sturdy homes where all of

we/us thought would be bamboo houses.4. My relatives and I/me drove to several cities.5. Grandmother pointed out some painted

woodcarvings to Uncle Luis and I/me.6. I decided my souvenir purchase would be

they/them or some landscape paintings.7. We all enjoyed the trip, but the person who had the

most fun was definitely I/me!

Case Practice

Incomplete ConstructionsIf the idea in the sentence is not complete,

finish it in your head to select a pronoun. This generally occurs with than or as.

Note how the pronoun changes the meaning of the sentence!

Jim likes Sue better than I (like Sue). Jim likes Sue better than (he likes) me. Did you practice as much as she

(practiced)?

Incomplete Construction Practice – Add in the missing ideas!

1. Larry can sand the floors better than I/me.2. The teacher’s explanation baffled Sam as

well as I/me.3. Is Elizabeth younger or older than he/him?4. We have known Lucy longer than she/her.5. You are more idealistic than he/him.6. Their children are even smarter than

they/them.7. The trip exhausted them more than we/us.

Who and WhomAnswer the question in your head.

He/She = WHO Him/Her = WHOM

Who is nominative. Use it when you would use he or she.◦ Mr. Smith is a

teacher who likes his students. (He likes students.)

◦ Can you tell me who that player is? (He is that player.)

Whom is objective. Use it when you would use him or her.◦ Mr. Smith is a

teacher whom students like. (His students like him.)

◦ She is a student whom I rarely see. (I rarely see her.)

1. I wondered who/whom was knocking so late.2. My sister, to who/whom I sent the package,

lives in Kansas City.3. It was Napoleon who/whom invaded Spain in

1808.4. Maureen finally guessed who/whom it was.5. I visited with Mr. Wills who/whom was

weeding his garden.6. She is a musician who/whom I respect.7. Who/Whom are you taking to the ballgame?

Who/Whom Practice

Commas with Non-EssentialsA Non-essential (non-restrictive) clause or phrase contains info that isn’t needed to understand the main idea of the sentence.Non essentials are set off by

commas. Lydia Cabrera, who was born in Cuba, wrote

many books about African-Cuban culture.Lydia Cabrera wrote many books about African-Cuban culture.

Commas with Non-Essentials Lee rephrased the question.

Lee, noticing my confusion, rephrased the question.

Did the Senate hearings have a large viewing audience?

Did the Senate hearings, which were televised, have a large viewing

audience?

Commas with Non-EssentialsAn essential (restrictive) clause or phrase

contains info that is needed to clearly understand the main idea of the sentence.

These are NOT set off by commas The students who won the election were

called to the office. Those participating in the blood drive

should eat a good breakfast. Material that is quoted verbatim must be

cited in a Works Consulted page.

Essentials vs. Non-EssentialsThink of essentials as “need to know” info;Non-essentials include “nice to know” info.

My brother Mike lives in Seven Pines.essential - if I have multiple brothers, then I need to know which one

My brother, Mike, lives in Seven Pines.non-essential – if I only have one brother, his name isn’t needed

That is used when essential information is included in a sentence: The side of the house that faces north needs to be

painted. (The side of the house is essential.) That phrases are NOT set off with commas

Which is used with non-essential or extra information is presented in the sentence. The front of the house, which faces south, needs to be

painted. Which phrases ARE set off with commas.

That vs. Which

Dan’s car that is parked on the street has a flat tire. (which of Dan’s cars?)

Dan’s red car, which is parked in the garage, has a flat tire. (We know which car – the red one.)The computer that I take with me when travelling is very light.My new computer, which I take with me when travelling, is really easy to use.The master bedroom, which is on the first floor, has several windows.The bedroom that is on the first floor has many windows.

Practice with Non-EssentialsThe White River Bridge which closed today for resurfacing will reopen in the fall.

The White River Bridge, which closed today for resurfacing, will reopen in the fall. Non-essential: time/reason for closing not important

The symphony that Beethoven called Eroica was composed to celebrate the memory of a specific person.

The symphony that Beethoven called Eroica was composed to celebrate the memory of a specific person. Essential: need to know what symphony.

Practice with Non-EssentialsThe driver sitting on the side of the road had a

flat tire.The driver sitting on the side of the road had a

flat tire. essential: which driver of many?

My car which is seven years old often doesn’t start on cold mornings.

My car, which is seven years old, often doesn’t start on cold mornings. non-essential: age of the car doesn’t matter

1. The dance which was on Friday was well attended.

2. Highways that have eight lanes are built for speed and safety.

3. The girl who is in the red sweater is our club president.

4. Mrs. Jones trying not to smile offered to help us with our stage make-up.

5. Their youngest daughter loved by everyone is actually not spoiled at all.

6. Every child enrolling in school for the first time must fill out medical forms.

Essentials Comma Practice, ,

, ,, ,

Commas in a Series A series is a group of 3 or more items. Use a comma to separate items, including

before and, to ensure clarity. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate were

available. We elected our class officers:

president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. (3 or 4 officers?)

We elected our class officers: president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer.

Commas in Series If all items are joined by and/or, do not use

commas◦ I bought a tie and a shirt and a hat.◦ Sam or Sally or Tom will call you.

Independent clauses (subject-verb groups) are usually joined by semi-colons, but if they are very short, commas are acceptable◦ The wind blew furiously through the trees;

lightning flashed across the sky; thunder boomed and rolled; rain poured down.

◦ The wind blew, lightning flashed, thunder boomed, and rain poured down.

Consecutive Adjectives Use a comma to separate two consecutive

adjectives describing the same noun.◦ That is a rough, narrow, dangerous road.◦ An arrogant, talkative announcer annoys me.

1. My favorite cousins are Bonnie Steph Billy Joe Calvin and Jim.

2. George Washington Carver derived from the peanut items such as ink coffee beauty cream and pigments.

3. She lowered her long curled dark eyelashes.4. It was an unusual attractive floor lamp.5. A wise monkey is supposed to see no evil

hear no evil and speak no evil.6. On the surface of the mountain are round

deep craters and steep rugged mountains.

Comma Practice – other rules

,

, ,, ,

,,,

, ,,

,,

,

,

Introductory Elements Use a comma after “extra” words such as

well, yes, no, why, etc. when they begin a sentence ◦ No, I have not forgotten.◦ Well, you could have gotten the homework from

teacherweb.

Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase

Participial phrase = description starting with an –ed or –ing word.◦ Pausing for a moment in the doorway, the mom

waved to her son.◦ Frightened by the noise, the pigeons flew from

the roof.

Note that the phrase precedes the word it describes.

Introductory Elements

Introductory Elements Use a comma after 2 or more prepositional

phrases. ◦ Near the gate at the end of the lane, Jenny set up

her lemonade stand. Use a comma with one prep phrase as

needed for clarity.◦ In this state taxes are comparatively low.◦ In this state, taxes are comparatively low

Interrupting Elements Use a comma to separate interrupters or

parentheticals:◦ He, of course, won’t be there.◦ Everyone, even his enemies, respects him.◦ To tell the truth, I don’t really like that show.

Use a comma for direct address:◦ Mrs. B-T, may I go to my locker?◦ That question, Jeff, was already answered.◦ Let’s go eat, Grandma.

End here 3/12

CLAUSE – a word group that contains a verb and its subject and is used as part of a sentence

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE – contains a subject & a verb and a complete thought.This means it can stand alone as a sentence.◦ The bell rings to start class every day at school.◦ He stood straight and tall with confidence on the

day of his competition.

CLAUSES

CLAUSESSIMPLE SENTENCE – contains one

independent clause. Mrs. B-T loves her job most of the time.I want to see Sweeney Todd next week but

don’t have a babysitter. (1 clause – 1 subject)John and I want to see a movie and go to

dinner. (1 clause – compound subject and compound verb)

CLAUSES – Compound SentenceCOMPOUND SENTENCE – contains two or

more independent clauses

I want to see Sweeney Todd, but I have to find a babysitter first.

I want to see Sweeney Todd but have to find a babysitter first. (only 1 subject=1 clause)

Forming Compound SentencesCoordinating Conjunctions –

used to connect independent clausesForAndNor

But OrYetSo

S + V , CC S + V

Compound SentencesThe freshmen are reading Jekyll & Hyde. The

juniors are starting The Great Gatsby.The freshmen are reading Jekyll & Hyde, and

the juniors are starting The Great Gatsby.Josh and Parker look a lot alike. Parker wears

glasses.Josh and Parker look a lot alike, but Parker

wears glasses.

Compound SentencesI’m going to work at the library this weekend.

I need more evidence for my argument paper.

I’m going to work at the library this weekend, for I need more evidence for my argument paper.

I need more evidence for my argument paper, so I’m going to work at the library this weekend.

Compound SentencesJosh didn’t do his homework. The boys didn’t

pick up their rooms. They may not watch tv.

The boys didn’t pick up their rooms, nor did Josh do his homework.

Josh must do his homework, or he may not watch tv.

The boys didn’t pick up their rooms, nor did Josh do his homework, so they may not watch tv.

End 3/28

Semi-Colon in Compound Sentences

Another option to combine 2 independent clauses is the semi-colon.

Use a semi-colon WITHOUT one of the FANBOYS

The musical begins at 7:30 on Friday; we will meet for dinner at 5:30.

Sometimes you may want to add a transition word with you semi-colon.◦ Sally does great with her homework and class

discussions; however, she has trouble with tests.◦ I made other plans for Friday night; anyway, I’ve

already seen that movie.◦ I made other plans for Friday night; I’ve already

seen that movie anyway. You decide if you need a comma after the

transition word depending on if you hear a pause.

Semi-Colons

End 3/28

Complex SentencesCOMPLEX SENTENCE – contains an

independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses.

The subordinate clause is made less important (dependent) with the use of a subordinate conjunction.

Complex SentencesI got a 3.0 first semester.I was invited to the PNH dessert bar.

Because I got a 3.0 first semester, I was invited to the PNH dessert bar.

I was invited to the PNH dessert bar because I got a 3.0 first semester.

Subordinate ConjunctionsPunctuation rules:

S + V SC S + V.

SC S + V , S + V.If the subordinate clause precedes the independent clause, a comma is needed between the clauses.

You add no punctuation when the subordinate clause follows the independent clause.

Subordinate Conjunctions NOTE that this list is NOT

exhaustive.For cause & effect

• Because• Since

For intention • In order that• So that

For condition • Although• As if • As though• Even though• If • Unless

For time relation As While As soon as When Before Until Whenever After Since

Subordinate ConjunctionsNOTE that this list is NOT exhaustive.

For location Where wherever

Sample SentencesThe curtain fell.The audience broke into applause.

As soon as the curtain fell, the audience broke into applause.

The audience broke into applause when the curtain fell.

REMINDER: EITHER a subordinate conjunction OR a comma will go between the clauses – but not both!

Sample SentencesSam is happy to babysit for the Smith kids.Mrs. Smith always has a full fridge.

Since Mrs. Smith always a has a full fridge, Sam is happy to babysit for the Smith kids.

Sam is happy to babysit for the Smith kids since Mrs. Smith always has a full fridge.

Sample SentencesHe is always broke at the end of the month.He makes over a thousand dollars a week.

Even though he makes over a thousand dollars a week, he is always broke at the end of the month.

He is always broke at the end of the month even though he makes over a thousand dollars a week.

1. She sighed deeply as though she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.

2. If you admit your mistake your parents might go easier on you.

3. They will not believe you unless you sound more humble.

4. Because Khalil won the talent show he was asked to perform at the school assembly.

5. When I agreed to babysit I didn’t realize that there was a basketball game that night.

6. We’ll get a puppy as soon as you show you are responsible enough to handle it.

7. While Dad was home making dinner Mom was out playing a quick round of golf.

Practice

EXTRA INFO – NOT COVERED IN

CLASS

Lists (3 or more items)Unnecessary words & phrases Connecting ClausesIntroductory infoDates & Places

Comma Reminders - LUCID

PLURALS◦ If a noun does not end in s, make plural by adding s dog

dogs◦ If a noun does end in s, make plural by adding es

boss bosses◦ Never make plural by adding apostrophe s (’s)◦ The rules holds for family names and proper nouns

Apostrophes (use & misuse)

• The Smiths are going on vacation.• The Kellys bought a new house.• The Robertses are going on vacation.• The Joneses like to go bowling.

If you don’t like these, change the sentence:The Jones family likes to go bowling.

To make most singular nouns possessive, add apostrophe and s (’s) ◦ The dog’s collar is leather. (one dog)

For a plural noun ending in s, add only the apostrophe◦ The dogs’ collars are leather. (more than one dog)

For plural nouns not ending in s, add apostrophe and s (’s)◦ The women’s department is on this floor.

These rules are true with family names and initials used as a name (FDR).

Possessives

• Charles’s friends met him at the game.• Mr. Jones’s car is in the garage.• The Smiths’ house is blue.• The Joneses’ cars are Toyotas.

Possessive pronouns do NOT have apostrophes!◦ Her’s Their’s Your’s It’s = WRONG!! (It’s = it is)

In a compound word or group, add apostrophe to the end:◦ Father-in-law’s hat◦ Rose and Denise’s idea

Add the number of apostrophes for each thing owned.◦ Josh’s and Parker’s rooms (each have their own)◦ Josh and Parker’s Wii (they share one)

Use possessives for time and amounts◦ A week’s vacation◦ A dollar’s worth

Apostrophe Reminders

Ended here Week 3-Day 1

1. It is her’s.2. Women’s department3. That boys’ radio4. Who’s is it?5. Fly’s wings6. Five dollar’s worth7. Mice’s tails8. Childrens’ program9. No ones’ fault10. San Jose’s industries11. A Buddhist’s beliefs12. Leaves’ color

13. Jeff’s and Joey’s room14. Soldiers’ rations15. It’s shiny surface16. That is their’s.17. Sister in laws’ house18. Churches’ spire19. The Siouxs’ land20. A horses’ hooves21. Mom’s and Dad’s cars

Apostrophe Practice – correct the mistakes

1. Party of Julie and Sam2. Clothes of babies3. Jobs of my brothers-in-law4. Pay for two weeks5. coats of the gentlemen6. Singing of the birds7. Plans of the school board8. Victory of the players9. Delay of six months10. Bills of the dentist and doctor

More Practice1. Sam’s2. Babies’3. Law’s4. Week’s5. Gentlemen’

s6. Birds’7. Board’s8. Players’9. Month’s10.Dentist’s

and doctor’s