Fragments Fragment - Livonia Public Schools

Chapter 1: Fragments
Fragment: A group of words that is only part of a sentence is called a sentence fragment. A fragment
is either missing a subject, a predicate, or sometimes even both.
Fragments due to incomplete thoughts
Fragment: Shifted into lower gear. (who shifted? The subject is missing)
Sentence: The tucker shifted into a lower gear.
Fragment: The quarterback near the ten-yard line. (what happened? The verb (predicate) is missing)
Sentence: The quarterback fumbled near the ten-yard line.
Fragment: In the middle of the lake. (who or what is in the middle of the lake & what is happening?
Both subject and predicate is missing)
Sentence: A canoe tipped over the middle of the lake.
Fragments due to incorrect punctuation
Fragment: The storm struck. Without warning.
Sentence: The storm struck without warning.
Fragment: We canceled the picnic, And went home.
Sentence: We canceled the picnic and went home.
Fragment: Everyone’s efforts had been wasted. Because no one checked the weather forecast.
Sentence: Everyone’s efforts had been wasted because no one checked the weather forecast.
Fragment: What lesson did we learn? About planning ahead?
Sentence: What lesson did we learn about planning ahead?
1-1
Directions: Rewrite each fragment and tell whether the subject, predicate, or both is missing
1. Often, the stories of Greek Mythology. Missing: S or P or B
2. Poseidon, the god of the sea, with Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. Missing: S or P or B
3. Destroyed each other in order to take control of the kingdom. Missing: S or P or B
4. In the nineteenth century, novels more with everyday. Missing: S or P or B
~1~
1-2
Directions: Rewrite each fragment and tell whether the subject, predicate, or both is missing
1. At the first performance of the new band. Missing: S or P or B
2. Wondered about the score of the game. Missing: S or P or B
3. The hockey stick standing in the corner of the closet. Missing: S or P or B
4. During the time of volcanic eruptions. Missing: S or P or B
5. Bring your old shoes. Missing: S or P or B
1-3
Directions: Rewrite each fragment and tell whether the subject, predicate, or both is missing
1. On the first voyage to Mars. Missing: S or P or B
2. A jumping mouse. Missing: S or P or B
3. During the relay race. Missing: S or P or B
4. Performed on the balance beam. Missing: S or P or B
5. John Glenn, one of the first U.S. astronauts. Missing: S or P or B
~2~
1-4
Directions: Rewrite each fragment and tell whether the subject, predicate, or both is missing
1. Whose work on the chalkboard. Missing: S or P or B
2. Martha Jane Canary or “Calamity Jane”. Missing: S or P or B
3.Told stories to the campers. Missing: S or P or B
4. During the sale of the department store. Missing: S or P or B
5. Because dolphins breathe air and are warm blooded. Missing: S or P or B
1-5
Directions: Rewrite each fragment and tell whether the subject, predicate, or both is missing
1. Arrived from Florida on Sunday. Missing: S or P or B
2. Won many awards for his excellence in athletics. Missing: S or P or B
3. Scientists, from Nassau and Warsaw. Missing: S or P or B
4. Found a wool cap in the locker room. Missing: S or P or B
5. Will play floor hockey tomorrow at the middle school gymnasium. Missing: S or P or B
~3~
Chapter 2: Run-on Sentences
Run-on Sentence: is two or more sentences written incorrectly as one. A run-on sentence usually has
two complete sentences that both contain a subject and a predicate, but are incorrectly joined
together. Sometimes a run-on sentence is caused by the writer failing to use the correct end mark to
signal the end of a sentence.
There are three ways to correct a run-on sentence:
Separate the complete sentences in two separate sentences
Run-on: Susan already excels in art, now she wants to study music.
Correct: Susan already excels in art. Now she wants to study music.
Join the two complete sentences with a comma (,) + a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but,
or, yet, so)
Run-On: Susan already excels in art, now she wants to study music.
Correct: Susan already excels in art, but now she wants to study music.
Join the two complete sentences with a semicolon (;)
Run-on: Susan already excels in art, now she wants to study music.
Correct: Susan already excels in art; now she wants to study music.
2-1
Directions: Rewrite each Run-on and correct by separating each sentence into two sentences
1. Lawyers have not always gone to law schools, they learned their profession in law offices.
2. Young men were apprentices to older lawyers, at that time, only men could practice law.
3. The young law student served a lengthy apprenticeship after that the student took an examination.
4. Some young men passed the examination, they became attorneys.
5. Later, in 1817, Harvard Law School was founded, it is the oldest law school in the United States.
~4~
2-2
Directions: Rewrite each Run-on and correct by separating each sentence into two sentences
1. Many of the graduates never practice law instead they become social workers, politicians, or
diplomats.
2. For example, C. Day Lewis wrote poetry under his own name, he wrote mysteries as Nicholas Blake.
3. Usually, a pseudonym masks one writer sometimes it masks two of them.
4. Some eruptions have killed many, people fear volcanoes.
5. The lava is very hot, its temperature may be above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
2-3
Directions: Rewrite each Run-on and correct by separating each sentence into two sentences
1. Large rocks burst out of volcanoes, these are called bombs.
2. In AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, three towns were destroyed.
3. Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, more than sixty people died.
4. The train was late we waited for an hour.
5. First of all, a videotape does not have to be developed it can be played back immediately on a VCR.
~5~
2-4
Directions: Rewrite each Run-on and correct by separating each sentence into two sentences
1. Some of the notes you have taken are below turn these notes into a well-written paragraph.
2. Videotape cameras are used like movie cameras, people are using them to record family events.
3. Videotape systems are becoming more popular people use them to tape their favorite television
shows.
4. A videotape system can be a useful addition to any television set it can help you to collect useful
information.
5. Trains, cars, airplanes, and boats are useful modes of transportation people use these daily to get
around from place to place.
2-5 *New Directions:
Fix each run on by using a comma and coordinating conjunction
1. Lawyers have not always gone to law schools, they learned their profession in law offices.
2. Young men were apprentices to older lawyers, at that time, only men could practice law.
3. The young law student served a lengthy apprenticeship after that the student took an examination.
4. Some young men passed the examination, they became attorneys.
5. Later, in 1817, Harvard Law School was founded, it is the oldest law school in the United States.
~6~
2-6
Directions: Fix each run on by using a comma and coordinating conjunction
1. Many of the graduates never practice law instead they become social workers, politicians, or
diplomats.
2. For example, C. Day Lewis wrote poetry under his own name, he wrote mysteries as Nicholas Blake.
3. Usually, a pseudonym masks one writer sometimes it masks two of them.
4. People fear volcanoes, some eruptions have killed many.
5. The lava is very hot, its temperature may be above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
2-7
Directions: Fix each run on by using a comma and coordinating conjunction
1. Large rocks burst out of volcanoes, these are called bombs.
2. In AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, three towns were destroyed.
3. Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, more than sixty people died.
4. The train was late we waited for an hour.
5. First of all, a videotape does not have to be developed it can be played back immediately on a VCR.
~7~
2-8
Directions: Fix each run on by using a comma and coordinating conjunction
1. Some of the notes you have taken are below turn these notes into a well-written paragraph.
2. Videotape cameras are used like movie cameras, people are using them to record family events.
3. Videotape systems are becoming more popular people use them to tape their favorite television
shows.
4. A videotape system can be a useful addition to any television set it can help you to collect useful
information.
5. Trains, cars, airplanes, and boats are useful modes of transportation people use these daily to get
around from place to place.
2-9 *New Directions:
Fix each run on by using a semicolon
1. Lawyers have not always gone to law schools, they learned their profession in law offices.
2. Young men were apprentices to older lawyers, at that time, only men could practice law.
3. The young law student served a lengthy apprenticeship after that the student took an examination.
4. Some young men passed the examination, they became attorneys.
5. Later, in 1817, Harvard Law School was founded, it is the oldest law school in the United States.
~8~
2-10
Directions: Fix each run on by using a semicolon
1. Many of the graduates never practice law instead they become social workers, politicians, or
diplomats.
2. For example, C. Day Lewis wrote poetry under his own name, he wrote mysteries as Nicholas Blake.
3. Usually, a pseudonym masks one writer sometimes it masks two of them.
4. People fear volcanoes, some eruptions have killed many.
5. The lava is very hot, its temperature may be above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
2-11
Directions: Fix each run on by using a semicolon
1. Large rocks burst out of volcanoes, these are called bombs.
2. In AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, three towns were destroyed.
3. Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, more than sixty people died.
4. The train was late we waited for an hour.
5. First of all, a videotape does not have to be developed it can be played back immediately on a VCR.
~9~
Chapter 3: Simple, compound, and complex sentences
Simple Sentence: a simple sentence, also called an independent clause, contains a subject and a verb,
and it expresses a complete thought. The use of compound subjects, compound verbs, prepositional
phrases, and other elements help to lengthen simple sentences, but simple sentences often are short.
example: Some students like to study in the morning.
1. Joe waited (for the train).
2. The train was late.
3. Mary and Samantha took the bus.
4. I looked (for Mary and Samantha) (at the bus station).
5. Mary and Samantha arrived (at the bus station) (before noon) and left (on the bus) (before I arrived).
Compound Sentence: a compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a
coordinator. Coordinators are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)
example: I tried to speak Spanish, but my friend tried to speak French.
1. Joe waited (for the train), but the train was late.
2. I looked (for Mary and Samantha) (at the bus station), but they arrived (at the station) (before noon)
and left (on the bus) (before I arrived).
3. Mary and Samantha left (on the bus) (before I arrived), so I did not see them (at the bus station).
Complex Sentence: is made up of an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses. An
independent clause is a simple sentence, while a dependent clause is missing one of the elements that
would make it a complete sentence. (so basically you have a complete simple sentence that is
lengthened with a fragment added either to the beginning of the end of the sentence). A complex
sentence always has a subordinator such as (because, since, after, although, when, even though, so that,
while, before, whenever, wherever, anywhere, if, unless, whether (or not), as, whereas, or a relative
pronoun like: that, who, or which)
Example: The students are studying after school because they have a test tomorrow.
TIP: When the Dependent clause comes first, you need a comma to separate the dependent from the
independent clause.
1. Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them (at the
station).
2. While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late.
3. After they left on the bus, Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station.
TIP: When the independent clause comes first (simple sentence) do not use a comma to separate the
independent clause from the dependent clause.
4. I did not see them (at the station) because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before
noon.
5. Joe realized that the train was late while he waited at the train station after they left on the bus.
6. Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station after they left on the bus.
~ 10 ~
3-1
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. My best friend in the whole world is coming over to my house to visit me
this afternoon.
_____2. Batman is a hero, and he is successful in catching the criminals in his city.
_____3. Mrs. Bergey, a teacher at Klagger Elementary School, enjoys teaching writing.
_____4. Three beautiful little kittens looked up at me from inside a box of old
clothes.
_____5. The black dog has won many prizes, but he doesn’t know many tricks.
3-2
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. She saw a cat run in front of her, so she fell down while roller-skating.
_____2. A really friendly old man with long white whiskers lives in the apartment
above my aunt’s and uncle’s apartment.
_____3. One-hundred fifty-five dollars is certainly a lot of money for a young
person living with his or her parents.
_____4. I don’t want to eat, and I don’t want to drink.
_____5. I don’t want to practice playing the violin, yet I don’t want to disobey my mother.
3-3
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. Since he was entrusted with the secret, Fred became very serious
_____2. I need to go to the store, but I’m feeling too sick to drive.
_____3. I want to proofread my essay before showing it to my English teacher.
_____4. Although I am nervous about writing, I think I will do just fine.
_____5. The goalie on each team stays near the end of the rink.
~ 11 ~
3-4
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. Several of her favorite romantic love songs were playing on the radio that
afternoon in the park.
_____2. The large red book sitting on the hall table was a dictionary published by
an encyclopedia company in the United States.
_____3.There was a meteor shower in space, but the crew did not know how to avoid
the meteors.
_____4. Maria goes to sleep after her father reads her a bedtime story.
_____5. Penny starts class at 10:00.
3-5
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. If the temperature stays at about freezing, then we can join the polar bear club for a dip in the
lake.
_____2. Monarch butterflies, which migrate to Mexico each year, are guided by instinct.
_____3. After he had explained the incident, the teacher had mercy.
_____4. Hockey is a fast game, and fans shriek with excitement.
_____5. I want to go to the circus, and I want to ride a pony.
3-6
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. I didn’t do my homework, so my parents punished me.
_____2. Greg works in a bank.
_____3. I work in a post office.
_____4. I wanted to buy a baby Chihuahua, so I started to save my money.
_____5. Gillian did not like to read, for she was not very good at it.
~ 12 ~
3-7
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. I told him that his new print on the wall looked like an interesting prehistoric drawing of a fish,
although I really just wanted to laugh.
_____2. Pam liked Wayne, and Leena also liked Wayne.
_____3. The little boy did not like to go to school, yet he went anyway.
_____4. You could cry like a baby, or you can clean your room like an adult.
_____5. She didn’t want to play with Jill, and she didn’t want to play with Tim.
3-8
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. When I looked into the mirror, I saw an old man.
_____2. Hockey players are careful, but they still get hurt often.
_____3. I eat breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
_____4. One-hundred fifty-five dollars is certainly a lot of money for a young
person living with his or her parents.
_____5. Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing.
3-9
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by writing
labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. Players obey the rules, or they receive penalties.
_____2. I saw an old man when I looked into the mirror.
_____3. Eddy plays basketball every Friday.
_____4. Let’s go to the swimming pool, for it’s hot inside the house.
_____5. Until Josh attended Merced College, he had no focus in life.
~ 13 ~
3-10
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. The town in which I live suffered from severe forest fires.
_____2. Arleen’s could not play with that boy, nor could she play with that other boy.
_____3. Hockey is a popular sport in many countries around the world.
_____4. Josh had no focus in life until he attended Merced College.
_____5. When he tripped on the ice, he dropped all his books and lost his homework.
3-11
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing.
_____2. I want to own my own company, and I want to pay all my workers a lot of money.
_____3. Hockey players move quickly, or they miss a goal.
_____4. The teacher lectured him before she knew the reason why it was missing.
_____5. The student explained the accident because he was worried about his grade.
3-12
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing, and she wants her students to succeed.
_____2. Mrs. Bergey wants her students to succeed.
_____3. Rabbits make good pets, for they don’t make too much noise and they are clean.
_____4. The desk that Peter sat on and fell is broken.
_____5. The box, which Samuel dragged into his backyard, turned out to be full of toys.
~ 14 ~
3-13
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a simple, compound, or complex sentence by
writing labeling SP=simple, CP=Compound, and CX= Complex next to each sentence.
_____1. She goes to work at 9:00 a.m.
_____2. We sat toward the center of the rink.
_____3. You can make a big poster, or you can make a little clay statue.
_____4.
The dog, which my brother petted on the way to school, bit him.
_____5. We bought tickets to the hockey game.
_____6. I have never visited Asia, nor have I visited Africa.
3-14
Add to the following to make a simple sentence
1. I don’t
2. I do
3. Joe gets
4. It is better to
5. I better tell
~ 15 ~
3-15
Add to the following sentences to make a compound sentences
1. I drive a car, but
2. The sun shines during the day, and
3. The brown desk in the corner stands alone, but
4. I could go to the store today, or
5. A bunny rabbit is my favorite animal, but
3-16
Add to the following sentences to make the complex sentences
1. I don’t like being wrong because
2. I don’t mind criticism unless
3. Joe gets defensive whenever
4. It is better to stay calm since
5. I better tell you what’s wrong before
~ 16 ~
Chapter 4: Commas
Rule #1: Comma in a Series: Use a comma after every item in a series except the last one.
Examples:
Words: Woody Allen is a writer, an actor, and a director of popular movies.
Phrases: We searched under beds, inside drawers, and in closets for the lost ring.
Clauses: The doctor explained how the blood test is done, what it reveals, and why it is
necessary.
Use a comma between two or more adjectives of equal rank that modify the same noun:
Example: Kristen applied a blue, shiny glaze to the vase.
4-1
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Throughout history there have always been fads in music clothing hairstyles and diets.
2. Fads catch on for a number of reasons: first they are fun; and second they make people feel as though
they belong to the popular culture.
3. Some of the most enjoyable harmless fads include dances toys games and jewelry.
4. However, fads such as diets skateboards and freestyle bicycles can be dangerous.
5. In the 1920’s, college students started swallowing small live goldfish; it was a rather cruel, foolish
thing to do.
4-2
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. On the other hand, the brightly colored hula hoops of the 1960’s provided good physical exercise.
2. Of course, many silly costly fads and fashions are often promoted by ambitious designers
manufacturers and advertisers.
3. They make fortunes persuading consumers what to eat how to dress and whom to watch on
television.
4. These promoters actively shape how people think act and speak.
5. When a fad appears on the horizon, take the time to decide whether it is harmful examine what it
costs and then try it out.
~ 17 ~
4-3
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Two inventions that failed became major fads during the 1940’s.
2. One of these fads had its origins when the government commissioned James Wright to create an allpurpose rubber compound for making jeep tires gas masks and airplane tires.
3. Wright produced a material that bounced higher stretched farther and resisted mold decay heat and
cold better than rubber.
4. The government couldn’t use Wright’s curious impractical compound, but a man named Paul Hodgson
could.
5. Three things make Hodgson the perfect person to take advantage of Wright’s invention: fist his
understanding of people; second his experience as an advertising copywriter; and third his toy store.
4-4
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. In 1949, Hodgson sold more of Wright’s Silly Putty than red wagons popguns or any other toy in his
store.
2. Another fad, intended to be a new counterbalancing nautical device, began as a spring.
3. When Richard James knocked one off a shelf, he saw it “walking” down lower shelves over stacks of
books and onto the tabletop.
4. Richard’s wife quickly realized that the delicate metal spring could be sold as a toy.
5. Betty James named the toy co-founded a sales company and directed the marketing that gave the
world the sensational Slinky.
4-5
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. The sun rose roosters crowed and the day began.
2. The weary Girl Scouts set up camp and made dinner.
3. We study history math science and language arts.
4. Larry sent out invitations planned the menu decorated the house and waited for the guests.
5. The children looked at the little red car going by.
~ 18 ~
4-6
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. The nearsighted unsuspecting man was unaware of his narrow escape.
2. The wild violent gale whipped the sea into foaming peaks.
3. The contestants ran swam and biked all day long.
4. The beautiful brown horse leaped over the fence and galloped into the woods.
5. The chipmunk scurried across the street into the yard and up the tree.
4-7
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Dave Marc and Juan left the building and walked into the schoolyard.
2. The short witty comedian made the unfriendly audience laugh.
3. Internationally known actors and actresses often work in Paris London and Rome.
4. Ms. Field wore a navy blue suit and carried a bulging leather briefcase.
5. The cool gentle breeze drifted across the deep still waters of the sea.
4-8
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. The crisp sunny day beckoned and Keith marched off to meet his friends.
2. The students observed sharks eels crabs and lobsters at the aquarium.
3. Sue finished her report typed it up and sat back with a sigh of relief.
4. We drove on small streets on wide boulevards and on highways.
5. They visited Quebec City Montreal and Toronto on the trip.
6. The committee discussed analyzed and accepted the superintendent’s report.
7. I have three ideas: first we could picnic at the lake; second we could barbecue here; third we could
have a sit-down dinner at my house.
8. Are you feverish shivery or achy?
~ 19 ~
Rule #2 & #3: Use commas with Introductory Elements & with Interrupters
Introductory Examples:
Words: No, we didn’t see any rattlesnakes while we were hiking.
Prepositional Phrases: After four rounds with the champ, Diaz was ready to call it a day.
Verbal Phrases: Spinning wildly, the folk dancers left the stage.
When the party ended, we left.
Interrupter Examples:
*use a comma to set off one or more words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.
Example: The judge, after long deliberation, sentenced the prisoners.
William, moreover, made the all-state hockey team.
*use a comma to set off nouns of direct address.
Example: Marsha, call a timeout!
In the hallway, Mark, is a package for you.
Will you assemble the telescope for me, Cindy?
*use a comma to set off most appositives (nonessential clauses)
Example: Timmy, the smallest of the boys, was teasing my sister.
The Super Bowl, the biggest game of the year, is held late in January.
4-9
ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Alice Walker the famous writer was born in Georgia.
2. At the age of twelve she lost the sight in one eye in a shooting accident.
3. This young girl nevertheless did not let her partial loss of sight hold her back.
4. Inspired and driven by determination to succeed she eventually won a scholarship to Spelman
College.
5. From Spelman with more goals in mind she went to Sarah Lawrence College in the state of New York.
4-10 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. An African American herself Walker studied the history of Africa and became involved in the civil
rights movement.
2. Talented and hard-working she soon wrote a book of poems that was accepted for publication.
3. That book her first was titled Once.
4. During this period in her life she met and married Melvyn Leventhal.
5. Over the next few years she taught, lectured, and continued to write.
~ 20 ~
4-11 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. In 1982 her eighth book The Color Purple was published.
2. Achieving popularity almost immediately it became a bestseller.
3. Yes the critics praised the book highly; within a year it won the Pulitzer Prize a major honor.
4. Later made into a movie The Color Purple stayed on the best seller list for twenty-five weeks.
5. In fact this book established Alice Walker once and for all as a major American writer.
4-12 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Almost unknown in her own time Emily Dickinson has become one of America’s most widely read
poets.
2. Dickinson born in 1830 lived a very quiet life in Amherst, Massachusetts.
3. Her father Edward Dickinson was a prominent local attorney.
4. Although she was encouraged as a poet by important writers and editors only ten of Dickinson’s
poems were published during her lifetime.
5. Nevertheless her poetry is considered among the best in American literature.
6. Common themes in Dickinson’s poems are love death and eternity.
7. For most of her poems Dickinson did not provide a title.
4-13 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Call me Steve if you hear any news.
2. Judith my aunt is in Florida.
3. Ann the captain of the team is in my class.
4. Dad this is my English teacher Mrs. Korican.
5. Aunt Jan I’d like you to meet my friend Millie.
6. Did you see my skateboard Ron?
~ 21 ~
4-14 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Without a doubt you are the best friend I have ever had.
2. Robert Frost my favorite American poet wrote of his life in New England.
3. There are I’m sorry to say several books missing from the shelf.
4. Sears Tower the tallest building has an observation deck.
5. After a week of snow the city was hit by an ice storm.
4-15 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal was in fact a group of social and economic reforms.
2. You don’t know I suppose who wrote this letter.
3. Recently I received a letter but it is not I regret from Paris.
4. Since Mardi Gras is a holiday in New Orleans schools there are closed on that day.
5. William Gibson an American playwright wrote the play The Miracle Worker.
4-16 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Abraham Lincoln it is said walked twenty miles a day to study law.
2. Running to third I tripped and sprained my ankle.
3. Obviously we couldn’t go to the band concert in the rain.
4. Smiling broadly Charlie showed us his loose tooth.
5. Chess as we all know is a game of skill.
4-17 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Finding himself in real danger Joe called for help.
2. Unfortunately the soccer match was canceled.
3. The committee as I said earlier will meet on Tuesday.
4. Pointing her finger the witness identified the defendant.
~ 22 ~
4-18 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Hugh Herr who is from Pennsylvania is an enthusiastic mountain climber.
2. People who don’t understand him may even say he’s obsessed.
3. Hugh first started rock climbing which became his life’s passion at the age of nine.
4. At the age of thirteen, he was making climbs that were too difficult for much older, more experienced
climbers.
5. In 1982, Hugh who was then seventeen went with a friend on a climb in New Hampshire and met
tragedy.
4-19 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. The terror began with a blizzard that stuck suddenly and brought winds of up to seventy-three miles
per hour.
2. Hugh and his friend who searched constantly for a trail survived four days of subzero weather.
3. Shocked rescuers found two climbers who were suffering from hypothermia, exhaustion, and
frostbite.
4. In March, Hugh’s legs which had been damaged by loss of circulation were amputated six inches
below his knees.
5. Herr who has two artificial limbs still climbs mountains.
Rule #4: Use commas with Compound Sentences
Use a comma before the conjunction that joins the two main clauses (two main sentences) of a
compound sentence.
Example: The Dodgers won the pennant, but they lost in the seventh game of the World Series.
4-20 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Most young Americans learn about this game and they delight in stories about legendary players
such as Babe Ruth.
2. A mighty home-run hitter, “the Babe” once daringly pointed to center field and then smashed the
next ball over the center-field fence.
3. Tensions mounted as Joe DiMaggio hit safely in his fiftieth straight game and fans jammed ballparks
to witness baseball history.
~ 23 ~
4. DiMaggio’s streak ended at an incredible fifty-six games and his batting average during the streak
climbed to .408.
5. At 5 feet, 6 inches, and 150 pounds, Rizzuto did not have Ruth’s power or the quiet grace of DiMaggio
but he proved that baseball dynamite can come in a small package.
4-21 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. The mail carrier brought the magazine but she didn’t bring my letter.
2. I raised my head and then I heard the strange, faint noise.
3. The coyote looks like a wolf and lives in the prairies.
4. Did you see the accident or were you looking the other way?
5. Snow fell but it melted right away.
4-22 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Darryl has gone but he will return tomorrow.
2. The manager liked Roger’s work and offered him a permanent job.
3. Everyone in the room carefully watched the card trick but the magician fooled each of them anyway.
4. Phil studied and he passed.
5. There are eight colored pencils but four are broken.
4-23 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. May Natalie come here or should we study at her house?
2. The twins worked together but played apart.
3. Do you know the metric system or must you learn it?
4. American pioneers moved westward and met many hardships.
5. This cassette recorder is on sale and it’s the only one left.
~ 24 ~
Rule #5: Use commas with Quotations
Use commas to set off the explanatory words that precede or follow a direct quotation.
Examples:
Explanatory words in the beginning of the sentence:
Rich said, “Take the expressway to the third exit.”
Explanatory words in the end of the sentence:
“Take the expressway to the third exit,” Rich said.
Explanatory words in the middle of the sentence:
“Take the expressway,” Rich said, “to the third exit.”
4-24 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. The President began “I wish to report to you about my trip.”
2. “That butterfly” explained the science teacher “is a monarch.”
3. “Greg” said Mr. Jenkins “tell us about the Great Wall of China.”
4. Julius Caesar said “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
5. Perry explained that his trip to Kansas had been postponed.
6. “Clean the mud off your shoes” suggested Mom “on the back porch.”
7. “Be sure to stay on the path” cautioned the ranger.
4-25 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. “The Statue of Liberty” said Dr. Pectin “is a victim of acid rain.”
2. “Well” Deborah sighed “the parade is over.”
3. After the accident, the police officer asked us to move our car.
4. “I haven’t memorized that poem yet” Joe told Mr. Andrews.
5. Tina asked “Do you know Steven Haines?”
6. Dad asked us to clean the garage next weekend.
7. Mayor Jackson asked “How many votes do I need?”
~ 25 ~
4-26 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. “You’d better put that package down” said Len “or you’ll hurt yourself.”
2. “That’s really a great sound” the composer told the sting players.
3. Bonnie stated “I promise to tell the whole truth.”
4. Bernie said that Alicia can recite the Gettysburg Address.
5. “The weather” announced the forecaster “is unusually cold for this time of year.”
4-27 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Joyce said “There is the mayor.”
2. “I see him” shouted Fred.
3. “The mayor” stated Larissa “has brown hair.”
4. Several people shouted “Shame, shame!”
5. “Wait for us” directed Ellen “in the lobby.”
4-28 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America” one historian said “had better learn
baseball.”
2. “If I’d missed that homer after calling it” Ruth later told a sportswriter “I’d have looked like an awful
fool.”
3. “His nerves are steady as his bat” the sportswriters declared.
4. “Go get a shoebox” manager Casey Stengel once told sixteen-year-old Phil Rizzuto.
5. “That’s right” the guy said “he’s a pretty good ballplayer.”
4-29 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. “Patrick Henry gave his famous speech in which he said ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’ before the
Virginia Provincial Convention on March 23 1775” Mr. Gomez told us.
~ 26 ~
2. “It would be a great deal of fun to write a limerick that begins ‘There once was a student of
English……. ‘” my older sister said.
3. My older sister said “’It would be a great deal of fun to write a limerick that begins ‘There once was a
student of English……’”
4. “Don’t be too sure” the guide replied “Remember that the Roman scholar Tertullian said ‘I believe it
because it is impossible.’”
5. “My favorite song says ‘Once in a life time a person meets their soul mate’” Alicia responded.
Rule #6: Use commas with Dates, Place names, and letters
In dates, use a comma between the day of the month and the year. When only the month and the
year are given, the comma is not necessary. When a date is part of a sentence, a comma also follows
the year.
Example: February 22, 1989
May 8, 1945
October 1970
A talking picture was shown on July 6, 1928, in New York.
Use a comma between the name of a city or town and the name of its state or country. When the
address is part of a sentence use a comma after each item (line on an envelope). Do not put a comma
between the state and the ZIP code.
Example: Houston, Texas
Athens, Greece
Livonia, Michigan
Example: For more information, write to the American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street,
Chicago, IL 60611
Use Commas to Avoid Confusion
Example:
On the river boats drifted lazily with the current. (on a river or on a river boat?)
On the river, boats drifted lazily with the current
Inside everything was a mess. (just inside or inside everything?)
Inside, everything was a mess
4-30 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Toward a distant star watchers gaze from hills, back porches, and observatories.
2. Whenever there is a clear night all over the earth people adjust telescopes and binoculars.
3. These are the stargazers-from Chicago Illinois to Aberdeen Washington to Greenwich England.
4. Whether amateur or professional stargazers add to this world’s knowledge of other worlds.
5. Until now, those who observed watched with their feet planted firmly on the earth.
~ 27 ~
4-31 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. The August 5 1989 issue of Omni magazine, however, described a move that might provide as much
information as traveling among the stars.
2. The cover of the issue featured robots; but inside an article described how a space shuttle would carry
the Hubble space telescope into orbit.
3. Cape Canaveral Florida was the site of the launch of the space shuttle Discovery on Aprile 24 1990.
4. Within it it held the Hubble ninety-four-inch telescope, two cameras, a photometer, and two
spectrometers.
4-32 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Unfortunately, as astronomers eagerly awaited the first images the telescope developed problems;
and down on the ground scientists worked frantically to find solutions.
2. My niece was born on February 18 1989 in Aurora Colorado.
3. The ninth graders are taking their class trip to Sturbridge Village Massachusetts.
4. Dad sent a letter to the U.S. Copyright Office Library of Congress Washington D.C. 20559.
5. Thank you for the gifts from Florence Italy. I’ll see you on August 15 2009.
4-33 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. Inside the wall was crumbled and broken.
2. As he watched four soldiers came in after him.
3. Before coloring her little sister put the other toys away.
4. When he looked underneath the table seemed broken.
5. Instead of just watching my sister played in the softball game.
~ 28 ~
4-34 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. By the time she woke up the neighborhood was quiet.
2. Write to 50 W. Forty-fourth Street New York NY 10036.
3. We’re leaving for Minnesota on Thursday July 5.
4. Dear Aunt Helen
I was glad to receive your letter on March 15 2009. My address has changed to 3451 West
Avenue Boulevard Chesterville Tennessee 40152. Please make this change in your address book. I know
we talked about our horses and the care of these great animals. Yesterday after running the horses
were tired. We gave them plenty of time to cool off. Thanks again for the letter.
Very truly yours
Sarah Prestcott
5. We’ll be living in Albuquerque New Mexico by May 1995.
4-35 ADD commas to the following sentences where needed. Write correct if the sentence is correct
1. My mom and dad’s anniversary is Monday August 6.
2. Sherlock Holmes lived at 221 Baker Street London England.
3. At night time seems to pass slowly.
4. November 11 1918 was Armistice Day.
5. Armistice Day was first celebrated in November 1918.
6. She was born in Buffalo New York and now lives in London England.
7. The office is located at 700 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago IL 60610.
8. Her last performance was given on July 26 1990 at the Orpheum Theater.
~ 29 ~
Chapter 5: Confusing Words
To, Too, Two
To: (The preposition) means in the direction of, for the purpose of, or as part of a verb infinitive (right
before a verb).
Example: I’m walking to my house after school.
Too: Means “also” or “Excessively”.
Example: I am going to the dance, too.
Two: (2) is the number that comes after one.
Example: I own two pets. I have a cat and a dog.
5-1
Choose the correct form of the word
1. I want ______ buy a new outfit.
2. I was going ______call he, but I was really busy.
3. She liked the movie ______much; she saw it three times in one week.
4. I am currently reading ______books.
5. I want ______be a doctor when I grow up.
6. She went ______school ______pick him up.
5-2
Choose the correct form of the word
1. I was going ______go ______the movies but it’s ______snowy out there.
2. I have ______siblings, a brother and a sister.
3. I have ______take my little sister ______soccer practice.
4. I want ______CD’s for Christmas.
5. He wants ______play outside but it’s ______cold!
6. They were going ______the mall last time I talked ______them. I might go ______.
~ 30 ~
Then vs. Than
Than: introduces the second part of a comparison.
Example: Winter is usually colder than fall.
Then: means “at that time”, or shows an order or sequence.
Example: First we’re going out to dinner, then we’re going to the movies.
5-3
Choose the correct form of the word
1. I’ll be asleep by (then, than).
2. I would rather shave my head (then, than) eat spinach.
3. She is better at math (then, than) she is at science.
4. I like romantic comedies best, (then, than) I like horror films second best.
5. He (then, than) decided to write his paper about Mozart.
5-4
Choose the correct form of the word
1. (Then, Than) the prince saved the princess, and they lived happily ever after.
2. I would rather walk (then, than) get into a car with a bad driver.
3. Music can sometimes express emotions better (then, than) the spoken word.
4. Was the sequel better or worse (then, than) the first movie?
5. He went to the store, and (then, than) stopped by the park.
5-5
Choose the correct form of the word
1. I will go to the store, (then, than) I will come home.
2. I like chocolate more (then, than) vanilla.
3. I ate more (then, than) you, but (then, than) I felt sick.
4. My sister is younger (then, than) I am.
5. (Then, Than) why did you call me?
~ 31 ~
Your vs. You’re
Your: is the possessive form of the personal pronoun “you”.
Example: This looks like your writing.
You’re: is the contraction of “you are”.
Example: You’re just eh person I wanted to see.
Hint: Always substitute “you are” for your. If it makes sense, use you’re. If it does not make sense, use
your.
5-6
Choose the correct form of the word
1. Where is (your, you’re) journal today?
2. I hope (your, you’re) feeling well today.
3. (Your, You’re) invited to her birthday party!
4. (Your, You’re) dog barks a lot.
5. I love (your, you’re) boots.
5-7
Choose the correct form of the word
1. (Your, You’re) not going anywhere for winter break?
2. (Your, You’re) going to regret it if you don’t study for the history test.
3. I think you left (your, you’re) homework at my house yesterday.
4. (Your, You’re) little brother is so annoying.
5. I think that (your, you’re) English teacher is the coolest teacher in the school.
5-8
Choose the correct form of the word
1. (Your, You’re) not welcome to attend any dance at Franklin High School.
2. It’s (your, you’re) fault we were caught and grounded.
3. (Your, You’re) the best friend anyone could ever ask for.
4. When (your, you’re) mother arrives, do you think she can give me a ride home?
5. If (your, you’re) going home, can I catch a ride?
~ 32 ~
Its vs. It’s
Its: means “belonging to it”. Its is a possessive pronoun. Something is belonging to it
Example: Its head is bigger than its body. (the head belongs to it)
It’s: is always a contraction for “it is” or “it has”
Example: It’s going to be a beautiful day. (It is going to be a beautiful day)
It’s been raining all day long. (It has been raining all day long)
5-9
Choose the correct form of the word
1. Our dog wagged (its, it's) tail for dinner.
2. (Its, It's) been foggy all week.
3. (Its, It's) their turn, not ours.
4. The cat groomed (its, it's) paw.
5. Love rears (its, It’s) ugly head.
5-10
Choose the correct form of the word
1. Nothing can take (it's, its) place.
2. (It's, its) not easy being green.
3. The cat licks (it’s, its) tongue into the corners of the evening.
4. Honoring (it's, its) place in our history.
5. SGA President Wants Student Senate to Find (it's, its) Voice.
5-11
Choose the correct form of the word
1. (Its, It’s) main point is that we do not have to get everything we want.
2. The corporation purchased (it's, its) first tract of land.
3. (Its, It’s) been going on for a long time now.
4. Without knowing the correct answer, (its, it’s) impossible to get a good grade.
5. (Its, It’s) crazy to think that some kids have over ten absences in school so far.
~ 33 ~
Their, There, They’re
There is the possessive form of the personal pronoun they. It should only be used when referring to a
person’s possession
Example: Their house is painted blue. (They own the house)
There refers to a location or place, either concrete or abstract. It also refers to the presence of
absence of something.
Example: I’ve lived there for ten years. There is a lot of traffic on this street.
There is the contraction for they are. When writing they’re, always check to make sure that if you
changed it to “they are”, the sentence would still make sense.
Example: They’re not coming to the party. (They are not coming to the party)
They’re great. (They are great)
5-12
Choose the correct form of the word
1. (Their, There, They’re) has to be something we can do about this situation.
2. (Their, There, They’re) dog barks all the time. I wish they could control him better.
3. Once upon a time, (their, there, they’re) was a princess who lived in a castle.
4. (Their, There, They’re) not too happy with the grades (their, there, they’re) child received in class.
5. (Their, There, They’re) weren’t anymore Wii game systems at the store.
6. (Their, There, They’re) going to be late to the basketball game. Save them a seat.
5-13
Choose the correct form of the word
1. It looks like (their, there, they’re) will be some snow soon.
2. (Their, There, They’re) making me mad! They need to wait (their, there, they’re) turn.
3. I can’t believe (their, there, they’re) leaving (their, there, they’re) pets because (their, there, they’re)
all alone.
4. They all helped (their, there, they’re) parents, who were dairy farmers.
5. My grandfather’s family had a farm also; (theirs, theres, they’res) was small but productive.
6. (Their, There, They’re) going on vacation tomorrow because (their, there, they’re) life has been very
hectic lately.
~ 34 ~
Chapter 6: Homonyms
Homonym: is a word that is written and pronounced the same way as another, but which has a
different meaning.
Example: The deer were running in the woods.
Her very dear friend moved away this week.
6-1
Choose the correct form of the word
1. His book was over (due, dew, do).
2. The grass was covered with heavy (do, dew, do).
3. What should I (due, dew, do)?
4. She tried to (dye, die) the skirt green.
5. Some people believe they will go to heaven when they (dye, die).
6-2
Choose the correct form of the word
1. The flowers were (dyeing, dying) on the vine.
2. They said he was (dyeing, dying) of a rare disease.
3. Dad paid my (fair, fare) on the bus.
4. The round-trip (fair, fare) was $50.00.
5. The State (fair, fare) was held in Detroit.
6-3
Choose the correct form of the word
1. Swinging on the trapeze was a great (feat, feet).
2. His (feat, feet) were size 12.
3. There are three (feat, feet) in a yard.
4. They sat under a giant (fir, fur) tree.
5. The cat’s (fir, fur) was soft.
~ 35 ~
6-4
Choose the correct form of the word
1. They were forced to (flea, flee) during the fire.
2. There was a (flea, flee) market at the fair.
3. (Flee, Flea) for your lives!
4. The bread was made with white (flour, flower).
5. The (flour, flower) was a beautiful orange color.
6. He played the wrong (chord, cord) on his guitar.
7. Pull on that (chord, cord), and the bell will ring.
6-5
Choose the correct form of the word
1. He hit the ball down the (foul, fowl) line.
2. The umpire said that the words were a (foul, fowl) thing to shout.
3. Turkey and chicken are both called (foul, fowl).
4. The horse had a steady (gait, gate) as it moved toward the finish.
5. Push that (gait, gate) closed, please.
6-6
Choose the correct form of the word
1. We built the fire on the (great, grate) inside the fireplace.
2. We had a (great, grate) time at Cedar Point last summer.
3. I could hear the boxer (grown, groan) when he fell to the floor.
4. At 16 years of age, he was a full (grown, groan) young man.
5. He hasn’t (grown, groan) since he was fourteen.
~ 36 ~
6-7
Choose the correct form of the word
1. He was a dinner (guessed, guest) at the White House.
2. I (guessed, guest) at my math problem and I got it right.
3. Take this back! There is a (hair, hare) in my soup.
4. That (hair, hare) is also called a rabbit.
5. (Hall, Haul) the potatoes into the cellar.
6. The school had just one big (hall, haul).
6-8
Choose the correct form of the word
1. (Hale, Hail) the gang’s all here!
2. The (hale, hail) fell from the November sky.
3. The man said that he could (heal, heel) the blind boy.
4. His cut wouldn’t (heel, heal) fast enough.
5. The boy hurt his (heel, heal) from playing basketball.
6-9
Choose the correct form of the word
1. The bride and groom walked down the (isle, aisle).
2. There were three (isles, aisles) in the classroom.
3. They were finally found on a Pacific (isle, aisle).
4. They threw four (bails, bales) of hay onto the cart.
5. They had a hard time (baling, bailing) out the rowboat.
~ 37 ~
6-10
Choose the correct form of the word
1. The kid started to (ball, bawl) when they stole his candy.
2. The umpire yelled, “(ball, bawl) four!”
3. She couldn’t (bear, bare) to be without her boyfriend.
4. Her prom formal dress had a (bear, bare) back.
5. The black (bear, bare) was stalking the hikers.
6. (Creak, Creek) went the rocking chair as it rocked.
7. The beavers made a dam in the (creak, creek).
6-11
Choose the correct form of the word
1. They locked him in the coal (been, bin).
2. She certainly was the (bell, belle) of the ball.
3. The Liberty (Bell, Belle) has a crack down the middle.
3. On the train, we slept in an upper (birth, berth).
4. The (birth, berth) of my son was two weeks early.
5. Keep a clear ( birth, berth) of the reefs.
6-12
Choose the correct form of the word
1. He (blew, blue) out the candles of the birthday cake.
2. The ocean is a clear (blew, blue).
3. Jack was (bored, board) during the whole movie.
4. We got on (bored, board) the boat.
5. The seeds of the tree were (born, borne) by the wind.
~ 38 ~
6-13
Choose the correct form of the word
1. A (bough, bow) is a branch of a tree.
2. After singing her song, she made a deep (bough, bow) to the crowd.
3. “Put on the (break, brake)!” he yelled.
4. He had a slight (break, brake) in his ankle.
5. Pull on the hand (brake, break) to stop the bike.
6. That (serial, cereal) is made with oats, sugar, and raisins.
7. The (serial, cereal) number is made to match that master lock.
6-14
Choose the correct form of the word
1. (Buy, By) your clothes at the store.
2. .25 cents is a very good (buy, by) for that pen.
3. The (sealing, ceiling) of the gym was made of plastic.
4. They should put a (sealing, ceiling) on prices.
5. The man put (sealing, ceiling) wax on the tile floor.
6-15
Choose the correct form of the word
1. The mad man was put into a padded (sell, cell).
2. (Cell, Sell) these tickets for me, please.
3. Those TV commercials surely use the old hard (cell, sell).
4. I could smell the (cent, sent, scent) of roses,
5. Phew! What an awful (cent, sent, scent).
6. I bought it at a .50 (cent, sent, scent) sale.
~ 39 ~
Chapter 7 To Kill A Mockingbird
7-1 Parts of Speech
~ 40 ~
~ 41 ~
7-2 Proofreading, Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation
~ 42 ~
~ 43 ~
7-3 Grammar and Style: Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
~ 44 ~
~ 45 ~
7-4 Style: Figurative Language
~ 46 ~
~ 47 ~
7-5 Style: Poetic Devices
~ 48 ~
~ 49 ~
7-6 Style: Sensory Imagery
~ 50 ~
~ 51 ~
7-7 Style: Allusions
~ 52 ~
~ 53 ~
7-8 Style: Literary Ananlysis: Passage 1
~ 54 ~
~ 55 ~
7-8 Style: Literary Analysis: Passage 2
~ 56 ~
~ 57 ~
7-9 Style: Literary Analysis: Passage 3
~ 58 ~
~ 59 ~
7-10 Style: Literary Analysis: Passage 4
~ 60 ~
~ 61 ~
Vocab Chapter 8
Prefix, Root Words, Suffix
8-1 Prefixes
Prefix
1. a, ab, abs
Example
absent, abstinence
2. ad, a, ac, af, ag
an, ar, at, as
adhere, annex, accede
3. bi, bis
bicycle, biped, bisect
4. circum
circumference
5. com, con
combination, connect
6. de
detract, defer, demerit
7. epi
epicenter
8. equi
equality, equitable
9. ex, e
eject, exhale, exit
10. hyper
hyperactive, hypersensitive
11. hypo
hypodermic
12. in
inject, endure, incorrect
13. inter
intercede
14. mal, make
malpractice, malevolent
15. mis
mistake, misunderstand
16. mono
monotone, monopoly
17. non
nonsense
18. ob
obvious
19. omni
omnipresent
20. preter
preternatural
~ 62 ~
Meaning of Prefix
Prefix
Example
Meaning of Prefix
21. pro
proceed, promote
22. re
recall, recede
23. retro
retroactive
24. se
secede
25. sub
subway
26. super
supernatural, superstition
27. trans
transcend, transcontinental
28. un, uni
unilateral, unity
29. un (pronounced uhn)
unhappy, unethical
8-2 Root Words
Root
Example
Meaning of Root
1. bas
basement
2. cap, capt
capture, capable
3. cred
credible
4. dict
predict, dictionary
5. duc, duct
induce, conduct
6. fac, fact
artifact, facsimile
7. graph
autograph, graphic
8. log
dialog, biology
9. mort
mortal, mortician
10. scrib. script
transcribe, subscription
~ 63 ~
11. spec, spect
specimen, aspect
12. tact
contact, tactile
13. ten
tenacious, retentive
14. therm
thermostat, thermometer
15. ver
verify
8-3 Suffix
Suffix
Example
Meaning of Suffix
1. able, ible
usable
2. er, or
competitor
3. fy
dignify
4. ism
rationalism, Catholicism
5. ist
feminist, environmentalist
6. less
meaningless
7. logue, log
prologue, dialog
8. ness
aggressiveness
9. ship
sportsmanship
10. tude
rectitude
~ 64 ~