Wise Grammar Owl

Which of the following sentences needs to be corrected?

• Faylene and Raylene are learning to use watercolors.

• Faylene paints sunsets, they are so colorful.

• Raylene paints equally colorful sunrises.

• Do you think their paintings look alike?

Which sentence does not have completely correct punctuation?

• “What are some of the things,” Mrs. Baskin inquired, “that make school so much fun?”

• “One thing I like,” replied Sarah, “is recess!”

• “My Algebra class is driving me crazy!” Paul exclaimed.

• “That's my favorite class, Becky replied.

Which of the following sentences needs to be corrected?

• "Last night, I dreamt that I ate a giant marshmallow," Kevin said.

• "Was that anything like the dream you had about eating your way through a mountain of fruit cocktail?" asked Suzy.

• "Scarier," Kevin explained. “this time I woke up and my pillow was gone.”

• “I wonder what culinary adventure your dreams will take you tonight!” joked Suzy.

Which sentence does NOT have an error?

• Daniel Garrison, a farmer, wakes up very early.

• The car, a 1967 ford mustang, is very fast.

• When school ends today at 3:15 p.m. we will play soccer.

• Gold watches are going on sale today they are a good price. 

Which sentence contains a run on?

• My best friend had the lead in the school musical; she has a great voice!

• My best friend had the lead in the school musical. She has a great voice!

• My best friend had the lead in the school musical, and she has a great voice!

• My best friend had the lead in the school musical she has a great voice!

Which of these is the BEST way to correct the run on?

• My best friend had the lead in the school musical; she has a great voice!

• My best friend had the lead in the school musical. She has a great voice!

• My best friend had the lead in the school musical, and she has a great voice!

Which sentence is written incorrectly?

• The student said, “I must study these comma rules.”

• “I must study these comma rules,” the student said.

• “I must study,” the student said. “Because we have a quiz.”

• “Don’t interrupt me! I’m studying!” the student shouted.

Identify the complex sentence that is incorrectly punctuated:

• When the snow stopped, we were able to leave.

• As the stage curtain rose, the audience clapped.

• We stayed on the beach until the sun went down.

• Although English is offered only in the mornings you can take chemistry at night.

  I am going to bed early tonight because I am tired.

Which one of the following presents information in a compound sentence?

• Absorbed in the chaos of his life, he forgot to complete his project.

• The boy was curious about the commotion, so he went outside to find the party.

• As she lay in bed, waiting for sleep and gazing out the window, she stared up at the bright new moon.

• It wasn't long, though, before the parents found out about the party.

He led these schoolmates in songs because rescuers worked to free them from the wreckage.

The word because does not appropriately connect the two clauses this sentence. Which word should replace the word because?

• if

• while

• although

• where