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Writing Resources
Subject/ Verb Agreement
The subject/verb agreement rules states the main subject and the main verb must align in the same sentence. If the main subject is singular, the main verb will be singular and if the main subject is plural, the main verb will be plural.
Rules:
The subject and verb must match, even if they aren’t next to each other.
EXAMPLE: The
group
of researchers
is
working on the study.
Singular noun:
group
refers to singular verb:
is
*tip: Always ignore the nouns in prepositional phrases when determining if it’s single or plural.
2. Subject joined by
and
take on a plural verb.
EXAMPLE: The students and teachers were talking on the lawn.
Plural nouns:
students, teachers
refers to the plural verb:
talking
*tip: When phrases refer to individual items such as “each student” or “every animal”
always use a singular verb.
3. When the nouns are separated by
or
or
nor
look to the last noun to determine if verb is singular
or plural.
EXAMPLE: Neither the players or the coach wanted to run five miles.
Singular noun:
participant
refers to the singular verb:
run
EXAMPLE: Either the class or the instructors clean the lunch tables.
Plural noun:
instructors
refer to the plural verb: clean
4. Collective nouns (team, couple, employees) always take on a single verb.
EXAMPLE: The team decided to go to the championship.
Singular noun:
team
refers to the singular verb:
go
5. Connectives, or items connected with phrases such as combined, coupled by, accompanied by, do not change the number of items.
EXAMPLE: Vinegar, combined with oil, makes a great salad dressing.
Singular noun:
vinegar
refers to singular verb:
makes
6. Indefinite pronouns such as: “anything, anywhere, anybody, anyone, each, either, neither,
everyone, everybody, nobody, somebody, someone” are singular.
EXAMPLE: Each researcher is excited about the project.
Singular noun:
each
refers to singular verb:
is
7. Concerning fraction, the verb agrees with the whole item.
EXAMPLE: One-fourth of the cookies are gone.
Plural noun:
cookies
refers to plural verb:
are
8. Items such as scissors or trousers are singular even though they are a pair.
EXAMPLE: The scissors is in the drawer.
Singular noun:
scissors
refer to singular noun:
is
9. Plural form subject are usually singular in a title.
EXAMPLE: Mathematics is important to daily life.
Singular noun:
mathematics
refers to singular verb:
is
10. “They” can be single if referring to a single person or plural if referring to a group of people.
EXAMPLE: There are many students. They are ready to begin the race.
Plural noun:
they
refers to the plural noun:
are
Sentence Verb Agreement Quiz #1
Sentence Verb Agreement Quiz #2
Sentence Verb Agreement Quiz #3
Sentence Verb Agreement Quiz #4
PRONOUN AGREEMENT
Pronouns must agree in number, gender (if defined), and person with their antecedents.
Examples of indefinite pronouns that are always singular:
Anybody
Everybody
Anyone
Everyone
Anything
Everything
Another
Each
Either
Neither
One
No one
Nobody
Someone
somebody
Examples of indefinite pronouns that are always plural:
Both
Few
Several
Many
EXAMPLE:
Singular:
Neither
of the interns at work
was
injured trying to open the door.
Plural:
Both
of the interns at work
were
injured trying to open the door.
The singular pronoun
neither
refers to the singular verb
was
. The plural pronoun
both
refers to the plural verb
were.
Singular:
Anybody
is able to help with the project.
Pronouns #1
Pronouns #2
Pronouns #3
Pronouns #4
AVOIDING FRAGMENTS
For a sentence to be complete, it needs two things: a subject – predicate unit and a complete thought.
Sentence fragments usually happen when the writer is writing down multiple ideas down, but doesn’t fully develop them.
Example #1:
Because of the storm.
Why is it incorrect?
There is no subject or predicate, the reader won’t understand what you are talking about in this sentence. To correct this issue the thought must be complete in order to make sense and have a good flow to it.
Correction: My flight was delayed because of the storm.
Example #2:
Which it helped throughout the season.
Why is it incorrect?
It starts with a relative pronoun, but the reader doesn’t know who that pronoun is referring to. To correct this issue the thought must be complete.
Correction: The extra lessons that Manny played through the summer were very structured which helped throughout the season.
Example #3:
Ran back inside the store
Why is it incorrect?
The thought in this sentence is not complete, it confuses the reader, and when placed into a paragraph, it will disrupt the flow. In addition, the sentence is also missing a subject or predicate for it to be complete.
Correction: Tessa ran back inside the store because she forgot her umbrella.
Fragments Quiz #1
Fragments Quiz #2
Fragments Quiz #3
Avoiding Comma Splices and Fused Sentences
Two simple sentences joined together can form another kind of sentence: a compound sentence.
When building compound sentences there are two errors that can occur.
Error #1: Comma splice
This is when writers try to separate the two simple sentences in a compound sentence with only a comma.
A comma isn’t effective enough as a punctuation mark to efficiently separate two simple sentences alone.
Error #2: Fused sentences
This is when writers join two simple sentences together without using any punctuation between them.
This causes a “fuse” and creates an incorrect compound sentence.
There are three ways to fix a fused sentence and a comma splice:
Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction that fits well.
Example: Jessica went to the mall her mom went to get her hair done.
Why is it incorrect?
There are no punctuation marks separating the sentences.
Correction: Jessica went to the mall, and her mom went to get her hair done.
Place a semicolon between the two simple sentences.
Example: Jessica went to the mall, her mom went to get her hair done.
Why is it incorrect?
The comma is at an awkward spot, and it disrupts the flow of the sentence.
Correction: Jessica went to the mall; her mom went to get her hair done.
Add the necessary punctuation and conjunctive adverb.
Example: Jessica went to the mall her mom went to get her hair done.
Why is it incorrect?
There are no punctuation marks separating the sentences.
Correction: Jessica went to the mall, and her mom went to get her hair done.
Comma Splice Quiz #1
Comma Splice Quiz #2
COMMA RULES
What is a comma?
It’s a punctuation mark that is used to show a pause in a sentence. It can be used in a variety of ways like separating a list of items or connect two parts of a sentence.
It’s used to create a pause shorter than a colon or semi colon.
When to use a comma?
Use commas after introductory phrase.
Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
Use commas before or after quotation marks.
Use commas to separate a series of words
Separate a series of phrases
Connect two independent clauses
Avoid confusion
Separate dates, years, and addresses
Examples:
Still excited from last night, Molly didn’t sleep well.
Jon, a famous painter, decided to teach the night class.
“Don’t go,” yelled Bobby.
Mark is in a math class with Alex, Lisa, Thalia, and Tyler.
They needed to make sure they: got on the bus, sat nicely next to each other, and didn’t argue the rest of the way.
There is always help in these situations, but you just need to seek it out.
Shawn took his sister, but not his brother, to the ballet recital.
She was born in Madison April 14, 2000.
When is it not appropriate to use a comma?
To help identify these, try reading you sentence out loud and give each comma an exaggerated pause to test if it works well or not. If the comma doesn’t seem to help with the flow of the sentence, then the comma is unnecessary and can be removed.
When there are only two items on a list
When two actions are related to one single subject
After the last item in a list
Incorrect: Ashley, Thomas, Nell, and Sophia, have been best friends since third grade
Correct: Ashley, Thomas, Nell, and Sophia have been best friends since third grade.
Incorrect: I went to the park to relax, and have a picnic.
Correct: I went to the park to relax and have a picnic.
Comma Quiz #1
Comma Quiz #2
Comma Quiz #3
SEMICOLONS
A semicolon is used to join to simple sentences together the sentence can be more detailed.
When to use a semicolon:
Between independent clauses that aren’t united by coordinating conjunctions.
Example: Alyssa said she would come over; she forgot about her commitment.
Between independent clauses that aren’t united by a conjunctive verb.
Example: Alyssa said she would come over; however, she forgot about her commitment.
Between items in a series that have internal punctuation.
Example: Dwane Johnson, the actor from The Game Plan; Ryan Reynolds, the actor that portraits Wade Wilson in Deadpool; and Gal Gadot, the actress that plays Wonder Woman, have been on tour promoting their new movie Red Notice.
Between simple sentences that have internal punctuation—even if the sentences are joined by coordinating conjunctions.
Example: Researchers completed the painstaking, drawn out, and gruesomely long study; and were beyond thrilled to share the results.
Semicolons Quiz #1
Semicolons Quiz #2
DANGLING MODIFIERS
A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that is not clearly stated in the sentence. The modifier clarifies a subject or thought in the sentence.
Example #1:
Incorrect: “Having examined the research, it was declared the vaccine helped.”
The action:
having examined the research
does not have the “doer” next to it, making it unclear.
Correct: “Having examined the research, scientists declared the vaccine helped.”
The action:
having examined the research
is followed by the “doer:”
scientists
Example #2:
Incorrect: “Looking at the textbook, it was clear the lesson was difficult.”
The action:
looking at the textbook
does not have the “doer” next to it.
Correct: “Looking at the textbook, the students knew the lesson was difficult.”
The action:
looking at the textbook
, is followed by the “doer:”
students
Dangling Modifiers Quiz #1
MISPLACED MODIFIERS
A misplaced modifier incorrectly modifies a phrase in the sentence. Moving the subject or modifier around can clarify the sentence.
EXAMPLE:
Incorrect: Dressed in a lab coat, the medical students watched the doctor rush down the hall.
The action
dressed in a lab coat
, is incorrectly followed by medical students, rather than the doctor.
Correct: The medical students watched the doctor, dressed in a lab coat, rush down the hall.
The action
dressed in a lab coat
, is next to the subject,
the doctor
, it modifies.
EXAMPLE:
Incorrect: Screaming at the neighbors, the officers arrested the woman.
This implies the officers were at the neighbors while arresting the woman.
Correct: The officers arrested the woman screaming at the neighbors.
SPLIT INFINITIVES
A split infinitive is a specific type of split infinitive. An infinitive is a verb such as
to
preceded by the word (to think, to complain, to admire, to purchase). When an adverb is placed in the middle of the infinitive and the word, a split infinitive occurs.
EXAMPLE:
Split Infinitive: The researcher was
to
instantly
purchase
the materials.
Correct: The researcher was
to purchase
the materials
instantly
.
Split infinitive: Students worked
to
really
try
to spread the message.
Correct: Students worked hard
to spread
the message.
Avoid using the word “really” in formal writing.
Ambiguity: Make sure by avoiding a split infinitive you aren’t creating a sentence that is ambiguous.
Split Infinitive: The students were told
to
occasionally
monitor
their grades online.
Awkward sentence: The students were told
to monitor
their grades online
occasionally
.
What does “occasionally” refer to in this case? Their grades or monitor? It’s unclear the way it’s
written.
Correct: The students were told
occasionally
to monitor
their grades online.
Split Infinitives Quiz #1
Split Infinitives Quiz #2
Split Infinitives Quiz #3
Split Infinitives Quiz #4
ACTIVE VOICE VERSUS PASSIVE VOICE
Generally using active voice is better for formal writing. It decreases the amount of vague words and also lessens the amount of words in a sentence.
In active voice the subject of the sentence performs the action. In passive voice, the subject receives the action.
PASSIVE VOICE: It is believed by the majority of the student body that all grades should be weighted.
ACTIVE VOICE: The majority of the student body believes that all grades should be weighted.
PASSIVE VOICE: It was earlier believed that smoking wouldn’t harm a lot of people.
ACTIVE VOICE: People used to believe that smoking wouldn’t be that harmful.
PASSIVE VOICE: The dog was bitten by the squirrel.
ACTIVE VOICE: The squirrel bit the dog.
Tip: Start the sentence with the subject to avoid writing in passive voice.
Active Voice Quiz #1
Active Voice Quiz #2
Active Voice Quiz #3
PARALLEL STRUCTURE
Parallel structure means using the same pattern throughout the sentence. Usually, words, clauses or phrases using parallel structure are joined by coordinating conjunctions.
EXAMPLE: Words ending in -ing (gerund) form:
Incorrect: She went skiing, sledding, and snowboarded this weekend.
Do not mix forms:
skiing, sledding, snowboarded
Correct: She went skiing, sledding, and snowboarding this weekend.
All words ended in -ing:
skiing, sledding, and snowboarding
EXAMPLE: Infinitives:
Harley likes to read, to write, and to draw illustrations.
OR
Harley likes to read, write, and draw illustrations.
Use
to
before all the words, or before the first word in the list.
EXAMPLE: Clauses
Not parallel: The students were told
that they would present
their presentation during class,
that they would
be able to use their notes, and
had to answer
questions asked by their peers. (Note: the last clause is also passive voice)
Parallel: The students were told
that they would present
their presentation during class,
that they would
be able to use their notes, and
that peers would
ask questions after the presentation.
Parallel Structure Quiz #1
Parallel Structure Quiz #2
Parallel Structure Quiz #3
LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature reviews are an examination of primary research. Unlike a research paper where you write about the topic, in a literature review you write about what the sources said about the topic. The literature review may be a self-contained unit (a piece on its own) or part of a bigger unit (inside a paper).
The literature review gives the reader a:
Summary of the sources and the topic
Classification by themes in the topic
Comparison of the different research
Review of the literature
Introduction:
The introduction of the literature review should define the topic and give an explanation of the topic. It may point out the main trends, themes, conflicts, timeline of the topic or gaps in the research.
The body of the literature review should be grouped by similar items like qualitative or quantitative research, timelines, themes, conclusions by authors, or purpose.
Summarize these groups together by paraphrasing the larger things above and then bring in details about these groups depending on the length of the literature review.
Throughout the literature you can add discussion sentences that refer back to the sources, but help the reader understand what the big picture is.
Conclusion:
In the conclusion of the literature review summarize the major contributions or major themes that you mentioned in the body. Explore any large gaps in the information as well.
Avoiding Colloquial Writing
Colloquial writing means writing informally.
Understanding the steps:
Know what formal English is and what it looks like.
Understand basic punctuation.
Be able to identify when you should end a sentence with a preposition.
Include relative pronouns.
Omit needless words.
Avoid using first or second person.
Not all punctuation is acceptable for academic writing.
What to avoid:
Cliches: Avoid typing commonly used expressions used in everyday speech.
Examples: “It was a dark and stormy night”, “Can’t judge a book by its cover”, “Every rose has it thorn”, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.
Idioms: Are everyday expressions that don’t fit into academic writing.
Examples: “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there”, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”, “Back to the drawing board”.
Fillers: Filler words are used to add emphasis in speech, but for academic writing they can be unnecessary and can detract the effectiveness of the sentence.
Examples: “Even”, “so”, “very”, “just”.
Stage directions and casual intro phrases: “To me,” “They say,” “I agree” “Then they” “If we all” “We should try” “This paper will talk about” “In conclusion”
Contractions: They reduce the formality of your paper
Example: “Should’ve”, “Could’ve”, “I’ve”, “We’re”, “Didn’t”.
Colloquial Sentences Quiz
#1
Colloquial Sentences Quiz #2