Here are the corrections and explanations for the week's entries.
NOTE: check the announcement at the end of this blog.
Monday
SENTENCES
PRINCIPAL CLAUSE
A principal clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate which can stand alone because it expresses a complete thought.
“He wrote a simple sentence.”
SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
A subordinate clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate which cannot stand on its own because it does not express a complete thought.
“Because I like girls...”
SIMPLE SENTENCES
A simple sentence is a group of words containing one subject and one predicate and having a complete thought.
“The cat sat on a mat.”
INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES
An interrogative sentence is a group of words which poses a question.
“When will the cat finish her meal?”
Tuesday
COMPOUND SENTENCES
A compound sentence is a group of words containing two or more statements (clauses) which are joined by a coordinate conjunction.
“The cat sat on the mat and it licked its paws.” (Each clause can stand independently.)
Wednesday
COMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence is a group of words containing one principal clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
“I worked during the holidays because I needed the money.” (The first clause can stand on its own; the second one cannot.)
Thursday
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES
A compound-complex sentence contains two or more principal clauses and one or more subordinate clauses.
“He says that I should study medicine because doctors do so much good, but I know that I want to be an actor.” (There are two principal clauses and three subordinate clauses.)
Friday
SURPRISE! TEST TIME!
Label each of the following sentences as simple, complex, compound or compound-complex.
1. The horse ran the race in record time.
This is a simple sentence having one principal clause.
2. I raised the window, and a bat flew into the room.
This is a compound sentence because there are two principal clauses.
3. He arrived home early and went directly to his room.
This is a compound sentence because there are two principal clauses.
4. I worked during the holidays because I needed the money.
This is a complex sentence because there are one principal clause and one subordinate clause.
5. The man who sent you is my friend.
This is a complex sentence because there are one principal clause and one subordinate clause.
6. He asked why you were absent, and I replied that I did not know.
This is a compound-complex sentence because there are two principal clauses and two subordinate clauses.
7. I know that you have given me good advice and I promise that I will not disappoint you.
This is a compound-complex sentence because there are two principal clauses and two subordinate clauses.
8. A wise man is one who never tells all that he knows.
This is a complex sentence because there are one principal clause and two subordinate clauses.
9. Great dykes hold back the water in Holland.
This is a simple sentence because there is one principal clause.
10. I did not sleep well because I was excited over the game.
This is a complex sentence because there are one principal clause and one subordinate clause.
HOW TRUE!
“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 - 1945) penned this statement.
THIS WEEK'S WORDS
“Inquisitiveness” (n.) refers to curiosity or wonder.
“Quiescence” (n.) refers to inaction, dormancy or sleep. To Shakespeare, it refers to the stillness of death.
“Harbinger”, as a noun means a forerunner, a herald or an omen. As a verb, it means to announce or foretell.
“Whimsical” (adj.) means capricious, impulsive or determined by chance or whim.
“Languid” (adj.) means lazy, sluggish, lacking in energy or enthusiasm.
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be no postings next week, November 9- 13, 2009.
Posts will resume November 16, 2009.
If you need a grammar fix, check the archives; there are over 700 postings you can review.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
SENTENCE WEEK - Part 5
SURPRISE! TEST TIME!
Label each of the following sentences as simple, complex, compound or compound-complex. List a reason for each choice.
1. The horse ran the race in record time.
2. I raised the window, and a bat flew into the room.
3. He arrived home early and went directly to his room.
4. I worked during the holidays because I needed the money.
5. The man who sent you is my friend.
6. He asked why you were absent, and I replied that I did not know.
7. I know that you have given me good advice and I promise that I will not disappoint you.
8. A wise man is one who never tells all that he knows.
9. Great dykes hold back the water in Holland.
10. I did not sleep well because I was excited over the game.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "languid".
What part of speech is "languid"?
Define "languid" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Saturday.
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be no postings next week, November 9- 13, 2009.
Posts will resume November 16, 2009.
If you need a grammar fix, check the archives; there are over 700 postings you can review.
Label each of the following sentences as simple, complex, compound or compound-complex. List a reason for each choice.
1. The horse ran the race in record time.
2. I raised the window, and a bat flew into the room.
3. He arrived home early and went directly to his room.
4. I worked during the holidays because I needed the money.
5. The man who sent you is my friend.
6. He asked why you were absent, and I replied that I did not know.
7. I know that you have given me good advice and I promise that I will not disappoint you.
8. A wise man is one who never tells all that he knows.
9. Great dykes hold back the water in Holland.
10. I did not sleep well because I was excited over the game.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "languid".
What part of speech is "languid"?
Define "languid" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Saturday.
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be no postings next week, November 9- 13, 2009.
Posts will resume November 16, 2009.
If you need a grammar fix, check the archives; there are over 700 postings you can review.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
SENTENCE WEEK - Part 4
SENTENCES
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES
What is a compound-complex sentence?
Create an example of a compound-complex sentence.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "whimsical".
What part of speech is "whimsical"?
Define "whimsical" and use it in a sentence.
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES
What is a compound-complex sentence?
Create an example of a compound-complex sentence.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "whimsical".
What part of speech is "whimsical"?
Define "whimsical" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SENTENCE WEEK - Part 3
SENTENCES
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
COMPLEX SENTENCES
What is a complex sentence?
Create an example of a complex sentence.
HOW TRUE!
Identify the author of the following bit of philosophy.
“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "harbinger".
What part of speech is "harbinger"?
Define "harbinger" and use it in a sentence.
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
COMPLEX SENTENCES
What is a complex sentence?
Create an example of a complex sentence.
HOW TRUE!
Identify the author of the following bit of philosophy.
“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "harbinger".
What part of speech is "harbinger"?
Define "harbinger" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
SENTENCE WEEK - Part 2
SENTENCES
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
COMPOUND SENTENCES
What is a compound sentence?
Create an example of a compound sentence.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "quiescence".
What part of speech is "quiescence"?
Define "quiescence" and use it in a sentence.
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
COMPOUND SENTENCES
What is a compound sentence?
Create an example of a compound sentence.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "quiescence".
What part of speech is "quiescence"?
Define "quiescence" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, November 2, 2009
SENTENCE WEEK - Part 1
SENTENCES
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
SIMPLE SENTENCES
What is a simple sentence?
Create an example of a simple sentence.
INTERROGATIVE SENTENCE
What is an interrogative sentence?
Create an example of an interrogative sentence.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "inquisitiveness".
What part of speech is "inquisitiveness"?
Define "inquisitiveness" and use it in a sentence.
All this week, I am going to explain the construction of various types of sentences. Since I am continually railing at professional writers to learn how to write sentences, I am going to give a primary to help that cause.
This could be tedious. It could also be educational. Give it a try.
SIMPLE SENTENCES
What is a simple sentence?
Create an example of a simple sentence.
INTERROGATIVE SENTENCE
What is an interrogative sentence?
Create an example of an interrogative sentence.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "inquisitiveness".
What part of speech is "inquisitiveness"?
Define "inquisitiveness" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 1, 2009
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
WARRANTEE/WARRANTY
“Warranty”, a noun, is a written assurance that a product or service will be performed.
“I received a one year manufacturer’s warranty for my new television.”
“Warrantee”, a noun, refers to a person to whom a warrant is given.
“I am the warrantee, the one who received a standard guarantee for my new television.”
Tuesday
COMPOSE/COMPRISE
“Compose” is a verb meaning to create a musical work, to create a new writing or to put together.
“Comprise” is a verb meaning to consist of, to be equal to or to contain.
“Those nine symphonies comprise the total musical output of that composer.”
Wednesday
MEDIUM/MEDIAN
“Medium” is a noun referring to a state that is intermediate between extremes, to someone who serves as an intermediary between the living and the dead or to the surrounding environment.
“‘Marshall McLuhan said, “The medium is the message.’”
“Median” as an adjective, refers to the middle value of a distribution. As a noun, it refers to the value below which fifty percent of the cases lie.
“In the sequence 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, the median number is 4.”
Thursday
PASSED/PAST
“Passed” is the past participle of the verb “to pass”. “To pass” means to enact laws, to go by something, to succeed in an exam or to run or extend by two points.
“She passed the medical exam with flying colours.”
“Past” is a noun referring to time that has elapsed. As an adjective, it refers to a time earlier than the present time or no longer current.
“The old lady lived and thought in the past and had no use for a computer.”
Friday
DRANK/DRUNK
“Drank” is the past tense of the verb “to drink”.
“They drank themselves into oblivion every weekend.”
“”Drunk” is a noun referring to a chronic drinker. As a verb, “drunk” requires an auxiliary verb or helper.
“ ‘I have drunk many new concoctions lately’, slurred the drunk.”
A GOOD CONCEPT
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Albert Einstein, physicist, 1879 - 1955, said this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Hydra” (proper noun) was a monstrous serpent with nine heads in Greek mythology and when one head was cut off, two more replaced it. As a common noun, “hydra” refers to a monster.
The connotation of “hydra” is any persistent evil arising from many sources and difficult to overcome.
“Hercules slew the Hydra as one of his labours.”
“The hydra of racism is a fearsome pandemic.”
“Rancid” (adj.) means smelling of fermentation or staleness, sour or going bad.
“Dissimulation” (n.) refers to the act of deceiving, misrepresentation or falsehood.
“Stoicism” (n.) is a philosophical system or doctrine indicating an indifference to pain or pleasure or that men should be free from passion or unmoved by joy or grief.
“Stoicism” was a school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Greece.
“Stoic”, is the term for a follower of Zeno's philosophy.
“Stoical” is the adjective form.
“Disconcert” (v.) means to cause to be confused, to confuse emotionally, to upset or to discomfit someone.
Monday
WARRANTEE/WARRANTY
“Warranty”, a noun, is a written assurance that a product or service will be performed.
“I received a one year manufacturer’s warranty for my new television.”
“Warrantee”, a noun, refers to a person to whom a warrant is given.
“I am the warrantee, the one who received a standard guarantee for my new television.”
Tuesday
COMPOSE/COMPRISE
“Compose” is a verb meaning to create a musical work, to create a new writing or to put together.
“Comprise” is a verb meaning to consist of, to be equal to or to contain.
“Those nine symphonies comprise the total musical output of that composer.”
Wednesday
MEDIUM/MEDIAN
“Medium” is a noun referring to a state that is intermediate between extremes, to someone who serves as an intermediary between the living and the dead or to the surrounding environment.
“‘Marshall McLuhan said, “The medium is the message.’”
“Median” as an adjective, refers to the middle value of a distribution. As a noun, it refers to the value below which fifty percent of the cases lie.
“In the sequence 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, the median number is 4.”
Thursday
PASSED/PAST
“Passed” is the past participle of the verb “to pass”. “To pass” means to enact laws, to go by something, to succeed in an exam or to run or extend by two points.
“She passed the medical exam with flying colours.”
“Past” is a noun referring to time that has elapsed. As an adjective, it refers to a time earlier than the present time or no longer current.
“The old lady lived and thought in the past and had no use for a computer.”
Friday
DRANK/DRUNK
“Drank” is the past tense of the verb “to drink”.
“They drank themselves into oblivion every weekend.”
“”Drunk” is a noun referring to a chronic drinker. As a verb, “drunk” requires an auxiliary verb or helper.
“ ‘I have drunk many new concoctions lately’, slurred the drunk.”
A GOOD CONCEPT
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Albert Einstein, physicist, 1879 - 1955, said this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Hydra” (proper noun) was a monstrous serpent with nine heads in Greek mythology and when one head was cut off, two more replaced it. As a common noun, “hydra” refers to a monster.
The connotation of “hydra” is any persistent evil arising from many sources and difficult to overcome.
“Hercules slew the Hydra as one of his labours.”
“The hydra of racism is a fearsome pandemic.”
“Rancid” (adj.) means smelling of fermentation or staleness, sour or going bad.
“Dissimulation” (n.) refers to the act of deceiving, misrepresentation or falsehood.
“Stoicism” (n.) is a philosophical system or doctrine indicating an indifference to pain or pleasure or that men should be free from passion or unmoved by joy or grief.
“Stoicism” was a school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Greece.
“Stoic”, is the term for a follower of Zeno's philosophy.
“Stoical” is the adjective form.
“Disconcert” (v.) means to cause to be confused, to confuse emotionally, to upset or to discomfit someone.
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