Grammar and Syntax Concepts

Verb

• The action of a sentence OR a linking verb.

• A type of noun that describes a person, place, or thing.

• An adjective that modifies a noun.

• An adverb that describes how an action is performed.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.K.1B

CCSS.L.1.1E

Complex sentences

• Contains one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'After the clock struck midnight, the soldiers ran up the hill.'

• Are made up of only independent clauses.

• Always contain a subject and a verb but no clauses.

• Are simple sentences with additional phrases.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1H

Preposition

• A word indicating a relationship, showing direction, location, time, or introducing an object.

• A type of noun that represents a person, place, or thing.

• A verb that describes an action or state of being.

• An adjective that describes a noun or pronoun.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1I

CCSS.L.4.1E

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.K.1E

Commas

• Used to separate items in a list.

• Used to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction.

• Used to separate ideas or things within a sentence, including the serial comma and with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

• Used only in direct address.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Colons

• Most commonly used to introduce lists, example(s), or an explanation.

• Used primarily to separate two independent clauses.

• Commonly found in email addresses and URLs.

• Used to indicate a pause in speech.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

Pronouns

• Replace a noun or noun phrase.

• Only refer to people.

• Are always singular.

• Are used to describe actions.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D

Adverb

• Modifies a noun.

• Modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb.

• Indicates a place or time.

• Describes a specific action.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

Compound sentences

• Contains one independent clause.

• Contains two or more independent clauses. Example: 'I love to read, and I love to write.'

• Contains only dependent clauses.

• Contains a single independent clause and a dependent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Dashes

• Dashes are used to separate items in a list.

• Dashes are like a comma with extra emphasis.

• Dashes are only used in formal writing.

• Dashes are used to indicate a pause in speech.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

Noun

• A person, place, thing, or idea.

• A verb that describes an action.

• An adjective that describes a noun.

• An adverb that modifies a verb.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B