English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a subordinate clause. It matters not whether you begin with the subordinate clause or the independent clause. The meaning of the sentence will remain the same. Here is a… Read more234. Reordering Clauses in a Complex Sentence
Section A: Read each group of words. If the words tell a complete thought with a subject doing something, write SENTENCE. If the words do not tell a complete thought, write FRAGMENT.1. Over the roof of the house. 2. The… Read more210. Practice Simple Sentences
Look at this sentence: He likes ice cream more than me. Do you know what the writer is trying to say? Here are two possibilities: He likes ice cream more than he likes me.He likes ice cream more than I… Read more183. Pronoun Problem
Section A: Label each sentence below. Write D for declarative; IN for interrogative; E for exclamatory; IM for imperative.1. What time is it?2. Lock the door when you leave.3. I found my keys in the snow.4. Where are you going?5…. Read more245. Practice With Sentences
We’ve been practicing writing complex sentences, and we’ve talked about beginning complex sentences two different ways: with a subordinate clause or with an independent clause. It’s helpful to learn how to write sentences in different ways so that our writing… Read more229. Highlight on Writing: Using Varied Sentence Structure
When you begin a sentence with the word unless, you are writing a subordinate clause. You will need to add an independent clause to complete your complex sentence. Until you have decided on a colorUntil we rake the lawnUntil the… Read more222. Complex Sentences Using Until and Unless
We talked yesterday about a grammar error called a comma splice. It is a mistake to use a comma between two simple sentences. Each simple sentence is a complete thought and must end with a period. Comma splice error (run-on… Read more209. Use Comma and FANBOYS to Avoid a Run-On Sentence
Section A: Choose the correct word or words for each blank below.1. ________ went on a field trip. (Me and my class, My class and I)2. ________ are going to summer camp in July. (Me and my brother, my brother… Read more185. Practice with Pronoun Problems
We often talk about clauses and phrases in sentences, but you may be wondering about the difference between the two. It’s really a very simple difference: a clause is a groups of words with a verb in it; a phrase… Read more237. The Difference Between Clauses and Phrases
An adverb modifies a verb by telling more about the action. Be sure to put the adverb as close to the verb as possible. Sam walked to his room dejectedly. In this sentence, the adverb dejectedly is separated from the… Read more177. Mistakes with Using Adverbs