question

A fragment is an?

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incomplete sentence

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You can recognize a complete sentence because?

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a. includes a noun b. includes a verb c. makes sense

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A complete sentence is an?

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independent clause

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Fragments often can be identified by?

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the words that introduce them

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Words that introduce dependent clauses include:

answer

although, as, because, even, except, for example, if, instead of, since, so, such as, that, which, and when

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A sentence with two independent clauses must be joined by a?

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coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, but) or by a semicolon (;)

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Without a semicolon or conjunction, what occurs?

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run-on sentence

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What occurs when a writer joins two independent clauses-without using a coordinating conjunction?

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A comma splice

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Comma Splice example

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Visitors wanted a resort vacation, however they were disappointed CORRECTED: Visitors wanted a resort vacation; however, they were disappointed

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In joining independent clauses, beware of using a comma and words such as (consequently, furthermore, therefore, then, thus, and so on) // these conjunctive adverbs require?

answer

semicolons

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The most frequent mistake in tenses results from?

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substituting the past participle form for the past tense

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Verb Tense example

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If he had came earlier we could have saw the video CORRECTED: If he had come earlier, we could have seen the video

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Use the subjunctive mood to express?

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hypothetical (untrue) ideas

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The most frequent misuse of the subjunctive mood involves?

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using WAS instead of WERE in clauses introduced by IF and AS THOUGH or containing WISH

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Verb Mood example

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If I WERE (not was) you, I would take a business writing course. Sometimes I wish I WERE (not was) the manager of this department. He acts as though he WERE (not was) in charge of this department.

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If the statement could possibly be true, use?

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was i.e.: If I WAS to blame, I accept the consequences

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In active-voice sentences, the subject?

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performs the action

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In passive-voice sentences, the subject?

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receives the action

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Active-voice sentences are more direct because?

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they reveal the performer immediately

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Active-voice sentences are?

answer

easier to understand and usually shorter

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Most business writing is in?

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active-voice

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Passive voice is useful to?

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a. emphasize an action rather than a person b. de-emphasize negative news c. conceal the doer of an action

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Active vs. Passive example

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ACTIVE: Our CPA made a big error in the budget. PASSIVE A big error was made in the budget.

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Make subjects agree with verbs despite?

answer

intervening phrases and clauses

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Subjects are nouns or pronouns that control?

answer

verbs

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To find subjects?

answer

cross out prepositional phrases beginning with words such as (about, at, by, for, from, of, and to)

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Subjects of verbs are?

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NOT found in prepositional phrases

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Don't be tricked by expressions introduced by:

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together with, in addition to, and along with

question

Verb Agreement example

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Our study of annual budgets, five-year plans, and sales proposals is (not are) progressing on schedule. (subject: study) A vendor's evaluation of the prospects for a sale, together with plans for follow-up action, is (not) are what we need. (subject: evaluation) The budgeted item, despite additions proposed yesterday, remains (not remain) as submitted. (subject: item)

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Subjects joined by AND require?

answer

plural verbs

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Subjects joined by AND example

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The CEO and one of his assistants HAVE (not has) ordered a limo Considerable time and money WERE (not was) spent on remodeling

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Subjects joined by OR or NOR may require?

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singular or plural verbs?

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The verb should agree with the?

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closer subject

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Subjects joined by OR or NOR example

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Either the software or the printer IS (not are) causing the glitch. (verb is controlled by the closer subject, printer)

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In joining singular and plural subjects with OR or NOR, place the plural subject?

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closer to the verb

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Use singular verbs for most?

answer

indefinite pronouns

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The following pronouns all take singular verbs:

answer

anyone, anybody, anything, each, either, every, everyone, everybody, everything, neither, nobody, nothing, someone, somebody, and something

question

Indefinite Pronoun example

answer

Each of the employees IS (not are) being interviewed

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Use singular or plural verbs for collective nouns, depending on?

answer

whether the members of the group are operating as a unit or individually

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Words such as: faculty, administration, class, crowd, and committee are considered?

answer

collective nouns

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If the members of the collective are acting as a unit?

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treat them as singular subjects

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If the members are acting individually, it is usually better to?

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add the word members and use a plural verb

question

Collective nouns example

answer

The Finance Committee is working harmoniously The Planning Committee (members) are having difficulty agreeing

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Pronouns are substitutes for?

answer

nouns

question

Three pronoun cases include:

answer

Nominative Case, Objective case, and Possessive Case

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Subjective (nominative) Case: used for subjects of verbs and subject complements

answer

we, I, us, you, he, she, it, they, who, whoever

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Objective Case: used for objects of prepositions and objects of verbs

answer

me, our, ours, you, him, her, it, them, whom, whomever

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Possessive Case: used to show possession

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my, mine, you, yours, his, her, hers, its, their, theirs, whose

question

Use subjective-case (nominative) pronouns as?

answer

subjects of verbs and as complements

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Complements are words that follow linking verbs (such as am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) and?

answer

rename the words to which they refer

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Subjective (nominative) case example

answer

Bryan and I (not Bryan and me) are looking for entry level jobs (subjective-case pronouns as the subjects of the verb phrase are looking)

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Use objective case pronouns as?

answer

objects of prepositions and verbs

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Objective Case example

answer

Send the e-mail to her and me (not she and I). (the pronouns her and me are objects of the preposition to) The CEO appointed Rick and him (not he) to the committee. (The pronoun him is the object of the verb appointed)

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When a pronoun appears in combination with a noun or another pronoun...

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ignore the extra noun or pronoun and its conjunction...then the case of the pronoun becomes more obvious i.e.: Jason asked Jennifer and me (not I) to lunch. (ignore Jennifer and)

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Be especially alert to the following prepositions: except, between, but, and like // be sure to use objective pronouns as their objects

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Just between you and me (not I), that mineral water comes from the tap Everyone except Robert and him (not he) responded to the invitation

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Use possessive pronouns to?

answer

show ownership

question

possessive pronouns (such as: hers, yours, whose, ours, theirs, and its) require?

answer

no apostrophes

question

Possessive pronouns example

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All reports except yours (not your's) have to be rewritten. The apartment and its (not it's) contents are hers (not her's) until June.

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Don't confuse possessive pronouns and contractions // contractions are?

answer

shortened forms of subject-verb phrases

question

Use pronouns ending in self only when they refer to previously mentioned nouns or pronouns

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The president HIMSELF ate all the m&ms. Send the package to Mike or me (not myself).

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Trying to sound less egocentric, some radio and TV announcers incorrectly substitute myself when they SHOULD use I

answer

i.e.: Jimmy and myself (should be I) are cohosting the telethon

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Use who or whoever for subjective cases and whom or whomever for objective cases

answer

In determining the correct choice, it is helpful to substitute HE for who/whoever and HIM for whom/whomever

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Who/whoever vs. whom/whomever examples

answer

For whom was this software ordered? (The software was ordered form him) Who did you say called? (You did say he called)

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Make pronouns agree in number and gender with the words to which they refer

answer

When the gender of the antecedent is obvious, pronoun references are simple

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Pronoun gender reference example

answer

Each of the female nurses was escorted to her car (not their cars). (the singular pronoun her and singular noun car are necessary because they refer to the singular subject each)

question

Be sure that pronouns such as it, which, this, and that refer to?

answer

clear antecedents

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The most troublesome are: it, which, this and that

answer

Replace vague pronouns with concrete nouns, or provide these pronouns with clear antecedents

question

Pronoun clarity example

answer

Our office recycles as much paper as possible because IT helps the environment. (does IT refer to paper, recycling, or the office?) CORRECTED: Our office recycles as much paper as possible because SUCH AN EFFORT helps the environment. (EFFORT supplies a concrete pronoun for the vague pronoun IT)

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Whenever you use the words this, that, these, and those by themselves, a red flag should pop up.

answer

These words are dangerous when they stand alone. You can usually solve the problem by adding another idea to the pronoun (such as this change).

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Use adverbs, NOT adjectives, to describe or limit the action of verbs. Use adjectives after linking verbs.

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Andrew said he did well (not good) on the exam. (The adverb well describes how he did) After its tune-up, the engine is running smoothly (not smooth) (The adverb smoothly describes the verb is running)

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Hyphenate two or more adjectives that are joined to create a compound modifier before a noun.

answer

You need an easy-to-remember e-mail address and a one-page resume. Person-to-person networking continues to be the best way to find a job.

question

Don't confuse adverbs ending in -ly with compound adjectives:

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newly enacted law and highly regarded CEO would NOT be hyphenated

question

Use commas to separate three or more items (words, phrases, or short clauses) in a series

answer

most business writers prefer to retain the comma before and because it prevents misreading the last two items as one item.

question

Use commas to separate introductory clauses and certain phrases from independent clauses

answer

Sentences that open with dependent clauses (frequently introduced by words such as since, when, if, as, although, and because) require commas to separate them from the main idea // the comma helps readers recognize where the introduction ends and the big idea begins // introductory phrases of four or more words or phrases containing verbal elements also require commas

question

Punctuation: Commas example

answer

If you recognize introductory clauses, you will have no trouble placing the comma. (A comma separates the introductory dependent clause from the main clause) As expected, additional explanations are necessary (use a comma even the the introductory clause omits the understood subject: as we expected)

question

Short introductory prepositional phrases (three words or fewer) require no commas.

answer

Don't clutter your writing with unnecessary commas after introductory phrases such as: by 2015, in the fall, or at the time

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Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence

answer

The most common coordinating conjunction are FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, yet, so

question

When coordinating conjunctions join two independent clauses, commas are needed.

answer

i.e.: The investment sounded too good to be true, and many investors were dubious about it.

question

Before inserting a comma, test the two clauses...

answer

can each of them stand alone as a complete sentence? if either is incomplete, SKIP the comma

question

Use commas appropriately in dates, addresses, geographical names, degrees, and long numbers

answer

September 30, 1993, is his birthday. (for dates use commas before and after the year) Send the application to James Kirby, 20045 45th Avenue, Lynnwood, WA 98036, as soon as possible. (For addresses use commas to separate all units except the two-letter state abbreviation and zip code)

question

Comma example cont.

answer

Lisa expects to move from Cupertino, California, to Sonoma, Arizona, next fall. (for geographical areas use commas to enclose the second element) Karen Munson, CPA, and Richard B. Larsen, PhD, were the speakers (Use commas to enclose professional designations and academic degrees following names) The latest census figures show the city's population to be 342,000. (in figures use commas to separate every three digits, counting from the right)

question

Use commas to set off internal sentence interrupters

answer

sentence interrupters may be verbal phrases, dependent clauses, contrasting elements, or parenthetical expressions (also called transitional phrases) // these interrupters often provide information that is not grammatically essential

question

Sentence interrupter example

answer

Harvard researchers, working steadily for 18 months, developed a new cancer therapy. (use commas to set off an internal interrupting verbal phrase) The new therapy, which applies a genetically engineered virus, raises hopes among caner specialists (use commas to set off nonessential dependent clauses)

question

Parenthetical (transitional) expressions are helpful words that guide the reader from one thought to the next // here are typical parenthetical expressions that require commas:

answer

as a matter of fact // as a result consequently // for example in addition // in the meantime nevertheless // of course on the other hand // therefore

question

Always use two commas to set off an interrupter, unless it begins or ends a sentence

answer

:)

question

Avoid unnecessary commas

answer

do not use commas between sentence elements that belong together // do not automatically insert commas before every AND or at points where your voice might drop if you were saying the sentence out loud

question

Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses.

answer

Experienced writers use semicolons to show readers that two thoughts are closely associated // if the ideas are not related, they should be expressed in separate sentences

question

SEMICOLONS: often, but not always, the second independent clause contains a conjunctive adverb (such as however, consequently, therefore, or furthermore) to show the relation between the two clauses...

answer

use a semi colon before a conjunctive adverb of two or more syllables (such as however, consequently, therefore, or furthermore) and a comma after it

question

Semicolon example

answer

Learning history is easy; learning its lessons is almost impossible. (a semi colon joins two independent clauses) He was determined to complete his degree; consequently, he studied diligently. (A semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb, and a comma follows it)

question

Don't use a semicolon unless each clause is truly independent

answer

try the sentence test // omit the semicolon if each clause could not stand alone as a complete sentence // look at both clauses...not just the last

question

Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when one or more of the items contains internal commas

answer

i.e.: Representatives from as far away as Blue Bell Pennsylvania; Bowling Green, Ohio; and Phoenix Arizona, attended the conference Stories circulated about Henry Ford, founder, Ford Motor Company; Lee Iacocca, former CEO, Chrysler Motor Company; and Shoichiro Toyoda, founder, Toyota Motor Company

question

Use a colon after a complete thought that introduces a list of items.

answer

Words such as these, the following, and as follows may introduce the list or they may be implied.

question

Be sure that the statement before a colon is grammatically complete.

answer

An introductory statement that ends with a preposition (such as by, for, at and to) or a verb (such as is, are, or were) is incomplete // the list following a preposition or verb actually functions as an object or as a complement to finish the sentence

question

Colon examples

answer

The following cities are on the tour: Louisville, Memphis, and New Orleans An alternate tour includes several West Coast cities: Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego

question

Colon examples cont.

answer

FAULTY Three Big Macs were ordered by: Pam, Jim,and Lee (do not use a colon after an incomplete statement) IMPROVED Three Big Macs were ordered by Pam, Jim, and Lee

question

Use a colon after business letter salutations and to introduce long quotations.

answer

Dear Mr. Duran: The Asian consultant bluntly said: "Americans..."

question

Use a comma to introduces short quotations.

answer

Use a colon to introduce long one-sentence quotations and quotations of two or more sentences.

question

If an ownership word does not end in an s sound, add an apostrophe and s, whether the word is singular or plural

answer

i.e.: The children's teacher allowed free time on the computer. (add 's b/c the ownership word children, although plural, does not end in s)

question

If an ownership word does end in an s sound ands is singular, add an apostrophe and s

answer

i.e.: The witness's testimony was critical (add 's b/c the ownership word witness is singular and ends in an s)

question

If the ownership words ends in an sound and is plural add only an apostrophe

answer

Both investors' portfolios showed diversification (add only an apostrophe b/c the ownership word investors is plural and ends in s)

question

To determine whether an ownership word ends in s, use it in an "of phrase"

answer

For example, one month's salary becomes the salary of one month // by isolating the ownership word without its apostrophe, you can decide whether it ends in s

question

Use a possessive pronoun or add an apostrophe and s to make a noun possessive when it precedes a gerund (a verb form used as a noun).

answer

We all protested Laura's (not Laura) smoking. (add an apostrophe s to the noun preceding the gerund) His (not him) talking on his cell phone angered moviegoers. (use a possessive pronoun before the gerund) I appreciate your answering the telephone while I was gone. (Use a possessive pronoun before the gerund)

question

Use one period to end a statement, command, indirect question or polite request. Never use two periods

answer

Matt worked at BioTech, Inc. (statement. use only one period) Deliver it before 5 p.m. (command. use only one period) Stay asked whether she could use the car next weekend (indirect question) Will you please send me an employment application. (polite request)

question

polite requests often sound like questions // to determine the punctuation, apply the action tests

answer

if the request prompts an action, use a period // if it prompts a verbal response, use a question mark

question

To avoid the punctuation dilemma with polite requests, do not phrase the request as a question // phrase it as a command:

answer

Please correct the balance on my next statement. (it still sounds polite, and the punctuation problem disappears)

question

Use a question mark after a direct question and after statements with questions appended.

answer

Are they hiring at BioTech, Inc.? Most of their training is in-house, isn't it?

question

Use a dash to...

answer

a. set off parenthetical elements containing internal commas b. emphasize a sentence interruption c. separate an introductory list from a summarizing statement

question

The dash has legitimate uses // however, some writers use it whenever they know that punctuation is necessary, but they are not sure exactly what

answer

the dash can be very effective, if not misused

question

Dash examples

answer

Three top students-Gene Engle, Donna Hersh, and Mike Sato-won awards. (use dashes to set off elements w/internal commas) Executives at Apple-despite rampant rumors in the tock market-remained quiet regarding dividend earnings. (use dashes to emphasize a sentence interruption) Japan, Taiwan, and Turkey-these were areas hit my recent earthquakes. (use a dash to separate introductory list from a summarizing statement)

question

Use parentheses to set off nonessential sentence elements, such as explanations, directions, questions, and references.

answer

i.e.: Researchers find that the office grapevine (see Chapter 1 for more discussion) carries surprisingly accurate information. Only two dates (February 15 and March 1) are suitable for the meeting

question

Careful writers use parentheses to de-emphasize and the dash to emphasize parenthetical information

answer

"Dashes shout the news; parentheses whisper it."

question

Use quotation marks to...

answer

a. enclose the exact words of a speaker b. enclose the titles of articles, chapters, or other short works c. enclose specific definitions of words or expressions

question

For jargon, slang, words, used in a special sense such as humor, irony, and words following Stamped or Marked, some writers use italics // other writers use quotation marks

answer

never use quotation marks arbitrarily as in: Our "spring" sale starts April 1.

question

Capitalize proper nouns and proper adjectives.

answer

Capitalize the specific names of persons, places, institutions, buildings, religions, holidays, months, organizations, laws, races, languages, and so forth // do NOT capitalize seasons, and do NOT capitalize common nouns that make general references

question

Proper Adjectives examples

answer

Hispanic markets // Xerox copy Swiss chocolates // Italian dressing Japanese executives // Reagan economics

question

Capitalize only specific academic courses and degrees.

answer

Professor Donna Howard, PhD, will teach Accounting 121 next spring James Barker, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees, teaches marketing. Jessica enrolled in classes in management, English, and business law

question

Capitalize courtesy, professional, religious, government, family, and business titles WHEN THEY PRECEDE NAMES

answer

Professor Andrews, Dr. Lee Rabi Cohen, Pastor Williams, Pope Benedict Senator Tom, Mayor Jackson Uncle Edward, Mother Teresa, Cousin Vinne Vice President Morris, Budget Director Lopez

question

Do not capitalize a title when it is followed by an appositive (that is, when the title is followed by a noun that renames or explains it)

answer

Only one professor, Jonathan Marcus, favored a tuition hike Local candidates counted on their governor, Lee Jones, to help raise funds

question

Do not capitalize titles following names unless they are part of an address:

answer

Mark Yoder, president of Yoder Enterprises, hired all employees. Paula Beech, director of Human Resources, interviewed all candidates

question

Generally, do not capitalize a title that replaces a person's name.

answer

Only the president, his chief of staff, and one senator made the trip The director of marketing and the sales manager will meet at 1 p.m.

question

Do not capitalize family titles used with possessive pronouns.

answer

my mother his father your cousin

question

Main words are all words except:

answer

a. the articles a, an, and the b. the conjunctions and, but, or, and nor c. prepositions containing two or three letters (of, for, in, on, by) d. the word to in infinitives (such as to work, to write, and to talk) e. the word as- **unless any of these words are the first or last words in the title, subject line, or heading

question

Capitalize names of geographic locations.

answer

Capitalize north, south, east, and west, and their derivatives only when they represent specific geographic regions i.e.: living in the West // peach in the Middle East

question

Capitalize the main words in the specific names of departments, divisions, or committees w/in business organizations // do not capitalize general references

answer

All forms are available from our Department of Human Resources. The Consumer Electronics Division launched an upbeat marketing campaign. You might send an application to their personnel department.

question

Capitalize product names only when they refer to trademarked items // do not capitalize the common names following manufacturers' names

answer

Dell laptop computer // Everready Energizer Coca-Cola // Skippy peanut butter Norelco razor // Panasonic plasma television Big Mac sandwich // Canon color copier

question

Capitalize most nouns followed by numbers or letters (except in page, paragraph, line, and verse references)

answer

Room 14 // Figure 2.1 Exhibit A // Plan No. 1 Flight 12, Gate 43 // Model Z2010

question

Use WORD form to express numbers ten and under and numbers beginning sentences.

answer

If the resulting number involves more than two words, however, recast the sentence so that the number does not fall at the beginning i.e. A total of 155 smartphones were awarded as prizes (avoid beginning the sentence with a long number such as one hundred fifty-five)

question

Use figures to express most references to numbers 11 and over

answer

Over 150 people from 53 companies attended the two-day workshop.

question

Use figures to express money, dates, clock time, decimals, and percentages.

answer

One item costs only $1.95; most, however, were priced between $10 and $35. We scheduled a meeting for May 12. (do NOT write May 12th)

question

Use a combination of words and figures to express sums of 1 million and over // use small words for small fractions.

answer

Orion lost $62.9 million in the latest fiscal year on revenues of $584 million. Only one half of the registered voters turned out

question

To ease your memory load, concentrate on the numbers normally expressed in words: numbers ten and under, numbers at the beginning of sentences, and small fractions.

answer

Nearly everything else in business is generally written with figures.

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