Mastering Introductory Phrases and Clauses in Grammar Lessons
Explore the nuances of using introductory phrases and clauses in sentences through engaging examples and explanations. Learn when to use commas, identify independent clauses, and enhance your writing skills. Dive into a fun learning experience enriched with music references and practical grammar rules.
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Week 19 Introductory phrases and clauses + more with My Girl by The Temptations
Grammar Lesson: Introductory words (transitions & names) and Introductory clauses (dependent clauses) need commas after them IF they appear before the independent clause in the sentence. An independent clause will have a subject (normally a noun) and predicate (a verb) and will be a complete thought. Examples: Independent clause (complete sentence) Subject in blue, predicate in green, and completion of the thought is underlined. Introductory clauses (dependent clauses) (fragments) These will most likely begin with prepositions or adverbs such as: although, when, because, though, after, before, if, until, etc. I like to listen to loud music. Before you play that song, [understood you] please tell me the artist. Though I ve never heard of him, I like his sound. Introductory words/Transitions Bill, will you please play that song again? Furthermore, I would like a higher volume. Note: If these phrases come AFTER the independent clause, they do not need a comma. [Understood You] Please tell me the artist before you play that song. I like his sound though I ve never heard of him.
Link to song #MentorSentenceMonday When it s cold outside, I ve got the month of May. Why does outside have a comma after it? What is the independent clause in this sentence? What makes this a well-written sentence?
#TransformItTuesday Link to song Well I guess you d say that my girl makes me feel this way, even if it s a cloudy day. Correct: Well, I guess you would say that my girl makes me feel this way even if it s a cloudy day. Grammar Rule: You must add commas after introductory clauses and words IF they are in front of the independent clause. Compound: Well, I guess you would say that my girl makes me feel this way even if it s a cloudy day, so please don t take my sunshine away. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, add a comma conjunction plus another COMPLETE sentence to the end of this corrected sentence to transform it into a compound/complex sentence.
#TestPrepThursday 1. Whenever I m feeling sad I go out and soak up the sunshine. However I should probably warn you that too much sun exposure can cause cancer. A. No change B. Add a comma after sad C. Add a comma after However D. Add a comma after sad and a comma after However D. Because However is an introductory word and Whenever I m feeling sad is a introductory clause. All introductory words and clauses need a comma. 2. Mr. Moody studies show a link between positive moods and sunshine, so get yourself outside! If you don t get enough sunshine, feel down. A. No change B. Add a comma after between C. Add a comma after Mr. Moody and add a subject to feel down D. Add a comma after Mr. Moody and between C. Because Mr. Moody is an introductory word. Feel down is not a complete sentence. You can t have an introductory clause paired with an incomplete sentence.
Link to song #FiguresOfSpeechFriday I ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees. The month of May just walked in the door. Personification: Giving inanimate objects human characteristics. Simile: the comparison of one thing to another thing of a different kind using like, as, or than to make the description more vivid. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 20 Ways to combine sentences + more with Lampshades on Fire by Modest Mouse
Grammar Lesson: To avoid run-on sentences, you must combine two independent clauses by using a comma conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So FANBOYS) or a semicolon. You can also separate the independent clauses by using a period and starting a new sentence. Examples: Semi-colons Comma Conjunctions I am learning to play the guitar, but it is very hard for me to memorize the chords. If I knew how to play the guitar well, I would sign up for the talent show; that would be an amazing experience. I love listening to music, but I hate to dance. Notethat you don t need a comma when the conjunction isn t followed by a complete sentence. I love listening to music and dancing.
Link to Song #MentorSentenceMonday Why do you need a comma after well? Well, the lampshade was on fire; the room lit up, and we ran to the next town. Why do you think the writer chose to combine using a semicolon first then a comma conjunction? Why not repeat one twice? Imagine this sentence broken into 3 different sentences. How would it sound? What makes this a well-written sentence?
#TransformItTuesday Link to Song We pack up again, we head to the next place. Correct: We pack up again, and we head to the next place. Or We pack up again; we head to the next place. Or We pack up again. We head to the next place. Grammar Rule: We pack up again and we head to the next place are two independent clauses that must be combined using a semicolon, comma conjunction, or separated with a period to avoid run-on sentences. Compound/ Complex sentence example: Once we burn everything up, we pack and head to the next place. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence by adding punctuation. 2. Next, rewrite this compound sentence to transform it into a complex sentence.
#TestPrepThursday Though a trip to Mars would mean never returning to Earth over 200,000 people have applied and submitted their application videos. No one knows if Mars One will be successful, but there s something appealing about getting a fresh start on a new planet people will have a whole new world to mess up again. 1. A. No Change B. Earth, over 200,000 people have applied, and submitted C. Earth over 200,000 people have applied and submitted D. Earth, over 200,000 people have applied and submitted D. Because the conjunction and doesn t need a comma when it doesn t combine two independent clauses, and Though a trip.. is an introductory clause that needs a comma after it. 1. 2. 2. A. No Change B. successful; but / new planet, people C. successful, but / new planet; people D. successful, but/ new planet, people C. Because you need to combine 3 complete sentences.
#FiguresOfSpeechFriday He is a party pooper who makes us think about why we should be responsible. Link to Song The lampshade is on fire (meaning from the song) Metaphor: A non-literal representation of a way to vividly describe something. Or Extended Metaphor because the song uses this expression to represent destroying our Earth and burning up fossil fuels. Idiom: An expression whose meaning is not predictable based on the individual meanings of the words that make up the phrase. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 21 Parallel Structure + more with One Love by Bob Marley
Grammar Lesson: All things in a list must follow the same grammatical pattern to form parallel structure. If the list is combined into one sentence, each item must be separated by a comma. Examples: Parallel Structure: Parallel Structure Sentence: V adj N V Music gives life to the soul. I love to try new instruments, play adj N N V adj Dance offers movement to the heart. fresh music, and learn fancy chords. Instruments deliver sound tothe mind.
#MentorSentenceMonday Link to song Let s get together; let s feel alright. Why do you need a semicolon here? How are the words in this sentence parallel? What makes this a well-written sentence?
Link to song #TransformItTuesday I hear the children crying, One Heart," and I saw the children write, One Love! Correct: I hear the children crying, One Heart, and I see the children writing, One Love! Grammar Rule: All word parts of the list must be parallel. Complex: When I m out in the streets, I hear the children crying, One Heart, and I see the children write, One Love! 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, add a introductory clause in front of the corrected sentence to transform it into a compound/complex sentence.
#TestPrepThursday 1. A. No Change B. modern technology, social networking, and telephones. C. modern technology, social networking, and cellphones. D. modern technology, social networking, and mobile telephones. D. Because you need to separate the list with commas and you must add an adjective to telephones to form a parallel sentence. Peacebuilding has accelerated with modern technology social networking and telephones. Media can be used as both a negative force or a positive power. 1. 2. 2. A. No Change B. Add a comma before or C. Add a comma after or D. Change power to a noun A. Because the sentence is parallel with matching adjectives and nouns.
#FiguresOfSpeechFriday Link to song One heart. One love. One more thing. Repetition: Repeats the same word or phrase to make an idea clear and create unity throughout a piece of writing. Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own beliefs? Rhetorical Question: A question you ask without expecting an answer. A question to prove a point. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 22 Colons and Dashes with You Can t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones
Grammar Lesson: Though technically interchangeable in most cases use a colon (:) before a list use a dash (--) before a wait for it, wait for it explanation and as a SUPER comma when you want the pause to be dramatic. Examples: Dash Examples: There s really only one thing I m looking Colon Example: The following skills are needed for for in a good bass player passion. bass players: desire to play, willingness to practice, and drive to succeed. The best thing I ve learned from music to reluctantly narrow it down is discipline. Also notice the parallel structure in this list
Link to song #MentorSentenceMonday You can t always get what you want, but you can get what you need which usually ends up being better. Why is there a comma needed before but? Why does the writer choose a dash instead of a comma? What makes this a well-written sentence?
#TransformItTuesday Here is a list of the things I want money fame and looking good. Link to song Correct: Here is a list of the things I want: money, fame, and good-looks. Grammar Rule: Use a colon before lists and separate lists with commas. Keep the list parallel. Complex: Since you are asking, here is a list of the things I want: money, fame, and good-looks. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, add a introductory clause in front of the corrected sentence to transform it into a complex sentence.
#TestPrepThursday 1. A. No Change B. listen she still does but C. listen, she still does but D. listen she still does, but John prefers to talk rather than listen. When he was little, his mother used to constantly nag him to listen, she still does: but John just has too much to say. However studies show that listening whether that be in your professional or personal life is the most important skill to learn. B. Because this phrase must be separated from the main sentence since it can stand alone, and B is the only option that completely does that. 1. 2. 2. A. No Change B. Add a comma after however C. Add a comma after however and add dash after life D. Add a dash after however C. Because you need a comma after introductory words, and whether that be in your professional or personal life needs to be separated from the main sentence.
#FiguresOfSpeechFriday Link to song At her feet was a footloose man Idiom: An expression whose meaning is not predictable based on the individual meanings of the words that make up the phrase. When you want something from someone, help that person get what he or she wants. Paradox: a statement that contradicts itself. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 23 Appositives + more with Don t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
Grammar Lesson: Appositives give more information about the subject of a sentence. If appositives are extra information that can be removed from the sentence, they are set aside by commas. Examples: Appositive in the Appositive at the middle of the sentence: start of a sentence: Paul McCartney, the lead guitarist for the A bold innovator, Paul McCartney Beatles, is a legend. started a new style of music.
Link to Song #MentorSentenceMonday Bobby McFerrin, a singer and song writer, tells us to not worry. Why does the writer add in the phrase, a singer and song writer ? Why is it set aside with commas? What makes this a well-written sentence?
#TransformItTuesday Don t Worry, Be Happy a song with a happy beat is a classic. Link to Song Correct: Don t Worry, Be Happy, a song with a happy beat, is a classic. Grammar Rule: If appositives are extra information that can be removed from the sentence, they are set aside by commas. Simple: Don t Worry, Be Happy is a classic song with a happy beat. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, rewrite this sentence by transforming it into a simple sentence with NO appositive.
#TestPrepThursday C. Because common symptoms of depression is extra information that can be removed from the sentence an appositive set aside by commas. You don t need a comma conjunction in this sentence. 1. A. No Change B. and anxious common symptoms of depression, every C. and anxious, common symptoms of depression, every D. and, anxious common symptoms of depression, every She felt exhausted and anxious common symptoms of depression every time she overbooked herself. An experienced physician Dr. Smith recommend having a positive attitude and learning to say no to alleviate stress 1. 2. C. Because An experienced physician is an appositive at the start of the sentence giving more information about Dr. Smith. You don t need a comma before and because you aren t combing two sentences. 2. A. No Change B. Add a comma after physician and before and C. Add a comma after physician D. Add a comma before and
#FiguresOfSpeechFriday Like the birds that sing in the trees, don t worry-- be happy. Link to Song Simile: the comparison of one thing to another thing of a different kind using like, as, or than to make the description more vivid. He s such a Scrooge; he seems to want to be unhappy. Allusion: an expression designed to remind the reader of a prior knowledge from history, culture, or literature. *From A Christmas Carol 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 24 Avoiding comma splices + more with Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz
Grammar Lesson: Commas should never be used to splice (join) together run-on sentences or compound sentence elements. Don t use commas where they aren t needed, or it will result in a comma splice. Examples: Correct use of commas: Incorrect use of commas: Furthermore, I would like a higher volume. Being in a band is fun, and cool. Though I ve never heard of him, I like his sound. I m in a band, you should try it. I love listening to music, but I hate to dance. I love playing, singing, and drumming.
Link to Song (clean version) #MentorSentenceMonday Like the wind, love is free and forever. Why is a comma needed here? Why isn t a comma needed here? What makes this a well-written sentence?
#TransformItTuesday Link to Song (clean version) The windmill is for the land, it will turn forever. Correct: The windmill is for the land, and it will turn forever. Grammar Rule: A comma cannot splice together a run-on sentence. Compound/Complex: Being earth-friendly, the windmill is for the land, and it will turn forever. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct compound sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, add an introductory clause in front of the corrected sentence to transform it into a compound/complex sentence.
#TestPrepThursday 1. A. No Change B. Interestingly, wind exists, because C. Interestingly wind exists because D. Interestingly wind exists because, 1. A. Because Interestingly is an introductory word and needs a comma after it. Interestingly, wind exists because the sun unevenly heats the Earth. 2. 2. A. No Change B. grains and pump water C. grains, and pump water D. grains and, pump water Farmers once used windmills to grind grains, and pumping water. B. Because you only use commas before conjunctions when you are combining two complete clauses. Also, you must keep a list parallel.
#FiguresOfSpeechFriday Link to Song (clean version) The city is breaking down on a camel s back. Metaphor: A non-literal representation of a way to vividly describe something. Don t stop the ship. Get in; we are your captains. Watch us navigate. Word choice: Why does the writer choose these words? All of these words bring to mind the sea and sailing. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 25 Indefinite Pronouns + more with Everybody Dance Now by C&C Music Factory
Grammar Lesson: Indefinite Pronouns are words which replace nouns that are indefinite or vague in number. These pronouns must match in number with the rest of the sentence. Always Singular Always Plural Sometimes Singular or Plural Anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everything, neither, nobody, no one, somebody, someone Both, few, many, others, several All, any, more, most, some His, her Their, them You, yours Examples: Always Plural Always Singular Singular or Plural Everyone needs to bring his or All of boys are great signers. Both of them are in the band. her guitar to practice. Though they messed up the Several of the girls like to Somebody left his or her mic song, all is forgiven. sing. last practice.
#MentorSentenceMonday Link to song Everybody needs to move his or her feet on the dance floor once in a while. Why is his or her used instead of their? Why isn t a comma needed before the conjunction or? What makes this a well-written sentence?
#TransformItTuesday Everybody needs to get their butt out in the dance floor! Correct: Everybody needs to get his or her butt out on the dance floor. Link to song Grammar Rule: Everybody is singular therefore their must be changed to singular. Also, you can t be in a dance floor, so the preposition must change to on. Compound: We are at prom, so everybody needs to get his or her butt out on the dance floor! 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this simple sentence into a compound sentence.
#TestPrepThursday 1. A. No Change B. everybody tips on how to improve his or her C. them tips on how to improve his or her D. everyone tips on how to improve their They give everybody tips on how to improve their health by dancing more. Few follow their advice though. 1. B. Because everybody is singular, so you must use the singular his or her. 2. 2. A. No Change B. Few follow his or her C. Few follow them D. Not each follow their A. Because few is plural, so you must use the plural their.
#FiguresOfSpeechFriday Link to song I m back with the bass; hear it snap! Hint: Two in one here! Dancing carries away stress and delivers a replacement of fun. Alliteration: Repetition of letters or sounds at the beginning of words Onomatopoeia: A formation of a word that makes the sound it s associated with. Personification: Giving inanimate objects human characteristics 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 26 Ambiguous and Vague Pronoun References + more with All That She Wants by Ace of Base
Grammar Lesson: Ambiguous and Vague Pronouns leave antecedents and the message of the sentence unclear or vague. Examples: Correct: Incorrect: The girl took her dog to the concert; The girl took her dog to the concert; she the dog enjoyed giving everyone big liked giving everyone big wet kisses. wet kisses. Aaron became good friends with Larry Aaron and Larry became good friends after he helped him get tickets to the after Larry got him tickets to the concert. concert.
#MentorSentenceMonday Link to song Jenny and Jonas live a lonely life; he left her, and all that she wants is another baby. Why is he and her and she NOT vague in this sentence? Why do you need a semicolon here? What makes this a well-written sentence?
Link to song #TransformItTuesday He wants to be gone tomorrow she wants another boyfriend, but it didn t work out. Correct: He wants to be gone tomorrow; she wants another boyfriend, but neither worked out. OR He wants to be gone tomorrow; she wants another boyfriend, but the boyfriend didn t work out for her. Grammar Rule: It was unclear what didn t fit well by using the ambiguous pronoun it, so this needed to be clarified. Compound/Complex: Since they broke up, he wants to be gone tomorrow; she wants another boyfriend, but neither worked out 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this compound sentence into a compound /complex sentence.
#TestPrepThursday 1. A. No Change B. They/her C. Ashley and Angie/Angie D. Everyone/her Ashley and Angie had rebound relationships, but the relationships didn t work out for her. C. Because her is ambiguous. We don t know which girl it is referring to. 1. 2. A. No Change B. John and Jake, Angie s new boyfriends, / he C. John and Jake Angie s new boyfriends / they D. John and Jake, Angie s new boyfriends, / they 2. D. Because he doesn t fit with the plural boyfriends. Also, you need to set the appositive apart with commas. John and Jake Angie s new boyfriends couldn t live up to her demands, so he left.
#FiguresOfSpeechFriday Link to song She s the hunter and you re the fox I m just laying on the beach and sunning on the shore. What sentence structure is this? Parallel structure: where all parts-of-speech match Metaphor: A non-literal representation of a way to vividly describe something. Or 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.
Week 27 Passive Voice + more with Fallin by Alicia Keys
