The Dirty Dozen of the SAT

The Dirty Dozen of the SATSAT/Keystone Exam PreparationWhat is the Dirty Dozen?Twelve language skills and/or errors commonly tested on the SAT exam.

Which Skills are Included?The Run-on SentenceThe Sentence FragmentError in the Case of a Noun or PronounSubject / Verb AgreementPronoun / Antecedent AgreementVerb TenseSubjunctive MoodAdjective Comparison (best vs. better)Adjective / Adverb ConfusionDangling ModifiersParallel StructureDiction (word choice) Error (affect vs. effect)Why do we study these?(besides the fact that our brain thirsts for knowledge, Mr. Stadnycki)Introduction to some complex grammatical issues well discuss later

Awareness of possible testing questions

Repeated exposure is bestSet OneThe Run On SentenceThe Sentence FragmentParallel StructureReviewing Independent Clausesand coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)Review: Whats an independent clause?A series of words that contains a subject and a verb.

It must also exist as a complete thought.

I went to the grocery store.

I bought candy corn.

Linking Independent ClausesI went to the grocery store.

I bought candy corn.

I went to the grocery store, and I bought some candy corn.Related independent clauses can be linked by a comma and coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.Coordinating ConjunctionsFor (because)

And

NorBut

Or

Yet (however)

So (when it means as a result)Run-on SentencesRun-on SentencesExample 1:We went to see Prometheus in the theater I had some popcorn covered in delicious, greasy butter.

Problem:We have two independent clauses linked in one sentence with no evidence of where one ends and the next begins.

Example 1:We went to see Prometheus in the theater I had some popcorn covered in delicious, greasy butter.Run-on SentencesExample 2:The Avengers was a perfect mix of action and humor and we went back to see the movie again and again.

Problem:We have two independent clauses linked by a conjunction with no comma

Example 2:The Avengers was a perfect mix of action and humor and we went back to see the movie again and again.

Run-on SentencesExplanation:Run-ons are sentences that combine or fuse two independent thoughts together without necessary punctuation.

Why is this a problem?Run-on Sentences confuse readers because theyre often unclear.

Fixing Run-on SentencesRule 1:If the independent clauses are unrelated, place a period in between the independent clauses to create two sentences

We went to see Prometheus in the theater. I had some popcorn covered in delicious, greasy butter.

Fixing Run-on SentencesRule 2:If the independent clauses are related, use a comma and coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) to link the two sentences together.

Example 2:The Avengers was a perfect mix of action and humor, and we went back to see the movie again and again.

Fixing Run-on SentencesRule 3:Semicolons are acceptable punctuation to join independent clauses. The semicolon means that both independent clauses are related.

However, comma and coordinating conjunction are a better form of connection because the semicolon is less clear about how the clauses are connected.

Example 2:The Avengers was a perfect mix of action and humor; we went back to see the movie again and again.

Example of a GREAT noteLeadership:

Kay does not exhibit patience, but he does exhibit strength, age, and physical qualities. Kay is the physical leader. Wart is the mental leader.

Whenever something goes wrong for Kay, he wants to change the plans (give up). Not a good leadership trait.Sentence FragmentsSubject/Verb RelationshipsZach ran faster than a speeding bullet.

Eds funny jokes always make me laugh.

When Kiana went to the store, she forgot to buy milk.Sentence FragmentsExplanation:Fragments may be missing a subject/verb relationship. Some fragments might have a S/V relationship, but they dont form a complete thought.

Why are fragments a problem?Language is essentially built of things and the actions those things are doing.We need the thing, we need the action, and it must make sense.

Sentence FragmentsExamples:Ran faster than a speeding bulletEds funny jokes.When Kiana went to the store.

What is the problem with each of these examples above?

Examples:Ran faster than a speeding bulletEds funny jokes.When Kiana went to the store.

Fixing Sentence FragmentsExample #1:

Ran faster than a speeding bulletMissing a subject.Something/someone needs to be DOING the running.

Zach ran faster than a speeding bullet.Now, the subject is attached to a verb.Their relationship creates a complete thought.Fixing Sentence FragmentsExample #2:

Eds funny jokes.Missing a verb What are Ed and his sense of humor doing?

Eds funny jokes always make me laugh.Fixing Sentence FragmentsExamples #3:

When Kiana went to the store.We have a noun and a verb, so whats wrong?This isnt a complete thought.

Kiana went to the store.

When Kiana went to the store, she forgot to buy milk.Sentence Fragment FixesRule for Fix:

Add a subject / predicate

AND / OR

Complete the thought

Parallel StructureCorrect Parallel StructureExamples:Jon brought salty chips, crunchy crackers, and tasty dip.Nate always runs fast, jumps high, and slides low.Emily loves to write, to read, and to reflect.

General Rule:Rule: Express parallel ideas in the same grammatical form.

Coordinate Ideas - Type 1Rule Explanation:all of the items in a list (typically two or more) must be in the same grammatical format: either verb, verb, verb; noun, noun, noun; or gerund, gerund, gerund. No mixing and matching!

Correct Parallel StructureExamples:Jonbrought salty chips, crunchy crackers, and tasty dip. adj. n adj. n adj. n

Nate always runs fast, jumps high, and slides low. v adv. v adv. v adv.Emily loves to write, to read, and to reflect. inf. verb inf. verb inf. verb

Explanation:Items in this list are the same grammatical format.Incorrect Parallel StructureExamples:Jeremy brought salty chips, crunchy crackers, and ran home. adj. n adj. n v n

Nate always runs fast, jumps high, and to slide. v adv. v adv. inf. verb

Emily loves to write, to read, and hamburgers. inf. verb inf. verb nNon-List Parallel StructureComplication! Complication!

The SAT loves testing two-part parallel structure because it deals with entire phrases.

Most SAT prep books dont cover this error!

Non-List Parallel StructureIncorrect:

President Obama called forenforcement of tobacco regulations andinvestigating motivations for smoking.

President Obama called forenforcement of tobacco regulations andinvestigating motivations for smoking.President Obama called forEnforcement of tobacco regulations noun + prep + adj. + noun

Investigating motivations for smoking. gerund + noun + prep + noun

Issue:These sides must begin grammatically paralleled. They dont need to be entirely identical after that.

Think of this as balancing a mathematical equation.

President Obama called forEnforcement of tobacco regulations noun + prep + adj. + noun

Wrong:Investigating motivations for smoking. gerund + noun + prep + noun

Corrected:an investigation of motivations for smoking. noun + prep + noun + prep + noun

Corrected Parallel PhrasesPresident Obama called forenforcement of tobacco regulations andan investigation of motivations for smoking.

Example Phrases Question(October '06 test, section 10, #14)Acquaintances of Alex have commented that he is at once annoying because of his unpredictabilitybut his imagination is still a delight.

(A)but his imagination is still a delight(B) although he is delightfully imaginative(C) and he is delightful in his imagination too(D) while being imaginative and they are delighted(E) and delightful because of his imaginationExample Phrases Question(October '06 test, section 10, #14)Acquaintances of Alex have commented that he is at once annoying because of his unpredictabilitybut his imagination is still a delight.

(A)but his imagination is still a delight(B) although he is delightfully imaginative(C) and he is delightful in his imagination too(D) while being imaginative and they are delighted(E) and delightful because of his imagination

Steps for Solving:Break down which phrases seem to be paralleled (look for a signal word to tell you where the first begins).Look at the word directly past the signal word.Decide its part of speech and which answer best mirrors the beginning of that phrase.

Example Phrases Question(October '06 test, section 10, #14)Acquaintances of Alex have commented that he is at once annoying because of his unpredictabilitybut his imagination is still a delight.

(A)but his imagination is still a delight(B) although he is delightfully imaginative(C) and he is delightful in his imagination too(D) while being imaginative and they are delighted(E) and delightful because of his imagination Fixing Parallel Structure IssuesList-Style Fix:Change all items in the series (list) so that they are in grammatically identical structures.

Balancing Phrases Fix:Balance the beginning part of speech of each phrase.

Set TwoSubjunctive MoodSubject-Verb AgreementVerb Tense

Subjunctive MoodSubjunctive MoodExample:If I were going to Wawa, Id get a blue-raspberry Icee because they are the bomb-diggity.If I was going to Wawa, Id get a blue-raspberry Icee because they are the bomb-diggity.

Explanation:The subjunctive mood were is used in contrary-to-fact statements (after if or as though) and in statements expressing a wish.This is true because was implies past tense. Given that the subjunctive is a conditional statement (it may or may not happen), we cant use the past tense.

Rule to Fix:If wish, if, or as though is stated or implied, change was to were.Statements contrary to fact. (if, as though)Statements expressing a wish.Subjunctive ExamplesCorrect or incorrect?I wish that was true.Rule: This is a wish statement.Was he my counselor, Id have an easier time choosing a college.Rule: What word is implied here?If I were you , Id save the money.Rule: This is a contrary to fact statement. I am NOT you.She talked as though she was my mother.Why is this not correct?Were he taller, hed be a champion.What word is implied?Subject-Verb AgreementSubject-Verb AgreementExample:He runs to the store.They run to the store.

Explanation:A verb agrees with its subject in number.Singular Subjects need Singular VerbsPlural Subjects need Plural verbs.

IMPORTANT: The number of a subject is not changed by a phrase following the subject (think prep phrase).

The sound of the violins are/is deafening. The sound of the violins is deafening.

How to Fix:Fix:Identify the subject. Decide plural or singular. Match with the correct plural or singular verb.

Lets practice

Singular PronounsThe following pronouns are always singular:

Example:Each (singular) of us is (singular) happy with the decision.

Helpful Tip:Think: Use one to help you remember that these pronouns are singular.Any(one)body.

Lets PracticeEach (one)Either (one)Neither (one)OneEveryoneEverybodyNo oneNobodyAnyoneAnybodySomeoneSomebodyPlural pronouns The following pronouns are always plural: SeveralFewBothMany

Several (plural) of us are (plural) going to the movies.A few (plural) of them jump (plural) into the pool.Both (plural) groups run (plural) well.Many (plural) of the dogs jump (plural) higher than the cats.Lets Practice

Singular/Plural Pronouns (Can be Both)The following pronouns can be singular OR plural, depending on the meaning of the sentence.

Acronym: SAAMNSomeAnyAllMostNone

These are plural if they refer to a plural word. They are singular if they refer to a singular word.

That reference word often appears in a prepositional phrase that follows the pronoun.S.A.A.M.N = Plural or SingularSome:Some (S or P) of the cargo (singular) was (singular) lost.Depends on the word cargoSome (S or P) of the books (plural) were (plural) damaged.Depends on the word books

Any:Has (Singular) any (S or P) of the paint (singular) been delivered? Depends on the word paint, which is singular.Have (Plural) any (S or P) of the guests (plural) arrived?Depends on the word guests, which is plural.Compound Subject RulesCompound Subjects joined by and take a plural verb.

Examples:

Oscar and she (comp. singular subjects) do (plural) the gardening.

His arm and his leg (comp. singular subjects) were (plural) broken.

Compound Subjects (Cont)Singular subjects joined by or or nor take a singular verb.

Examples

Neither rain nor snow (comp. singular subjects) stops (sing. verb) the delivery of mail.

Neither the record nor the tape (comp. singular subjects) works (sing. verb) very well.

Compound Subjects (Cont)When a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

Examples:Neither their brother (singular) nor the girls (plural) want (plural verb) to go to the pool. [girls want]

Either his assistants (plural) or the cook (singular) himself is (singular verb) at fault.[cookis]Verb TenseVerb TenseAll verbs have tenses.

Tense to the time of the action of the sentence or idea expressed in the sentence.Verb TenseThere are six major tenses:TenseMeaning of TenseForm of to usePresentIt happens regularly in the present, occurs now in the present timeusePastIt happened in the past, not continuing into the presentusedFutureIt is likely to happen in the futurewill usePresent PerfectThe action just endedhave usedPast PerfectThe action happened before another past action or before some time in the pasthad usedFuture PerfectIt will be completed before a designated time

will have usedVerb FormVerbs also have form, of which there are three:

NOTE: Progressive is sometimes called continuous.

TenseBasic Form(may add helping verb)Progressive Form(adds to be verb and/or helping verb)Emphatic Form(adds form of do)Continues to HappenProvides EmphasisPresentuseam using do usePastusedwas usingdid useFuturewill usewill be usingN/APresent Perfecthave usedhave been usingN/APast Perfecthad usedhad been usingN/AFuture Perfectwill have usedwill have been usingN/AProblemsJust as with subject-verb agreement, multiple verbs in the same sentence have to agree.They must agree in their tense.

So, multiple verbs must align in tense or be correct based on sentence context.ExamplesThe class officers canceled the party after I made all the arrangements for it.Debbie based her decision on the old proverb that honesty was the best policy.By the time I graduate, my sister will be practicing law for five years.Even though his innocence was previously proved, he was not released as of today.If you had been here earlier, you met Maria.

ExamplesThe class officers canceled the party after I made all the arrangements for it.The class officers canceled the party after I had made all the arrangements for it.

Debbie based her decision on the old proverb that honesty was the best policy.Debbie based her decision on the old proverb that honesty is the best policy.

ExamplesBy the time I graduate, my sister will be practicing law for five years.By the time I graduate, my sister will have been practicing law for five years.

Even though his innocence was previously proved, he was not released as of today.Even though his innocence was previously proved, he has not been released as of today.

If you had been here earlier, you met Maria.If you had been here earlier, you would have met Maria.Set ThreeAdjective-Adverb ConfusionComparison of Adjectives (better/best)Dangling ModifiersAdjective/Adverb ConfusionReview of Parts of Speech& Rule 1RULE 1: In making a choice between an adjective and an adverb, we need to determine what the word modifies.Adjectives: noun or pronounAdverb: verb, adjective, another adverb

Example:We built a raft (strong, strongly) enough to hold us.

Ask yourself: what word is strong/strongly referring to? Really only two options: built or raftWas it built strongly or is it a strong raft?

We built a raft strong enough to hold us.Example 2Examples:Has he been studying math (regular, regularly)?

Again, ask yourself: what word is regular/regularly referring to? Really only two options: studying or mathWas it regular math or was he regularly studying?

Has he been studying math regularly?

Hey, adjectives and adverbs?Well be right back!We need some background.

Subjects and PredicatesSubject:Doer of the actionPart about which something is being saidPredicate:Same as verbPredicates are the action of the sentenceORPart which says something about subject.Subjects and Predicates PracticeHe gave me this big, red jacket.

Some of your classmates will attend the play in November.

To everyones surprise, Jane and I were happy before she left home.

Types of VerbsAction Verbs:Express ActionMr. Stadnycki threw the squeaky rat.

Linking Verbs:Doesnt express action.Links subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject.I am happy.You are a woman.The puppy is cute.Linking Verb ExamplesExamples:Forms of to be: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been,

Non-to be verbs that are linking:Appear, grow, seem, stay, become, look, smell, taste, feel, remain, sound when these words dont have objects after them.Eg. It tastes good. or It feels soft.

Examples of Sentences with Linking VerbsLinking Verbs:Doesnt express action.Links subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies it.

Examples:He is a man.Hank Aaron looked like a true baseball player.The passengers remained seated.

Subject ComplimentsWhat are they?ALWAYS follow a linking verb.Refer to, describe, explain, or identify the subject.

Two kinds:Predicate NominativePredicate Adjective

Predicate NominativeWhat are they?A noun or pronoun compliment that refers to the same person or thing as the subject.It follows a linking verb.Examples:New York is our largest city.My best friends were Agnes and she.It is I.Predicate AdjectiveWhat are they?An adjective compliment that modifies the subject of the verb. It follows a linking verb.Examples:This book is dull.His speech seemed repetitious and tiresome.During his PowerPoint, Mr. Stadnycki appeared incredibly happy.

ExamplesSo, lets simplify:Predicate Nominative: Sub + Linking Verb + N or PNPredicate Adjective: Sub + Linking Verb + Adj

Examples:

He is happy.

The passengers were mostly men.

Hank Aaron looked pleased.

Subject Compliment Or Object?I threw the ball at Marco.

Marco looked very happy

I am the type of man that wants attention.

I have been angry about that for years.

He ran all the way home from the basketball game.Adjective or Adverb Rule 2Rule 2a: Linking verbs, especially the verbs of sense (taste, smell, feel, etc.) are often followed by an adjective.

Rule 2b: Action verbs are often followed by an adverb.Examples with Linking VerbsI am happy.

The only pilots on the plane were kind.

The dinner tasted wonderful.The dinner tasted wonderfully.Everyone felt happy.Everyone felt happily.She looked sleepyShe looked sleepily in my direction.

Special Attention:Bad vs. BadlyBad is an adjective. Badly is an adverb.She felt bad/badly.She smelled bad/badly.He threw the ball bad/badly.Well and GoodGood is an adjective. Well is an adverb.I feel good/well.I am doing good/well.She sang good/well.Comparison of AdjectivesExplanationComparison refers to the change in form of adjectives and adverbs when they are used to compare the degree of the qualities they express.There are three degrees of comparison.Positive (big or anxious)Comparative (bigger or more anxious)Superlative (biggest or most anxious)Comparatives vs. SuperlativesUse the comparative form when comparing two things.

I am taller than she.Oranges are sweeter than pears.

Use the superlative form when comparing three or more things.

I am the tallest student in the classroom.Among Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, and Darth Stadnycki, I am the Darthiest.PracticeOne of the three branches of the armed services, the Air Force has been the (most/more) favored in recent years.

Although both Laura and Ted wrote on the same topic, Lauras paper was (longer/longest).

Which of the twenty-eight is the (most/more) popular?

The doctors tried both penicillin and sulfanilmide; the penicillin proved to be the (more/most) effective drug.

Gail is the (most/more) capable of the twins.

I chose this book because it was the (shorter/shortest) of the three.

Dangling ModifiersCorrect Use of ModifiersA modifying phrase or clause must clearly and sensibly modify a word in the sentence.

Example: Carrying a heavy pile of books, Meghan tripped on the step.

The object/person Carrying a heavy pile of books is directly after that modifying phraseMeghan.Dangling Whoosie-Whats'its?A modifier is said to dangle when there is no word that the phrase or clause can sensibly modify.

Example: Carrying a heavy pile of books, her foot caught on the step.

Logic: What is carrying the heavy pile of books in this sentence? Her foot? Not likely.Easy FixesAdd a word the phrase can sensibly modify:Carrying a heavy pile of books, she caught her foot on the steps.

By placing a subject in the modifying phrase.While she carried a heavy pile of books, her foot caught on the step. Dangling Modifier PracticeComing up the front walk, the bouquet in the picture window looked beautiful.Left alone in the house, the thunderstorm terrified him.Enormous and architecturally striking, everyone is impressed by the new building.When selecting a college, the social life seems to interest some students more than education.After considering the proposal for several hours, it was rejected by the council.Misplacd Modifier ErrorsFinally, writers can sometimes confuse readers by placing modifiers in a way that it can appear to modify two different words. Which is being modified is unclear, and it creates confusion.

Example: Mary said during the meeting Jo acted like a fool.

Problem: Did Mary say this during the meetingor did Jo act like a fool during the meeting?How do we fix that?Example: Mary said during the meeting Jo acted like a fool.

Move the modifying phrase closer to the item it should modify.During the meeting, Mary said Jo acted like a fool.ORMary said Jo acted like a fool during the meeting .

PracticeThe Simpsons gave a toy robot to one of their children with a bullet-shaped glass head and flashing red eyes.Pounding the piano keys with all her might, the chords of the prelude resounded through the concert hall.The waiter brought us ice cream in glass bowls which started melting almost immediately.We saw a herd of sheep on the way to our hotel.To succeed in college, a great deal of time must be spent studying.Set FourNoun and Pronoun CasePronoun-Antecedent AgreementDiction (word choice) Error

Noun/Pronoun CaseDefinitions:What is a pronoun?A word that is used in place of a noun or of more than one noun.

Example: Mark went to Kims house.Change Mark and Kims so that theyre pronouns.

Example: He went to her house.Identify the PronounsLast year our school gave two photography courses; they hadnt been offered before.

The course that I took dealt with the ways in which people perceive their environment.

You can prove to yourselves how blind all of us become to our surroundings.

Your possessions may look unfamiliar to you, and a few of them may seem totally alien.Identifying PronounsLast year our school gave two photography courses; they hadnt been offered before.

The course that I took dealt with the ways people perceived their environment.

You can prove to yourselves how blind all of us become to our surroundings.

Your possessions may look unfamiliar to you, and a few of them may seem totally alien.Cases of Nouns and PronounsNouns and pronouns in the English language are said to display case according to how they function in the sentence.

Fuctions:Subject, Object, Possession

Pronoun Case Chart: SingularImemy, mineyouyouyour, yourshe, she , ithim, her, ithis, her, hers, itsNominativeObjectivePossessive1st 2nd3rdPronoun Case Chart: Pluralweusour, oursyouyouyour, yourstheythemtheir, theirsNominativeObjectivePossessive1st2nd3rdNominative Case (Subjective Case)A subject of a sentence is in the nominative case.The Nominative case is also called the SUBJECTive case Examples:I like classical music.He and she sold the tickets.They traveled around the world.REMEMBER!!!Nominative = Subject

If the pronoun is playing the role of a subject, were in the nominative case.Nominative Case Practice(Me, I) talked to Tiffany about going to the mall on Friday.

(Me, I) gave the ball to them.

(Us, We) arrived around five-thirty.Nominative Case Practice(Me, I) talked to Tiffany about going to the mall on Friday.

(Me,II) gave the ball to them.

(Us, We) arrived around five-thirty.Objective CaseAll objects are (surprise!) in the objective case.

Includes both direct objects and indirect objects.

When our puppy fell asleep, I gave him to her.

Also includes objects of prepositional phrases.

Objective Case PracticeCoach Mendez gave (they/them) a pep talk.

Evan surprised (they/them).

Uncle Raymond took (I/me) to (she/her).

His mother built (he/him) a footlocker.

Mr. Botti gave (we/us) posters of the solar system.

The ranger guided (we/us) to the camp.

Objective Case PracticeCoach Mendez gave (they/them) a pep talk.

Evan surprised (they/them).

Uncle Raymond took (I/me) to (she/her).

His mother built (he/him) a footlocker.

Mr. Botti gave (we/us) posters of the solar system.

The ranger guided (we/us) to the camp.To help you choose the correct pronoun in a compound object, take out the other person and try each form of the pronoun separately in the sentence.

Our neighbor gave Diana and (I , me) a job for the summer.

Our neighbor gave I a job for the summer.

Our neighbor gave me a job for the summer.

Our neighbor gave Diana and me a job for the summer.Nominative AND Objective in Compound Subjects/ObjectsNominative Hint: Compound SubjectsCompound Subject:Amy and Mark went to the store.Amy and (me, I) like to dance.

When trying to choose the correct pronoun in a compound, take out the other person and try each form of the pronoun.

Amy and (me, I) like to dance.me like to dance.I like to dance.Amy and I like to dance.Special Issues in Pronoun CasePredicate Nominatives

Appositives with Pronouns

Elliptical Clauses with Pronouns

Gerunds with PronounsPredicate NominativesSub-Topic for Pronoun CasePredicate NominativesA predicate nominative is in the nominative case.

Example: The last one to leave was he.

Examples (Pred. Nominative)It is (I, me) who answered the phone.

Do you think it may have been (they, them)?

The fastest runners are (she, her) and (I, me).

Examples (Pred. Nominative)It is (I, me) who answered the phone.

Do you think it may have been (they, them)?

The fastest runners are (she, her) and (I, me).

Pronouns with AppositivesSub-Topic for Pronoun Case

What is an Appositive?Apposition means next to something.

Sometimes a pronoun is followed directly by a noun that identifies the pronoun. We students are happy.

The second noun is called an appositive.

Pronouns with AppositivesTo help you choose which pronoun to use before an appositive, omit the appositive and try each form of the pronoun separately.

(We, Us) cheerleaders practice music after school.Pronoun noun verb noun prep noun

(We, Us) cheerleaders practice music after school.Subject Appositive predicate dir. obj. prep object of prep.1. Determine Parts of Speech2. Determine Parts of the SentenceExample 1:(We, Us) cheerleaders practice after school.We practice after school.Us practice after school.We cheerleaders practice after school.

Example 2:The coach threw a party for (us, we) players.The coach threw a party for we.The coach threw a party for us.The coach threw a party for us players.Examples of Pronouns with AppositivesAsk yourself: Which is right if I remove the appositive?Ask yourself: Which is right if I remove the appositive?Elliptical ClausesSub-Topic for Pronoun Case

Elliptical Clauses (Incomplete Constructions)I am taller than (he, him).

Sentences like these have something missing.

They are referred to grammatically as incomplete constructions.

You must complete them before you decide which pronoun is correct.

I am taller than (he, him) is tall.

Elliptical Clauses After than and as introducing an incomplete construction, use the pronoun case that you would use if the sentence was completed (almost always nominative).

We like Tom as much as (they, them).

Sentence should read:We like Tom as much as (they, them) like Tom.

We like Tom as much as they like Tom.

We like Tom as much as they.I am taller than (he, him) _____.

Bill is happier than (I, me) _____.

He is as smart as (her, she) _____.Elliptical ExamplesGerundsSub-Topic for Pronoun Case

What is a Gerund?Gerund Definition: A word ending in ing that is typically a verb but is acting as a noun in a sentence.Hockey is my favorite sport.Swimming is my favorite sport.

Swimming is typically a verb. Here, it is the subject of the sentence, so it has to be a noun.Verbs that act as nouns are called GerundsGerundsHe should swim to the other side of the pool.

(You, Your) swimming is my favorite race to watch.

He plays the saxophone better than anyone I know.

(He, His) playing is difficult when his hands are tired.

Gerund Definition:

A word ending in ing that is typically a verb but is acting as a noun in a sentence.

When a noun or a pronoun comes immediately before a gerund, use the possessive case.Lets discuss (you, your) thinking for the position with our company.

(Me, My) arriving late for class should not be a problem.

(He, His) complaining about the homework will not help.PracticePronoun/Antecedent AgreementPronoun Antecedent AgreementRule 1: A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number and gender

Examples:

Ms. Jameson did her best.

The city is proud of its parks.Singular PronounsRule 2: Singular pronoun (especially indefinite pronouns) must be referred to by a singular pronoun antecedent.

Examples:The student has his own way of thinking.

Each of the women had removed her shoes.

Nobody in a position of authority had given his approval of the bill.

Two or More Singulars with or, nor, or andRule 3:Two or more singular antecedents joined by or or nor should be referred to by a singular pronoun.

Example:Neither Lynn nor Bess had her keys with her.

Rule 4:Two or more antecedents joined by and should be referred to by a plural pronoun.

Example:Lynn and Bess sat with their coats.PracticeOne out of every twenty students are dropped from the course each term.The effect of the comics on young people are not so drastic as some believe.Neither of the proposed bills were accepted in their entirety.Each of the papers read in class were good.When an employer is interviewing you, one of the first things they ask about is experience.PracticeOne out of every twenty students are dropped from the course each term.The effect of the comics on young people are not so drastic as some believe.Neither of the proposed bills were accepted in their entirety.Each of the papers read in class were good.When an employer is interviewing you, one of the first things they ask about is experience.PracticeOne out of every twenty students are dropped from the course each term.One out of every twenty students is dropped from the course each term.

The effect of the comics on young people are not so drastic as some believe.The effect of the comics on young people is not so drastic as some believe.

Neither of the proposed bills were accepted in their entirety.Neither of the proposed bills was accepted in their entirety.

Each of the papers read in class were good.Each of the papers read in class is good.

When an employer is interviewing you, one of the first things they ask about is experience.When an employer is interviewing you, one of the first things he ask about is experience.Diction(Super Bowl of Diction)