Grammar and Composition

Grammar
Practice
Workbook
Grade 10
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

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ii
 Contents
Unit 10 Parts of Speech
10.1 Nouns............................................................................................................1
10.2 Interrogative and Relative Pronouns.............................................................2
10.3 Action Verbs and Verb Phrases.....................................................................3
10.3 Linking Verbs................................................................................................4
10.4 Adjectives.....................................................................................................5
10.5 Adverbs.........................................................................................................6
10.6 Prepositions...................................................................................................7
10.7 Subordinating Conjunctions..........................................................................8

Unit 11 Parts of the Sentence

11.3 Compound Subjects and Predicates...............................................................9
11.5 Indirect Objects...........................................................................................10
11.5 Object Complements...................................................................................11
11.5 Subject Complements.................................................................................12

Unit 12 Phrases
12.1 Prepositional Phrases..................................................................................13
12.2 Appositives and Appositive Phrases...........................................................14
12.3 Participles and Participial Phrases...............................................................15
12.3 Gerunds and Gerund Phrases......................................................................16
12.3 Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases.................................................................17

Unit 13 Clauses and Sentence Structure

13.1, 3 Main Clauses; Simple and Compound Sentences.......................................18
13.5 Adjective Clauses.......................................................................................19
13.6 Adverb Clauses...........................................................................................20
13.7 Noun Clauses..............................................................................................21
13.8 Four Kinds of Sentences.............................................................................22
13.9 Sentence Fragments....................................................................................23
13.10 Run-on Sentences.......................................................................................24

Unit 15 Verb Tenses and Voice

15.2 Regular and Irregular Verbs........................................................................25
15.4 Perfect Tenses.............................................................................................26
15.7 Voice of Verbs.............................................................................................27

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 Contents
Unit 16 Subject-Verb Agreement
16.2 Agreement with Linking Verbs...................................................................28
16.4–5 Agreement with Special Subjects................................................................29

Unit 17 Using Pronouns Correctly

17.1 Case of Personal Pronouns..........................................................................30
17.2 Pronouns with and as Appositives...............................................................31
17.3 Pronouns After Than and As.......................................................................32
17.5 Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement.................................................................33
17.6 Clear Pronoun Reference............................................................................34

Unit 18 Using Modifiers Correctly

18.2 Irregular Comparisons.................................................................................35
18.4 Incomplete Comparisons.............................................................................36
18.7 Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers.............................................................37

Unit 20 Capitalization
20.1 Capitalization of Sentences.........................................................................38
20.2 –3................................Capitalization of Proper Nouns and Proper Adjectives 39

Unit 21 Punctuation, Abbreviations, and Numbers

21.1–3 End Punctuation..........................................................................................40
21.4 The Colon...................................................................................................41
21.5 The Semicolon............................................................................................42
21.6 Commas and Coordinate Adjectives...........................................................43
21.6 Commas and Compound Sentences............................................................44
21.6 Commas with Parenthetical Expressions and Conjunctive Adverbs...........45
21.6 Commas with Direct Address and Tag Questions.......................................46
21.6 Misuse of Commas.....................................................................................47
21.7 The Dash.....................................................................................................48
21.9 Quotation Marks.........................................................................................49
21.10 Italics (Underlining)....................................................................................50
21.11 The Apostrophe...........................................................................................51
21.12....................................................–13 Hyphens and Abbreviations 52

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 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

10.1 Nouns
Key Information
A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. A proper noun names a particular person,
A concrete noun names an object that can place, thing, or idea; a common noun is the
be recognized by any of the senses; an general name of a person, place, thing, or idea.
abstract noun names an idea, a quality, A collective noun names a group and can be
or a characteristic. regarded as either singular or plural.

 A. Identifying Nouns
Underline the nouns in the following sentences.
1. During the early years of the United States, thousands of settlers traveled west to build
new homes.
2. Women and men worked together to clear the land, plant crops, and build homes.
3. Besides this work, women tended the children and did housekeeping chores.
4. They prepared food to use during the winter.
5. They made clothes for the whole family and used homemade soap to wash the laundry.
6. A frontier mother was often the only teacher her children had.
7. Because there were few doctors, women had to take care of the medical needs
of their families.
8. Settlers usually lived so far apart that isolation was a common problem.
9. Sometimes pioneer families became friends with Native Americans who lived nearby.
10. To help fight loneliness, many women wrote journals and diaries about their lives
and experiences.
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 B. Identifying Noun Types

From the nouns you identified in the sentences above, list an example for each type of noun.
Collective noun
Abstract noun
Concrete noun
Common noun
Proper noun
 10.2 Interrogative and Relative Pronouns
Key Information
Questions are formed with interrogative who whoever whose
pronouns. whom whomever that
who whom whose which what which whichever
Who is coming to dinner?
what whatever
Whose keys are these?
The woman who won the marathon is 35.
A relative pronoun is used at the beginning of Whoever works hardest will get promoted.
a special group of words that contains its own
subject and verb and is called a subordinate
clause.

 A. Distinguishing Between Interrogative and Relative Pronouns

Underline the pronoun in each of the following sentences. Then write whether the pronoun is
interrogative or relative.
1. Who finally auditioned for the lead role?
2. The explosion that shook the town was caused by an error at the factory.

3. The barn, which was painted red, stood in a field of daisies.

4. What have you done to make Angela so angry?
5. Ben is trying to decide whom to ask for help with his biology.

 B. Using Interrogative Pronouns

Use an appropriate interrogative pronoun to turn each of the following statements into

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questions. Write your new interrogative sentence in the space provided.
1. Kendall called me last night.

2. This is the quickest way to get to the cafeteria.

3. These are my sister’s jeans.

4. I would like to have lasagna for my birthday dinner.

5. The Pulitzer Prize is named after Joseph Pulitzer.

2 Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit

11
 10.3 Action Verbs and Verb Phrases
Key Information
Action verbs tell what someone or something Intransitive action verbs are not followed by
does, either physically or mentally. words that answer what? or whom? Instead,
The ball slammed into the catcher’s mitt. they are frequently followed by words that tell
when, where, why, or how an action occurs.
The child dreamed of cotton candy.
I sometimes sing in the shower.
Transitive action verbs are followed by words [sing where?]
that answer the question what? or whom?
Mark Twain wrote with great wit.
We finally spotted our mistake. [wrote how?]
[spotted what?]
A verb phrase consists of a main verb and all
We eventually invited of its auxiliary, or helping, verbs.
Kate. [invited whom?]
The ice was melting quickly in the sun.
He did remember to order french fries.

 A. Distinguishing Between Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Underline the entire action verb, including all auxiliary verbs, in each of the following
sentences. Then write whether the verb is transitive or intransitive.
1. Sailboats have the right-of-way over motorboats.
2. The careful truck driver slowed noticeably in the rain and snow.
3. The Chinese pandas should attract many visitors to the zoo.
4. Architects begin their work long before the start of construction.
5. Most of the actors have already learned their lines.
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6. The new compact disc will arrive in stores tomorrow.

7. The ball landed only six inches from the hole.
8. The scent of fresh sheets welcomes the hotel’s guests every night.
9. Did you simply guess on the last question?
10. A blues singer does not always sing sad songs.

 B. Using Action Verbs

Underline the verb in each of the following sentences. Then write a more lively verb that adds
interest to the sentence.
1. Jeff walked home slowly in the gray January light.
2. The parachutist fell toward the ground.
3. The police car drove by at high speed.
4. During last month’s storm, hail hit our roof loudly.
5. Those three girls talk constantly.
10.3 Linking Verbs
Key Information
A linking verb links, or joins, the subject of a become remain stay
sentence with a word or expression that identi-
fies or describes the subject. feel seem taste
The most commonly used linking verb is be in grow sound
all its forms—am, is, are, was, were, will be,
Note: Except for seem, these words can also
has been, was being.
serve as action verbs. If seem can be
Other verbs that sometimes act as linking substituted for the verb in a sentence, that
verbs include the following: verb is probably a linking verb.
appear look smell The soup smelled delicious.
[linking] The chef smelled the
soup. [action]

 A. Distinguishing Between Action and Linking Verbs

Underline the verb in each of the following sentences. Then write whether it is an action verb
or linking verb.
1. Many people admire Andrew Jackson.
2. He came from the Carolina pine woods.
3. He eventually became president.
4. Later he built a house near Nashville, Tennessee.
5. Tourists still visit it today.
6. The house looks lovely.
7. Jackson grew hickory trees there.

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8. People called Jackson “Old Hickory.”
9. To many people he seemed a tough man.
10. However, he was a man of tenderness, too.

 B. Using Linking Verbs

Complete each of the following sentences by writing a word or group of words in the blank
that follows the linking verb. The words you write should identify or describe the subjects of
the sentences.
1. Usually our family vacations are
2. That group’s latest hit song was
3. The chocolate milk tastes
4. After making a foul shot to tie the game, Michelle felt
5. The temperature of the room seemed unusually
 10.4 Adjectives
Key Information
An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun and Possessive nouns: Terri’s books, the
limits its meaning. boy’s desk
freezing rain fire exit legal system Articles: a, an, the
There are a few special types of adjectives. Pronouns as adjectives:
Proper adjectives: Maine lobsters, Possessive adjectives: his bike, our home
Irish music Interrogative adjectives: which car,
Nouns as adjectives: train station, whose coat
biology class
Demonstrative adjectives: that job, this pen

 A. Identifying Adjectives
Underline all adjectives in the following sentences. Do not count the articles a, an, or the.
1. An active volcano destroyed those tiny country villages.
2. Dave loves spicy Mexican food but dislikes sweet, rich desserts.
3. A Hawaiian vacation can be expensive, especially for a family with many children.
4. Bob’s two dogs are friendlier than his Siamese cat.
5. A narrow but swift river kept the young hikers from finishing their trip.
6. Often characters in Roman mythology were similar to the Greek gods.
7. That new student has the loudest voice in the pep club.
8. Which locker in the girls’ gym belongs to your older sister?
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 B. Distinguishing Adjective Types

From the adjectives you identified above, list two in each category below.
Proper adjectives
Possessive adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives

 C. Using Adjectives
Write a sentence using each of the following nouns as an adjective.
1. town
2. California
3. power
4. water
10.5 Adverbs
Key Information
An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or I opened the very big door. [modifies big]
another adverb and makes its meaning I very slowly opened the door.
more specific.
[modifies slowly]
I slowly opened the big door. Negative words such as not, never, and rarely
[modifies opened]
also function as adverbs.

 A. Identifying Adverbs
Underline the adverbs in the following sentences.
1. The archaeologist carefully examined the ancient ruins.
2. Anyone who arrived late was denied entrance.
3. A good surgeon never stops improving his or her operating techniques.
4. The people in the very small crowd applauded loudly and soon were generating plenty
of noise.
5. Can meteorologists predict the weather accurately?

 B. Determining What Adverbs Do

Underline the word being modified by the italicized adverb in each of the following sentences.
Above each word you underline, indicate whether it is a verb, adjective, or adverb.
1. My brother’s loud snoring repeatedly woke me up.
2. Julee worked extremely hard on her college applications.
3. The algebra homework was terribly complicated.

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4. Robots routinely perform many complex industrial tasks.
5. Did Rene order the tickets yesterday?

 C. Using Adverbs
Change each of the following adjectives to an adverb, and then write a sentence using
the adverb.
1. (recent)
2. (reluctant)
3. (quick)
4. (wise)
5. (good)
 10.6 Prepositions
Key Information
A preposition is a word that shows the rela- prepositions. Some common compound
tionship of a noun or pronoun to some other prepositions are according to, because of,
word in a sentence. Some common prepositions and instead of.
are against, behind, for, of, over, to, and with. The noun or pronoun that follows a preposition
Some prepositions are made up of more is called the object of the preposition.
than one word. These are called compound
The ball rolled under the couch.

 A. Identifying Prepositions
Underline the prepositions in the following sentences.
1. At the site of Daniel Webster’s birthplace in Franklin, New Hampshire, there is a
replica of his family’s original two-room house.
2. The home of this great orator reflects the struggles faced by the family.
3. Webster’s father kept a tavern and also ran a sawmill on nearby Punch Creek.
4. The farmhouse is decorated with simple housekeeping tools.
5. The young Webster’s education came mostly from newspapers.
6. One of Webster’s early employers sent him to Phillips Academy at Exeter.
7. Years later Webster taught school for a while.
8. Webster went to Dartmouth College, where he distinguished himself in oratory.
9. Years later before the Supreme Court, Webster spoke highly of Dartmouth.
10. Even at the height of his fame, Webster would return to his humble birthplace.
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 B. Using Prepositions
Choose a preposition from the list below to complete each of the following
sentences. after by in of
around for inside without
1. Noah Webster was born West Hartford, Connecticut.
2. The birthplace was part a 120-acre farm.
3. Exhibits illustrating his spellers and dictionaries are the house.
4. its excellent definitions, Webster’s dictionary never would
have become popular.
5. his death, Webster’s heirs sold the rights to his dictionaries.
10.7 Subordinating Conjunctions
Key Information
A subordinating conjunction joins two I like pizza unless it has anchovies on it.
clauses, or ideas, in such a way as to make one If it rains, the ceremony will be postponed.
grammatically dependent upon the other. The
idea or clause introduced by a subordinating A traffic jam formed after police were
conjunction is considered subordinate, or forced to close two of the road’s lanes.
dependent, because it cannot stand alone
as a sentence.

 A. Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions

Underline the subordinating conjunction in each of the following sentences.
1. You can call the toll-free number if you live out of state.
2. Although the crowd was small, the concert was a stunning success.
3. We were not at home when our cousins stopped for a surprise visit.
4. As soon as the poet cleared her throat, the audience fell silent.
5. I usually bring my lunch whenever the cafeteria serves meatloaf sandwiches.
6. If there are no unexpected problems with the scheduling, the job is yours.
7. Some players wear sunglasses so that they do not lose sight of balls in the sun.
8. The chemist vowed to keep experimenting until she finds a cure for the disease.
9. Before you leave an answer blank, be sure you cannot make an educated guess.
10. The sculptor always wore goggles whenever he worked with marble.

 B. Using Subordinating Conjunctions

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For each of the following sentences, choose the correct subordinating conjunction in
parentheses, and write it in the blank.
1. Emily Dickinson was a great poet, we know little about her
personal life. (Although/If)
2. She lived a normal life she was about thirty. (because/until)
3. she visited Boston for eye treatment, she resolved to stay at
home with her family. (After/As if)
4. Dickinson spent nearly all of the last two decades of her life in a house in Amherst,
Massachusetts, she wrote more than 1,700 poems. (because/where)
5. Some people travel to Amherst they can visit the old Dickinson
home. (if/so that)
 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

11.3 Compound Subjects and Predicates

Key Information
In a compound subject a conjunction joins Hyenas sometimes watch and follow the
two or more simple subjects, which share the big cats.
same verb. Some sentences have both a compound subject
Cheetahs and lions travel in prides. and a compound predicate.
A compound predicate is made up of two or The students and their parents stood and
more verbs or verb phrases, also joined by a applauded the speaker.
conjunction, that have the same subject.

 A. Identifying Simple and Compound Subjects and Predicates

Above each sentence, indicate whether each subject and predicate is simple or compound.
If compound, underline the nouns or verbs that make up the compound element.
1. Catherine Parr married England’s King Henry VIII and outlived him by one year.
2. Clydesdales often pull floats or large wagons in parades.
3. Haydn and Mozart maintained a close friendship.
4. Few hay fever victims can either prevent or cure their symptoms.
5. One fifth of Hungary’s population lives and works in Budapest, the country’s capital.
6. Forts both housed and protected people in feudal times.
compound
7. The primroses grew and blossomed in the hot sun.
8. Poems can inspire us to great deeds.
9. Neil Armstrong and the other astronauts worked long, hard hours.
10. The actors and actresses rehearsed under the bright lights.
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 B. Using Compound Subjects and Compound Predicates

Each of the following sentences has a simple subject and a simple predicate. Expand the
sentences so that they include either compound subjects, compound predicates, or both.
You may add other words to your sentences to make them more interesting.
1. Monsters lurked under the bed. 3. I peeked carefully.
2. My toes tingled in delight. 4. Nothing was under there.
1.

2.

3.

4.

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 11 9

11.5 Indirect Objects
Key Information
An indirect object tells to whom or to what Contributions buy the shelter needed
or for whom or for what something is done. supplies. [Contributions buy supplies
A sentence can have an indirect object only for what?]
if it has a direct object. The indirect object The words to and for are never used with indi-
usually appears after the verb and before the rect objects. To and for are prepositions. A noun
direct object. or pronoun following to or for is actually the
The animal shelter gives stray animals object of the preposition.
protection. [The shelter gives protection
to what?]

 A. Identifying Direct and Indirect Objects

For each of the following sentences, underline the direct object once and the indirect object
twice. One sentence does not have an indirect object.
1. Paris has always given foreign writers a place of shelter.
2. Paris also offered a source of inspiration to these writers.
3. In the twenties American writers in Paris would bring Gertrude Stein their writings.
4. In her criticisms she would tell them the truth.
5. Sadly, living in Paris now costs such creative young people a great deal.

 B. Using Indirect Objects

Add an indirect object to each sentence. Rewrite the sentences.
1. The bride and groom pledged their love and faithfulness.

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2. My brother left a funny message on my answering machine.

3. The doctor sent notices of her change of address.

4. Some people do not lend money.

5. Maria promised a phone call if she was going to be late.

 11.5 Object Complements
Key Information
An object complement completes the meaning An object complement follows a direct object
of a direct object by identifying or describing it. and may be an adjective, noun, or pronoun.
Object complements appear only in sentences Dad makes common courtesy mandatory.
that contain direct objects. They also need an [adjective]
action verb that has the general meaning of Her friends elected Sue captain. [noun]
“make” or “consider.”
appoint consider make render We now consider the stray dog ours.
[pronoun]
call elect name think
choose find prove vote

 A. Identifying Object Complements

Underline the object complements in the following sentences. Above each, write whether it is
an adjective, noun, or pronoun.
1. Computers and word processors have made typewriters practically obsolete.
2. Most great musicians consider daily practice necessary and even enjoyable.
3. The art investigator has labeled that painting a fraud.
4. The woman’s will declares the land theirs forever.

 B. Using Object Complements

Complete each of the following sentences with an object complement.
1. The president’s resignation left everybody .
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2. Several engineers have declared the factory .

3. The newspaper called the wounded police officer .
4. The committee members voted Mr. Franklin .

 C. Writing Object Complements

Now try your own sentences. Use verbs from the list on this page or similar verbs, and write
four sentences about your school or community and how people feel about it.
1.

2.

3.

4.
11.5 Subject Complements
Key Information
A subject complement describes or further My neighbor is a plumber.
identifies the subject of a sentence. The two Nestor remained a singer for many years.
kinds of subject complements are predicate
nominatives and predicate adjectives. A predicate adjective is an adjective that fol-
A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun lows a linking verb and describes the subject.
that follows a linking verb and further identifies The book was exciting.
the subject.
Gail feels confident about the test.

 A. Identifying Subject Complements

Underline the subject complements in the following sentences. Above each, write whether it is
a predicate nominative (PN) or predicate adjective (PA).
1. A lawyer can become a judge.
2. The stew tastes too salty.
3. The signal may have been a warning.
4. Eddie and Alex Van Halen are brothers as well as professional musicians.
5. That director’s movies always have been mysterious.

 B. Using Subject Complements

Complete each of the following sentences with a subject complement. Identify your subject
complement as a predicate nominative (PN) or a predicate adjective (PA).
1. Both of the politicians running for re-election are .
2. The instructions on the box seemed .

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3. The car’s windshield is .
4. The acting in the Oscar-winning movie was .
5. After winning the scholarship, Amelia felt .

 C. Subject Complements: You Are the Subject

Write five short sentences about yourself. Use a different linking verb in each sentence.
Use a variety of predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
 12.1 Prepositional Phrases
Key Information
A prepositional phrase is a group of words We stopped at the supermarket and
that begins with a preposition and usually the mall.
ends with a noun or pronoun, called the
object of the preposition. A prepositional phrase can act as an
adjective or adverb.
I left before halftime. [Halftime is the
object of the preposition before.] The man on the cover is a
professional model. [adjective phrase
Prepositions may have more than one object.
modifying man]
The model has appeared in many maga-
zines. [adverb phrase modifying has
appeared]

 A. Identifying Prepositional Phrases

Underline the prepositional phrases in the following sentences.
1. Langston Hughes was a major poet of the Harlem Renaissance.
2. Hughes stood out because he tried to incorporate jazz rhythms into his poems.
3. Beneath its formal surface, his best poetry is filled with life and emotion.
4. Over the years many poets have used the poetry of Langston Hughes as a model.

 B. Identifying Prepositional Phrases and Their Functions

Underline the prepositional phrase in each of the following sentences. Then write whether
each phrase is acting as an adjective or adverb.
1. Pablo Neruda, the great Chilean poet, died in 1973.
2. He wrote beautiful poems for both adults and children.
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3. He wrote about the lonely, haunting, and remote Chilean countryside.

4. Neruda’s poetry urges a return to simpler things.

5. The superior quality of his poetry earned him a Nobel Prize.

 C. Using Prepositional Phrases

Use each of the following nouns or noun phrases in a sentence. Make each noun or phrase the
object of a preposition.
1. (her aunt)

2. (the restaurant)

3. (Indianapolis)

4. (the tornado)
12.2 Appositives and Appositive Phrases
Key Information
An appositive is a noun or pronoun next to An appositive phrase is an appositive plus any
another noun or pronoun that identifies or words that modify it.
gives additional information about it.
The car, a shiny, red convertible,
Our dog Buck likes to sleep next to
sped past.
the door.
As in the sentence above, appositive
phrases that are not essential to the
meaning of the sentence should be set off
by commas.

 A. Identifying Appositives and Appositive Phrases

Underline the appositive phrases in the following sentences once. Underline the appositives
themselves twice.
1. The jade plant, a popular houseplant, is a hardy and adaptable succulent.
2. Gil’s sister-in-law Marjorie is an attorney.
3. We enjoyed visiting Williamsport, a colonial village.
4. The actor Harrison Ford has starred in several action films.
5. Compact discs now have a new music rival, digital audio tapes.
6. Melanie’s boss, Ms. Green, allowed her to report to work late during track season.

 B. Using Appositives and Appositive Phrases

Rewrite each of the following sentences, using the group of words in parentheses as an
appositive phrase. If the phrase is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, set it off
with commas.

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1. James Joyce is considered one of the great writers of the English language. (a
twentieth- century novelist)

2. He wrote three novels, all of them set in Ireland. (the country of his birth)

3. The action in his novel takes place during one day in Dublin. (Ulysses)

4. The day is celebrated by some as Bloomsday. (June 16)

5. Bloomsday is named for Leopold and Molly Bloom. (the novel’s central characters)
 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

12.3 Participles and Participial Phrases

Key Information
A participle is a verb form that can function as A participial phrase contains a participle plus
an adjective. any complements and modifiers.
The dripping faucet kept us awake all Running at great speed, the deer escaped
night. [dripping modifies the noun faucet] the wolf. [phrase modifies noun deer]
Present participles always end in -ing. Past par- Chris, smelling smoke from the base-
ticiples often end in -ed but can take other ment, called the fire department. [phrase
forms as well. modifies noun Chris]
The motorcycle’s roaring engine shook The photographer, determined to get a
the windows. picture of the comet, stayed awake all
The muted notes came from a hidden night. [phrase modifies noun photographer]
speaker.

 A. Identifying Participles and Participial Phrases

Underline the participles and participial phrases in the following sentences. Then circle the
word each phrase modifies.
1. People looking for a word’s exact definition should consult a dictionary.
2. Elated with his grade report, Maurice sprinted home to tell his parents.
3. The wolverine, cornered by the bear, hissed and snapped its teeth.
4. The painting hanging in the hall is an original Picasso.
5. Frustrated, the inexperienced golfer threw his putter into the lake.

 B. Using Verbs and Participles

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Write two sentences using each of the following words. In the first sentence use the word as the
main verb. In the second sentence use the word as a participle.
Example: walking
a. I was walking home when the rain began. (verb)
b. Walking home in the rain without an umbrella, I got drenched. (participle)
1. shaking
a.
b.
2. painted
a.
b.
3. leaping
a.
b.

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 12 15

12.3 Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
Key Information
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and A gerund phrase is a gerund plus any comple-
is used in the same way a noun is used. ment and modifiers.
Walking is an effective and safe Bill’s secret for good pies was putting the
exercise. [gerund as subject] dough in the freezer for an hour.
My wife hates my singing. [gerund as [gerund phrase as predicate nominative]
direct object] Be careful not to confuse gerunds with present
She has not thought about running. participles. Both end in -ing, but a present
[gerund as object of a preposition] parti- ciple is used as an adjective, whereas a
gerund is used as a noun. A gerund phrase
can usually be replaced by the word it.

 A. Identifying Gerunds and Gerund Phrases

Underline the gerunds and gerund phrases in the following sentences.
1. Yves Saint-Laurent’s business, designing fashionable clothing, became popular
in the sixties.
2. His brilliant capacity for setting new fashion standards helped him rise quickly.
3. Admirers have noted his preference for combining the stylish with the unusual.
4. Actually, with all his talents, succeeding was relatively simple for Saint-Laurent.

 B. Using Participles and Gerunds

Write two sentences using each of the following words. In the first sentence use the word as a
participle. In the second sentence use the word as a gerund.
Example: walking

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a. Walking home in the rain without an umbrella, I became drenched. (participle)
b. Walking home in the rain without an umbrella is a good way to become drenched. (gerund)
1. cleaning
a.
b.
2. driving
a.
b.
3. shining
a.
b.
4. placing
a.
b.
 12.3 Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
Key Information
An infinitive is a verb form that is usually pre- Bonita practices piano to improve.
ceded by the word to and is used as a noun, an [infinitive as adverb]
adjective, or an adverb. An infinitive phrase contains an infinitive and
To apologize is not always easy. [infinitive any complements and modifiers.
as subject]
To have admitted the problem is
Ernest Hemingway loved to hunt. [infinitive important.
as direct object] He hoped to save time with the
That horse is the one to watch. [infinitive shortcut.
as adjective]

 A. Identifying Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases

Underline the infinitives and infinitive phrases in the following sentences.
1. The ability to budget time is a large part of being a good student.
2. Melissa has earned the opportunity to attend a prestigious college.
3. This engine has the ability to produce 180 horsepower.
4. I am not sure what I am going to do.
5. Karl certainly has the patience to teach small children.
6. Working up the nerve to ask another person out on a date is often a lengthy process.
7. After much inner debate, George finally decided to ask Jennifer to the prom.
8. He started to dial Jennifer’s phone number sixteen times before actually letting the call
go through.
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9. Without even hesitating, Jennifer said she would be delighted to go with George.
10. George hopes that he will be able to overcome the effects of his astonishment in time for
the prom.

 B. Using Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases

Write a sentence using each of the following infinitives. Then write whether the infinitive
functions as a noun, an adjective or an adverb.
1. (to hide)

2. (to have won)

3. (to save)

4. (to instruct)
13.1, 3 Main Clauses; Simple and Compound Sentences
Key Information
A simple sentence may contain a compound A compound sentence contains two or more
subject, compound predicate, or both, but it main clauses.
must have only one main clause. Remember
that a main clause has a subject and a Kim dances, and Terry sings.
predicate and can stand alone as a sentence.
The main clauses are usually joined by a
Kim dances. comma and a coordinating conjunction such
as and, but, or, nor, yet, or for.
Kim and Terry dance. [compound subject]
Kim also dances professionally, but
Kim dances and sings. Terry sings only as an amateur.
[compound predicate]
The main clauses may also be joined
Kim and Terry dance and sing. [compound by a semicolon.
subject and compound predicate]
Kim also dances professionally; Terry sings
only as an amateur.

 A. Identifying Simple and Compound Sentences

Write whether each of the following sentences is simple or compound. In the sentences that are
compound, bracket the main clauses.
1. Under cover of darkness, the scout crossed the enemy’s line.
2. Tomatoes are usually easy to grow, but broccoli is more difficult.
3. Naomi shrieked, but Paulette only laughed.
4. The pencil sharpener was broken; the teacher permitted the use
of pens.
5. You should read the entire chapter, but I can summarize it for you.

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6. The dog and the cat got along quite well and even shared each
other’s food.

 B. Writing Simple and Compound Sentences

Use each of the following pairs of verbs to form first a simple sentence and then a compound
sentence. You may change the tenses of the verbs if you wish.
1. saw, heard

2. lived, moved

3. leaped, bolted

4. fly, land
 13.5 Adjective Clauses
Key Information
An adjective clause is subordinate and modi- Adjective clauses that cannot be removed
fies a noun or pronoun. with- out clouding the sentence’s meaning are
That show is one that always amuses essen- tial, or restrictive, clauses.
me. That is one show that the public loves.
My room is the place where I have the Adjective clauses that are not needed to make
most privacy. a sentence’s meaning clear are called
Adjective clauses are introduced by relative nonessential, or nonrestrictive, clauses. They
pro- nouns (who, whom, whose, that, and are always set off by commas.
which) or by the subordinating conjunctions That show, which is my favorite also,
where and when.
airs every Monday night at 9:00 P.M.

 A. Understanding Adjective Clauses

For each of the following sentences, underline the adjective clause once, write either essential or
nonessential above it, and circle the word that it modifies. One sentence has two adjective clauses.
1. In the game of cricket, play takes place between two teams, which have
eleven members each.
2. The two wickets are the objects that are central to the game.
3. The wickets, which are three wooden stumps, are placed sixty feet apart.
4. The player whose turn it is to bat stands in front of a wicket.
5. The bowler, who is like a pitcher in baseball, throws a ball that resembles a baseball.
6. The batter tries to hit the ball while defending his wicket, which has two
crosspieces balanced on top.
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7. A batter who successfully hits the ball runs to the opposite wicket.
8. The pitcher’s goal is to knock off the two crosspieces that are on top of the wicket
by making the batter swing and miss.

 B. Using Adjective Clauses

Combine each of the following pairs of sentences to form one complex sentence. To do this,
change the second sentence to an adjective clause, and then add it to the first sentence.
1. Wallace Stevens was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1879. Wallace Stevens is
considered one of the greatest American poets.

2. The fact that Stevens did not win the Nobel Prize for literature surprised many
Americans. The Americans were familiar with his work.
13.6 Adverb Clauses
Key Information
An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that An adverb clause is introduced by a subordinat-
modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. ing conjunction. An adverb clause may appear
Adverb clauses tell when, where, how, why, to before or after the main clause.
what extent, or under what conditions. Because I had obtained my license on
After I passed my test, I drove home as my first try, I was happy.
a fully licensed driver. [adverb clause telling Certain words can sometimes be left out of an
when the subject drove]
adverb clause. You can easily supply the
missing
I was happy because I had obtained my words, however, since they are implied.
license on my first try. [adverb clause I doubt if he can spell better than I
telling why the subject was happy]
[can spell].

 A. Identifying Adverb Clauses

In each of the following sentences, underline the adverb clause once, and underline the word
or words that it modifies twice.
1. John Keats’s work will be studied as long as English poetry is studied.
2. Before he died at the early age of twenty-five, Keats had written some of the finest
poems in the English language.
3. It is actually quite easy for one to gain a quick taste of Keats’s talents, since many of
his most acclaimed works are short poems called odes.
4. Some were written in great haste as if he were afraid to lose his inspiration.
5. For example, after he had spent a few hours sitting outside one day, he wrote one of his
most famous poems, “Ode to a Nightingale.”

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6. When the poet Shelley heard of Keats’s death, he wrote a long poetical
lament entitled “Adonais.”
7. Since Keats had not been very popular with the critics, Shelley blamed them for
the poet’s death.
8. Late in his life, when he learned he was dying from tuberculosis, Keats moved
from England to Rome.

 B. Using Adverb Clauses

Combine each of the following pairs of sentences to form one complex sentence. To do this,
change the second sentence to an adverb clause. Then add it to the first sentence.
1. Great Britain has surprisingly mild winters. The Gulf Stream brings warm air from
the south.

2. A lunar eclipse occurs. The earth passes between the sun and the moon.

3. A tree is deciduous. It loses its leaves in the fall.

 13.7 Noun Clauses
Key Information
A noun clause is a subordinate clause that The prime suspect will be whoever does
functions as a noun. A noun clause can serve as not have an alibi. [predicate nominative]
a subject, a direct object, an indirect object, the The following are some of the words that can
object of a preposition, or nominative. be used to introduce noun clauses.
Whoever committed the crime will be how when who, whom
caught. [subject]
The detective wondered where each sus- that where whoever
pect had been that night. [direct object] what which whose
The police have photos of what was whatever whichever why
stolen. [object of a preposition]

 A. Identifying Noun Clauses

Underline the noun clause in each of the following sentences. Then write above the clause
how it is used, as a subject (S), direct object (DO), indirect object (IO), predicate nominative
(PN), or object of a preposition (OP).
1. The biology teacher showed the class how to begin the frog dissection.
2. No one knows who invented the wheel.
3. The explorers dreamed that they would some day find the “fountain of youth.”
4. In today’s meet, the winner will be whoever has the most stamina.
5. When they will get here always remains a mystery until the last minute.
6. I could not see for whom the audience was applauding.
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 B. Using Noun Clauses

In each of the following sentences, replace the words in italics with an appropriate noun
clause. Write your new sentence in the space provided.
Example: Swimming enthusiasts like to go to the beach.
Whoever enjoys swimming likes to go to the beach.
1. You can usually find necessary news about recent happenings in the newspaper.

2. At a crowded restaurant, people were talking about the approaching weather.

3. They will award the winner the trophy.

4. The mail carrier will deliver any of the postage-paid packages.

 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

13.8 Four Kinds of Sentences

Key Information
A declarative sentence is a statement. It An interrogative sentence asks a question. It
usually ends with a period. ends with a question mark.
The eggs are in the refrigerator. Will you bring me the eggs?
An imperative sentence is a command or An exclamatory sentence expresses strong
request. The subject “you” is understood. An emotion. It ends with an exclamation point.
imperative sentence usually ends with a period. Bring me the eggs now!
Bring me the eggs from the refrigerator.

 A. Identifying Sentence Types

In the space provided, indicate whether each sentence is declarative, imperative, interrogative,
or exclamatory.
1. Always make sure there are good batteries in your smoke detector.
2. It’s pizza day in the cafeteria!
3. I would like to see your rough drafts by Monday.
4. Read that again, but this time with feeling.
5. Do you have a hall pass, young man?

 B. Using the Various Sentence Types

Classify each of the following sentences according to the sentence type. Then rewrite the
sentence to make it the type indicated in parentheses.
1. Did you listen to that tape yet? (imperative)

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2. Do not turn on the television until your homework is finished.
(declarative)

3. Some people think The Thin Man is the funniest movie of all.
(exclamatory)

4. Watch out for the edge of that cliff! (interrogative)

5. What a perfect day this has been! (declarative)

22 Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit

13
 13.9 Sentence Fragments
Key Information
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sen- NO SUBJECT: Hal drove that car last week.
tence punctuated as though it were a Says it was fast.
complete sentence.
CORRECTED: Hal drove that car last week,
A sentence fragment can often be corrected
and he says it was fast.
by joining it to a main clause. Sometimes it
may be necessary to add missing words to NO COMPLETE Its annoying bark going on
make a com- plete sentence. VERB: for hours.
Following are samples of the three basic CORRECTED: Its annoying bark has been
errors that cause sentence fragments, each going on for hours.
followed by one possible correction.
NO MAIN My mother was mad. Because
CLAUSE: we were two hours late.
CORRECTED: My mother was mad because
we were two hours late.

 A. Identifying Sentence Fragments

Write whether each of the following items contains a fragment or two complete sentences.
1. He has become too interested in his personal statistics. Like so
many other professional athletes these days.
2. The dance will be held in the gym. Which is going to be decorated.
3. The computer class that was going to be offered every Monday
has been canceled. There apparently is a scheduling conflict.
4. After staking out the old warehouse for two weeks. The
detective arrested the smugglers.
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 B. Correcting Sentence Fragments

Choose any two of the items above that you identified as containing fragments and rewrite
each so that the fragment is corrected.
13.10 Run-on Sentences
Key Information
A run-on sentence consists of two or more NO PUNCTUATION: I gave the first speech I
complete sentences presented as though was nervous.
they were one sentence.
CORRECTED: I gave the first speech. I
There are three basic types of run-on was nervous.
sentences.
CORRECTED: I gave the first speech; I
COMMA SPLICE: I called Mark with the news,
was nervous.
he called Sara.
CORRECTED: I gave the first speech, and I
CORRECTED: I called Mark with the news. was nervous.
Then he called Sara.
NO COMMA BEFORE My sister drives to school each
CORRECTED: I called Mark with the news, THE CONJUNCTION: day but I still take the bus.
and then he called Sara.
CORRECTED: My sister drives to school each
day, but I still take the bus.

 A. Identifying Run-on Sentences

Write whether each of the following sentences is a run-on or a correct sentence.
1. Many jazz critics consider Duke Ellington’s big band the most
talented group of all time, some think Count Basie’s band was more
exciting.
2. The bands’ differences could be seen in their leaders, for
Ellington was sophisticated and sometimes very showy while
Basie was less pretentious and more direct.
3. Despite these differences an amazing event occurred in 1961 when
the two entire bands played together in a New York recording studio
it was the first and last time the bands ever combined their talents.

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4. The members of both all-star bands crammed into the studio,
and the Count and the Duke sat across from each other at twin
grand pianos.
5. The recording that resulted from this collaboration is truly a classic,
it was as if the two great basketball players Larry Bird and Michael
Jordan teamed up only once to play on the same team.

 B. Correcting Run-on Sentences

Choose any two of the sentences above that you identified as run-ons, and write correct
versions of them.
 15.2 Regular and Irregular Verbs
Key Information
A regular verb forms its and past partici- An irregular verb forms its past and past
past
ple by adding -ed to the form. participle in some way other than adding -ed
base
to the base form.
Base Form Past Form Past Participle
jump jumped jumped Base Form Past Form Past Participle
paint painted painted grow grew grown
swim swam swum

 A. Supplying the Correct Principal Part

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
1. I have a horse only once. (ride)
2. The eager tenor his favorite solo for the audition. (perform)
3. Mother does not think we should so soon after lunch. (swim)
4. Is there anyone here who has not his or her essay yet? (write)
5. Paper must be into the tiniest of bits to make good confetti. (rip)
6. Every March 21, Grandpa would open the windows and cry, “Spring has
!” (spring)
7. Mary the groceries home from the store and set them on the kitchen
table. (carry)
8. A huge cloud of dust after the building was demolished. (rise)
9. For years my father has on the sofa for a nap every night after dinner.
(lie)
10. In fact, Dad a long time ago that the sofa was to be his every night at
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this time. (declare)

 B. Using the Correct Principal Part

Write a sentence using each of the following verb forms.
1. (past form of think)

2. (past participle of go)

3. (past form of hurry)

4. (past participle of know)

5. (past participle of exclaim)

 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

15.4 Perfect Tenses

Key Information
The present perfect tense is used to express He had asked three times before she
an action or condition that occurred at some agreed to marry him.
indefi- nite time in the past. It consists of has or
have plus the past participle of a verb. The future perfect tense is used to express
one future action or condition that will begin
Paul has ordered his class ring.
and end before another future event starts. It
The past perfect tense is used to indicate that consists of will have or shall have plus the past
one past action or condition began and ended participle of a verb.
before another past action started. It consists of By the time I am old enough to
had plus the past participle of a verb. drive, our car probably will have
become a heap of junk.

 A. Identifying Perfect Tenses

Underline the correct auxiliary verb in each of the following sentences. Above each verb
write whether the entire verb is in the present perfect (PRP), past perfect (PP), or future
perfect (FP) tense.
1. By 2010, people (have/will have) been reading the works of Charles Dickens for more
than 170 years.
2. In the years after the Victorian era, people (had/have) enjoyed reading about Ebenezer
Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
3. After millions of people (had/have) experienced this tale of a cheap English
businessman who is scared into changing his ways, the name Scrooge came to mean a
person who is greedy, mean, and hateful.
4. Thanks to another great Dickens work, A Tale of Two Cities, millions more people
(will have/have) understood the very real human emotions involved in a historical

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event as important as the French Revolution.
5. By the time of his death, Charles Dickens (has/had) published more than fifteen novels.

 B. Using Perfect Tenses

Write a sentence using each of the following verb tenses.
1. (future perfect tense of begin)

2. (past perfect tense of rehearse)

3. (present perfect tense of lose)

4. (future perfect tense of print)

26 Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit

15
 15.7 Voice of Verbs

Key Information
An action verb is in the active voice when the In general, you should choose the active voice
subject of the sentence performs the action. over the passive, because it is more expressive
The student sharpened her pencil. and less wordy. However, if you cannot or do
not want to identify the performer, use the
An action verb is in the passive voice when passive voice.
its action is performed on the subject.
The stolen goods were returned.
The pencil was sharpened by the [You may not know or wish to identify
student. who returned them.]

 A. Identifying the Active and Passive Voices

Above each verb in the following sentences, write whether it is active or passive.
1. The vaccine for polio was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk.
2. American researchers are continuing to explore alternative energy sources.
3. The defense attorney will file her motion for dismissal early this morning.
4. The Academy Award nominees are announced early each spring.
5. The student council’s plan was praised by a majority of faculty members.

 B. Changing the Voice of Verbs

Rewrite each of the following sentences by changing the active voice to passive or the passive
voice to active.
1. The candidates for class president were introduced by the principal.
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2. An immature act of vandalism damaged the football field before the big game.

3. The band performed three encores.

4. My family has been invited to a dinner by our neighbors the Mendozas.

5. My friend’s bike tire was punctured by a sharp rock yesterday.

16.2 Agreement with Linking Verb
Key Information
Do not be confused by a predicate nomina- agrees with the singular subject expense,
tive that differs in number from the subject. not the plural predicate nominative books.]
Only the subject affects the number of the The monster trucks were the main attrac-
linking verb. tion. [The plural linking verb were agrees
The biggest expense was the new math with the plural subject trucks, not the singu-
books. [The singular linking verb was lar predicate nominative attraction.]

 A. Making Linking Verbs Agree with Their Subjects

Underline the subject in each of the following sentences. Then underline the form of the verb
in parentheses that agrees with that subject.
1. The two king cobras (was/were) a highlight for me at the zoo.
2. The book club’s monthly feature (is/are) three stories by Zora Neale Hurston.
3. Keesha’s three favorite music groups (is/are) the subject of the cable special.
4. The candidate’s downfall (was/were) his ignorance and his bad temper.
5. The declining test scores (have/has) been a cause for alarm for educators.
6. Halogen headlights (was/were) last week’s sale special at the auto store.
7. As usual, my mail (is/are) mostly promotional items and sweepstakes forms.
8. New test tubes (is/are) usually the chemistry department’s biggest expense.
9. For some people a symphony’s movements (is/are) a source of joy.
10. The power outage’s cause (was/were) the two crossed high-tension wires.

 B. Writing Sentences with Linking Verbs

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Write five original sentences that each include a linking verb. Be sure that each linking verb
agrees with its subject.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
 16.4–5 Agreement with Special Subjects
Key Information
A collective noun names a group. Consider A title is always singular, even if a noun within
a collective noun singular when it refers to the title is plural.
a group as a whole, and plural when it refers A compound subject that is joined by and or
to each member of a group individually. both...and is plural unless its parts belong to
Certain nouns that end in -s look plural but one unit or refer to the same person or thing.
take singular verbs (measles, news), but certain When a compound subject is joined by or or nor
other nouns that end in -s take plural verbs (or by either...or or neither...nor), the verb
( pliers, scissors). always agrees with the subject nearer
A noun of amount is singular when it refers to the verb.
a total considered as one unit, and plural when When many a, every, or each precedes a
it refers to a number of individual units.
compound subject, the subject is considered
singular.

 A. Making Verbs Agree with Special Subjects and Compound Subjects

Underline the subject in each of the following sentences. Then underline the form of the verb
in parentheses that agrees with that subject.
1. I still think six hours (is/are) a long time to play video games every day.
2. The office staff (make/makes) a large donation to charity every year.
3. Twelve Angry Men (remain/remains) popular among movie fans to this day.
4. When even a few quarters (is/are) jingling in my pocket, I feel good.
5. Two hundred dollars (is/are) in that two-inch pile.
6. Neither the fans nor the air conditioner (was/were) working.
7. Many a chair, table, and sofa (was/were) destroyed in the warehouse fire.
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8. The videocassette recorder and the camcorder (has/have) become popular items.

 B. Using Verbs That Agree with Special Subjects and Compound Subjects
Each of the following sentences contains an error in subject and verb agreement. Rewrite each
sentence correctly in the space provided.
1. Scalloped potatoes goes well with both ham and meat loaf.

2. The staff is arriving one at a time.

3. Politics are always more widely publicized during major election years.

4. Peaches-and-cream describe a clear, healthy-looking complexion.

17.1 Case of Personal Pronouns

Key Information
Personal pronouns refer to persons or things. In a sentence with a compound subject or
These pronouns have three cases: object, take out the conjunction and the other
Nominative, objective, and possessive. The subject or object to help you figure out which
case of a per- sonal pronoun depends upon its form of the pronoun to use.
function in the sentence. Personal pronouns can
function as sub- jects, complements, or objects
or prepositions.

 A. Choosing Proper Pronoun Case

In each of the following sentences, circle the correct pronoun in parentheses.
1. Michael and (I/me) didn’t know much about northern lights.
2. Ms. Cerutti, my science teacher, asked (he/him) and (I/me) to write reports on
this celestial phenomenon.
3. (He/Him) and (I/me) were to submit our reports to her by the end of the marking period.
4. She also said the decision of which reports would be entered in the science fair would
be (her/hers).
5. Michael read faster than (I/me) because his book was so good.
6. I learned from listening to (him/his) summarizing.
7. For example, the scientific term is aurora borealis; (its/it’s) name is almost as pretty as the
phenomenon itself
8. The librarian told Michael and (I/me) that the lights are caused by electrical discharges in
electrically unstable air.
9. The northern lights occur most often in mid-December; it astonished (he/him) and
(I/me) the first time we saw them.

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10. (He/him) and (I/me) hope that (we/us) and our families see more of them this winter.

 B. Using Pronouns in Compound Parts of Sentences

For each of the following phrases, write a sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
1. (Beth and I)

2. (Beth and me)

3. (Gary and him)

4. (Gary and he)

5. (you and she)

 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

17.2 Pronouns with and as Appositives

Key Information
If a pronoun is in apposition to a subject or If a pronoun is in apposition to an object, use
predicate nominative, use the nominative case. the objective case.
The best math students, she and Matthew, The math teacher praised the achievements
are also good in science. [Students is the of his best students, her and Matthew.
subject.] [Students is the object of a preposition.]

 A. Using Pronouns as Appositives

In each of the following sentences, underline the correct pronoun in parentheses.
1. The win pleased the team’s two biggest fans, Nick and (I/me).
2. All those associated with the team—the players and (they/them)—cheered.
3. The people with good seats, (we/us) and the coaches, saw a terrific game.
4. Our favorite players, Mitchell and (he/him), played well as usual.
5. After the game three of my friends—Bill, Davina, and (she/her)—went to a movie.

 B. Writing Sentences with Pronouns as Appositives

Write five original sentences. In each sentence, include at least one pronoun that is used with
or as an appositive. Write about a current news event, a recent activity at your school, or
another topic of your choice.
1.

2.
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3.

4.

5.

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 17 31

17.3 Pronouns After Than and As

Key Information
In an elliptical adverb clause introduced by the incomplete adverb clause than
than or as, choose the case of the pronoun he scored.]
you would use if the missing words were
present. Still, the team appreciated Karen as much
as her. [The object pronoun her is the
Karen scored more points than he. [The direct object of the incomplete adverb
nominative pronoun he is the subject of clause as much as it appreciated her.]

 A. Using Pronouns After Than and As

In each of the following sentences, underline the correct pronoun in parentheses.
1. Dogs have better senses of smell than (we/us).
2. You can draw much better than (I/me).
3. The concert was enjoyed more by Jennifer than (he/him).
4. I learned to walk earlier than (she/her).
5. Did the special assembly interest you as much as (I/me)?
6. Daryl is better at balancing chemical equations than (she/her).
7. The stories of Dr. Seuss delight my sister as much as (they/them).
8. Does she really like pizza as much as (he/him).
9. Our neighbors painted their house the same week as (we/us).
10. The thought of shaking the governor’s hand excited Anna as much as (I/me).

 B. Writing Sentences with Pronouns After Than and As

Write five sentences of your own. In each sentence, include a pronoun used correctly after than

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or as in the manner indicated.
1. (nominative pronoun)

2. (nominative pronoun)

3. (objective pronoun)

4. (objective pronoun)

5. (nominative pronoun)
 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

17.5 Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Key Information
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in I want to go where you can swim. [shift
number (singular or plural) and gender (mascu- from first to second person]
line, feminine, or neuter). I want to go where I can swim. [consistent
A talk show host asked her guest many use of first person]
questions. [singular feminine pronoun] When a personal pronoun has an indefinite
The brass lamp is losing its luster. [singular pronoun for its antecedent, make sure the
neuter pronoun] pronouns agree in number.
The fans indicated their pleasure. Each of the boys is happy with his grade.
[plural pronoun] [singular pronouns]
A pronoun must also agree with its antecedent Several of the companies advertise their
in person. Avoid shifting pronouns from one water filters vigorously. [plural pronouns]
person to another.

 A. Making Pronouns and Antecedents Agree

In each of the following sentences, fill in the blank with the appropriate pronoun. Make sure
the pronoun you choose agrees with its italicized antecedent in person, number, and gender.
1. The wild horse refused to allow anyone onto back.
2. The fifty protesters formed a human chain by locking arms.
3. My mother sometimes forgets briefcase.
4. Mike is thinking of selling old bike.
5. The boys have memorized all lines for the upcoming play.
6. Randall said would not eat any food could not
recognize as animal or vegetable.
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7. The local citizens voted against the plan to raise taxes.

8. Maria and her friends are inviting everyone to party.

 B. Making Pronouns Agree with Indefinite Pronoun Antecedents

In each of the following sentences, fill in the blank with the appropriate possessive
pronoun. Make sure the pronoun you choose agrees with its italicized antecedent in
number.
1. Each of the candidates for office has been explaining plans for
the future.
2. Many of the people have made decisions about whom to support.
3. Several of the early candidates have already withdrawn names
from ballots.
4. Later this year, all of the newspapers will print endorsements of the candidates of
choice.
5. Everyone hopes own candidate will win.

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 17 33

17.6 Clear Pronoun Reference
Key Information
Avoid vague pronoun reference. The pronouns antecedent, either reword the sentence to make
this, that, which, and it should refer to a clearly the actual antecedent’s identity clear or
eliminate
stated antecedent. the pronoun.
The mechanic is looking for the problem, Tennis player Jennifer Capriati smiled at
which could take a long time. [vague] fellow player Monica Seles when she was
given the winner’s check. [ambiguous]
The mechanic is looking for the problem, and
his inspection could take a long time. [clear] Tennis player Jennifer Capriati smiled at
fellow player Monica Seles when Capriati
Avoid ambiguous pronoun reference. If a
was given the winner’s check. [clear]
pronoun seems to refer to more than one

 Making Pronoun References Clear

Rewrite each of the following sentences to make all pronoun references clear.
1. When the cat entered the dog’s pen, it became nervous.

2. The bill for the sculptor’s new work was $20,000, and this surprised the citizens.

3. After the Cardinals beat the Dodgers, they left for a nine-game road trip.

4. Marleen was saddened by the news, and it was evident on her face.

5. Whenever Rebecca eats dinner at Carla’s house, she drinks iced tea.

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6. Darrell is an excellent artist; this was apparent from his sketches.

7. It is disappointing when my favorite team loses.

8. The lawyer made his case for the defendant, and then he walked out of the courtroom.

9. When the snowflake hit the sidewalk, it melted.

10. The two athletes were exhausted, which made them unable to finish the marathon.
 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

18.2 Irregular Comparisons

Key Information
A few modifiers used in comparisons ill worse worst
making
have irregular forms.
far (distance) farther farthest
Positive Comparative Superlative far (degree, further furthest
good better best time)
well better best little (amount) less least
bad worse worst many more most
badly worse worst much more most

 A. Revising Incorrect Comparisons

Each of the following sentences contains an incorrect comparative form. Draw a line through
the incorrect word or words, and then write the correct form of the comparative modifier.
1. That has to be the worsest song ever written.
2. I’m a much more better table tennis player than she is.
3. He’s the most good guitar player we’ve heard.
4. Is it further to Detroit or to Cleveland?
5. Use the recipe that calls for the littlest salt.

 B. Making Correct Comparisons

Complete the following sentences with the correct degree of comparison of the modifier
in parentheses.
1. The rebuilt engine ran the of them all. (well)
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2. I have progressed in my study of French than my brother. (far)

3. That puppy is not the best-behaved dog, but he’s not the either. (bad)
4. The medical conditions of patients in intensive care are generally than
those of the patients in regular hospital rooms. (ill)
5. The home team won because they shot than their opponents. (well).

 C. Using Correct Comparisons

Write three sentences of your own that make comparisons. Be sure to use the correct form of
the modifers you choose.

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 18 35

18.4 Incomplete Comparisons

Key Information
Be careful of making an incomplete or clear: French is more melodic than any
unclear comparison by omitting other or else other language.
when comparing one member of a group with
others. You must also make sure you are
comparing like things.
UNCLEAR: He has appeared in more
movies than anyone. UNCLEAR: A rowboat’s cost is less
than a yacht.
CLEAR: He has appeared in more
movies than anyone else. CLEAR: A rowboat’s cost is less than
that of a yacht.
UNCLEAR: French is more melodic
than any language. CLEAR: A rowboat’s cost is less
than a yacht’s.

 A. Revising Incomplete Comparisons

Each of the following sentences contains a comparison error. Rewrite each sentence to correct
the error.
1. A typical flight attendant works harder than any worker.

2. The work of a fashion model is probably more glamourous than a flight attendant.

3. However, a flight attendant has more opportunities to travel than anyone.

4. In my opinion, serving airline passengers deserves more respect than any job.

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 B. Using Complete Comparisons
Write a sentence that includes a complete comparison for each of the following pairs of terms.
For example, a correct response for the first pair of terms might be The weight of a basketball
player often is less than that of a football player.
1. basketball player—football player

2. pizza—chocolate

3. winter sports—summer sports

4. poetry—prose
 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

18.7 Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Key Information
A misplaced modifier either modifies the wrong Logically, a dangling modifier seems to modify
word in a sentence or seems to modify more than no word in a sentence. By simply supplying a
one word in a sentence. By placing the modifier word that the dangling modifier can sensibly
as close as possible to the word it modifies, you modify, you can correct the problem.
can correct this situation. While taking a shower, the phone rang.
Darlene saw a cat with three kittens driving [DANGLING: With no logical word for the
her car. [MISPLACED: The participial phrase participial phrase to modify, the sentence
driving her car suggests the kittens or the suggests the phone was taking a shower.]
cat is driving.] While taking a shower, I heard the
Driving her car, Darlene saw a cat with phone ring. [clear]
three kittens. [clear]

 A. Correcting Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Rewrite the following sentences, correcting the misplaced or dangling modifier in each.
1. Aunt Bernice draped the lovely shawl on her shoulders that she had bought in Italy.

2. I finished my breakfast as the bus arrived and brushed my teeth.

3. While mowing the grass, the thunderstorm approached.

4. There’s an article about the harmful effects of slugs on garden plants in today’s newspaper.
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 B. Getting the Modified Facts

You are an auto insurance agent. Part of your job is to review written accident reports.
Decipher the reports below and write what you think really happened to these motorists.
1. Jaywalking, I realized the pedestrian would not get out of the way in time.

2. Holding my foot on the brake, it went up over the curb and into the fire hydrant.

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 18 37

20.1 Capitalization of Sentences
Key Information
Capitalize the first word of a sentence. Do not capitalize the first word of a quotation
Tom ran home. He was late for dinner. unless the entire quotation can stand as a
sentence.
Capitalize the first word of a sentence in paren-
theses only if the sentence stands by itself. Do The skier said winning the gold medal
not capitalize a sentence within parentheses was the “thrill of all thrills.”
that is part of another sentence. Do not capitalize an indirect quotation, which
My dog loves water. (My neighbor’s cat is often introduced by that and does not
once nearly drowned in their swimming repeat a person’s exact words.
pool.) My aunt said that the cookware party
My dog (his name is Bugsy) loves water. was a big success.

 A. Capitalizing Sentences
Many of the following items lack one capital letter, although a few are correct. In each item
with a capitalization error, underline the word that should be capitalized. If a sentence is
correct, write correct after it.
1. The New York Times does more than report news. it also conducts fund-raising efforts.
2. The Sunday New York Times now costs more than a dollar and weighs a great deal.
3. The Times is called “the paper of record.” (what does that phrase mean?)
4. The Times crossword puzzle is famous. have you ever worked one?
5. reviews in the Times (the paper reviews all areas of the arts) are often quoted.
6. Some people say that they always read the newspaper’s Sunday magazine first.
7. The Times once printed an amazing photo of Mount Saint Helens. (it erupted on
May 18, 1980.)

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8. For many years Hal Borland (he died in 1977) wrote certain Times editorials.
9. In January 1961 the Times reported that John F. Kennedy had been sworn in as president.
10. That day Kennedy said, “the torch has been passed to a new generation.”

 B. Capitalizing Sentences in Quotation Marks and Parentheses

Underline any words in the following sentences that should be capitalized. If a sentence is
correct, write correct after it.
1. “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds,” Ralph Waldo Emerson said.
2. Emerson said, “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”
3. Emerson said that we should not assume that consistency is always wise.
4. Emerson said, “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” (he meant that
people should sometimes change their minds.)
5. Emerson said that those who are foolishly consistent (he was thinking particularly of
people afraid of charges of hypocrisy) have “little minds.”
 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

20.2–3 Capitalization of Proper Nouns and Proper Adjectives

Key Information
In proper nouns consisting of several words, Adjectives formed from names of people
do not capitalize articles, coordinating
conjunctions, or prepositions of fewer than five Adjectives formed from names of
letters. places, and names of national, ethnic,
and religious groups
Capitalize proper adjectives (adjectives
formed from proper nouns). Some examples of
proper adjectives are the following:

 A. Capitalizing Proper Nouns and Proper Adjectives

In the following sentences underline any word that should be capitalized and any word that is
capitalized but should not be.
1. At Green Lakes high school, students must first pass algebra II before they can
take a trigonometry class.
2. The name of charles lindbergh’s plane was spirit of St. Louis.
3. yom kippur is a jewish Holiday that usually occurs in September.
4. My Father-In-Law belongs to the Fraternal order of Police and works for general electric.
5. An Englishman, sir Isaac Newton, invented the Reflecting telescope.
6. I think canadian bacon is more popular in the east than it is anywhere west of the
Mississippi river.
7. The christian science monitor is a newspaper with high Journalistic standards.
8. From Montana one would drive East to get to south Dakota and mount Rushmore.

 B. Using Capitalization
Use each of the following words in two different sentences. First, write a sentence in which the
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word remains lowercase. Then write a sentence in which the word is capitalized.
1. father’s

2. chemistry

3. southeast

4. river

5. senator

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 20 39

21.1–3 End Punctuation
Key Information
Use a period to end a declarative sentence or Sit down this minute!
a polite command.
Use a question mark after a direct question.
I do not have to work this weekend.
How long have you been waiting?
Call me when you get home.
Do not place a question mark after an indirect
Use an exclamation point to indicate strong question that is part of a declarative sentence.
feeling or a forceful command.
I wondered how long Tina had been waiting
That’s a terrific outfit!

 A. Using End Punctuation

Write the necessary period, question mark, or exclamation point at the end of each of the
following sentences.
1. Did you know that Babe Didrikson is considered one of the greatest woman athletes
2. As an amateur she entered 634 contests and won 632 times
3. What an amazing record
4. She wondered how many medals she could win in the 1932 Olympics
5. In both the javelin and the hurdles she broke Olympic and world records
6. Because of a technical fault, she finished in second place in the high jump
7. After taking up golf, she won sixteen straight tournaments
8. Despite an operation for cancer in 1953, she told herself she would win the National
Women’s Open

 B. Writing Sentences with Correct End Punctuation

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Use the following guidelines to write sentences that demonstrate correct use of end
punctuation.
1. Write a sentence describing how to staple sheets of paper together.

2. Write a question that asks when summer begins.

3. Write an exclamation that tells how you felt once when you were very angry.

4. Politely tell someone to listen closely to what you have to say.

 21.4 The Colon

Key Information
Use a colon to introduce a list, especially after For her hike Aimee wore shorts, a T-shirt,
words such as these, the following, or socks, and hiking boots.
as follows.
Use a colon to introduce words that illustrate,
I need to buy these items for my cake: explain, or restate the preceding material. A
sugar, milk, and butter complete sentence following a colon is generally
If a list immediately follows a verb or not capitalized.
preposition, omit the colon. Jamaal could not go to the dance: he had
tennis practice and then had to work.

 A. Identifying Colon Errors

In the following sentences add colons where they are needed and circle colons that should be
omitted. Write correct after the one correct sentence.
1. My brother refuses to buy a car in any of the following colors red, gold, or blue.
2. That carpet needs to be replaced it is stained in many places and worn out in the heavy
traffic areas near the front door, the rocking chair, and in the kitchen.
3. The percussionist plays many types of rhythm instruments, including bongos, snare
drums, and the tambourine.
4. Her reasons for resigning were as follows she was working too many hours, receiving
too little pay, and seeing little room for advancement.
5. Last winter’s rise in the cost of citrus products such as: orange juice and lemons can
be attributed to one main cause a freak cold spell in Florida destroyed millions of
pounds of fruit.

 B. Using Colons Correctly

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Combine each of the following pairs of sentences with a colon. You may eliminate repeated words.
Example: Lee could read three languages. Lee could read English, Spanish, and French.
Lee could read three languages: English, Spanish, and French.
1. We arrived later than expected. There was ice on the roads.

2. Most people think two American poets stand out among the rest in the
nineteenth century. Most people think Whitman and Dickinson stand out.

3. Secondary colors include the following. Secondary colors include green, orange, and
purple.

4. I feel refreshed. I slept for nine hours last night.

21.5 The Semicolon
Key Information
Use a semicolon to separate items in a series coordinating conjunction when the clauses
when the items contain commas. contain several commas.
The road trip will take the team to Syracuse, The medical student had studied many
New York; Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Fort topics, including anatomy, psychology, and
Lee, New Jersey. internal medicine; but she finally chose to
work in pediatrics, her favorite field.
Use a semicolon to separate two main clauses
joined without a conjunction or joined by a

 Using Semicolons Correctly

Insert and circle the missing semicolons in the following sentences.
1. My neighbor Ted washes his car every Saturday,; my cousin Morris, every other week,;
and my pal Bud, the laziest of all, every three months.
2. The new movie was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the director of Apocalypse
Now,; but the major film critics, upset by its unrealistic ending, gave it poor reviews.
3. Some people, for reasons they feel are quite valid, refuse to give money to beggars,;
but other people, for reasons they feel are also valid, never fail to give.
4. For dessert we could choose from German chocolate cake, a rich decadent delight,;
a lemon tart, made from my grandmother’s recipe,; and fresh strawberries, picked
just that afternoon.
5. Hector was responsible for hanging banners that announced the upcoming talent show
being held to raise money for the school’s activity fund,; and Maria was given the job
of recruiting five judges, all of whom had to be faculty members.
6. From the top of the fire tower, Jake could see acres of trees, mostly pines,; a few houses
and cabins,; the river,; and the county’s two main highways, routes 62 and 75.

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

7. Several people in the auditorium, perhaps because they hadn’t expected the play to
last so long, started to yawn during the final act;, and one man, sitting a few rows in
front of me, fell asleep.
8. My favorite teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, because they play nearby,; the Bulls,
because I like Chicago,; and the Dolphins, because they have the best-looking team
colors.
9. A large truck, going about twenty miles per hour, moved slowly up the steep grade,; and
the motorists behind it, because the road curved so much, could not see far enough ahead
to risk passing.
10. Yolanda, who plays the saxophone, is in jazz band,; but Theo, who plays the clarinet, is
in marching band.
 21.6 Commas and Coordinate Adjectives
Key Information
Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives Investigators found a red gas can at the
that precede a noun. scene. [noncoordinate adjectives]
Coordinate adjectives modify the same noun to Some, but not all, of the adjectives in a series
an equal degree. To check whether adjectives are may be coordinate. In this case, use a comma
coordinate, reverse their order or put the word only between the coordinate adjectives.
and between them. If the sentence sounds right, The rescue team rode a large, fast fire
then the adjectives are coordinate. engine to the fire site. [Large and fast could
The fire gave off a thick, black, foul smoke. be reversed, but fire cannot be moved with-
[coordinate adjectives] out creating confusion.]

 A. Punctuating Coordinate Adjectives Correctly

Insert and circle the missing commas in the following sentences.
1. The movie star wore a shimmering sequined evening gown to the ceremony.
2. My silly curious golden retriever puppy likes to chase his tail.
3. Painting a long white picket fence on a hot day is not fun.
4. A salad that features crisp,fresh tasty greens adds to any meal.
5. The colorful romantic early-morning sky lures many walkers to a beach.

 B. Using Commas and Coordinate Adjectives Correctly

Use the following guidelines to write sentences that demonstrate correct punctuation of
coordinate adjectives.
1. Write a sentence about an aquarium that includes the words tropical fish,
nutritious, beautiful, fish food, fresh, and delicate.
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2. Write a sentence about the space shuttle that includes the words weightlessness
tests, six, landing, top-secret, smooth, safe, and successful.

3. Write a sentence about a bicycle that includes the words ten-speed, fast, shiny, and
black frame.

4. Write a sentence about a dog that includes the words fur, soft, bark, long, vicious-
sounding, harmless, and obedient.
21.6 Commas and Compound Sentences
Key Information
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction The pitch was thrown and the game had
that joins two main clauses. begun.
I doubted my father’s prediction, but it I had dinner with David and Leslie went
turned out to be correct. home. [confusing]
When a coordinating conjunction connects two I had dinner with David, and Leslie went
very short main clauses, you may omit the home. [clear]
comma unless it is needed to avoid confusion.

 A. Using Commas Correctly

Insert and circle the missing commas in the following sentences.
1. People are recycling more now but companies are still using packaging that is
too wasteful.
2. Our landfills are closing every day yet there are no easy answers to our nation’s
growing trash problem.
3. There are many opinions and solutions are being sought.
4. The issue tops the agendas of many town council meetings and state legislature
sessions and even Congress has begun looking into the trash disposal problem.
5. We must act soon for the problem is now.

 B. Writing Compound Sentences with Commas

Use the following guidelines to write sentences that demonstrate correct use of commas in
compound sentences.
1. Use the coordinating conjunction but in a compound sentence about your favorite

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musician or group.

2. Use the coordinating conjunction and in a compound sentence about a recent important
event in your life. Make this a clear sentence that does not require a comma.

3. Use the coordinating conjunction yet in a compound sentence about a movie you have seen.

4. Use the coordinating conjunction or in a compound sentence about two things you might
do next weekend. Make this a clear sentence that does not require a comma.
 Composition Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

Commas with Parenthetical Expressions and

21.6
Conjunctive Adverbs

Key Information
Use commas to set off parenthetical Robyn, unfortunately, scored well below
expressions (such as on the other hand and
her average.
by the way) and conjunctive adverbs (such as
thus and moreover). I discovered, however, that I was out
of stamps.
I am sure mark will appreciate it,
nevertheless. I could not mail the letter until Tuesday;
consequently, it arrived a day late.

 A. Punctuating Parenthetical Expressions and Conjunctive Adverbs

Insert and circle the missing commas in the following sentences.
1. Meryl Streep is ,of course considered one of the world’s great actors.
2. Actually,December usually features a great deal of rain in this state.
3. We felt the gymnast’s performance,given the circumstances,was excellent.
4. The famous painting in Kia’s opinion should not be sold to the corporation.
5. We didn’t think they would lose; however that is exactly what eventually happened.
6. That shirt to be honest is really hideous.
7. The story of Ulysses to be sure is an exciting one.
8. Unfortunately, I have seen only one good movie recently.

 B. Using Commas with Parenthetical Expressions and Conjunctive Adverbs

Rewrite each of the following sentences. Insert the parenthetical expression or conjunctive
adverb in a logical place, and punctuate it correctly.
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1. Mitch decided to go to the dentist for a check-up. (as a result)

2. My plane arrived two hours late; the airline lost my luggage. (furthermore)

3. I enjoyed the meal and movie on the flight very much. (on the other hand)

4. The weather is usually very warm here. (in fact)

5. If you water that plant too much, it will die. (of course)

6. Oh, did I mention that my sister is getting married? (by the way)

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 21 45

 Grammar Practice
Name ...................................................................................... Class .................................................. Date ................................

21.6 Commas with Direct Address and Tag Questions

Key Information
Use commas to set off words used in direct Use commas to set off tag questions. A tag
address. question suggests the answer to the statement
that precedes it.
I’m not sure whether or not I can attend, Jill.
You rembered the tickets, didn’t you?
The Bears, my friend, will win the game.

 A. Punctuating Direct Address and Tag Questions Correctly

Insert and circle commas where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. Alicia do you know whether Cheryl has to work tonight?
2. The lab reports Ms. Jenkins are due tomorrow aren’t they?
3. Do you think Doctor that I will need to have the operation?
4. Thanks for this excellent compact disc Dad.
5. It was you ,Sis who told Dad this is the one I wanted,wasn’t it?
6. I would like to thank you class for working so productively while I was absent.
7. You are going to be able to stay for band practice today aren’t you?
8. Please remember ladies and gentlemen that the keynote speech is tomorrow evening.

 B. Using Direct Address and Tag Questions

Use the following guidelines to write sentences that demonstrate correct use and
punctuation of direct address and tag questions.
1. Write a sentence that begins with a direct address to one of your friends.

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2. Write a sentence that ends with the tag question haven’t you.

3. Write a sentence that ends with the tag question weren’t they.

4. Write a sentence that ends with a direct address to a teacher.

 21.6 Misuse of Commas
Key Information
Do not use a comma before a conjunction that The fire burned brilliantly, and warmth filled
connects the parts of a two-part predicate. the room. [correct]
The baker mixed the dough, and then let it The fire burned brilliantly; warmth filled the
rise for an hour. [incorrect] room. [correct]
The baker mixed the dough and then let it Do not use a comma between a subject and its
rise for an hour. [correct] verb or between a verb and its complement.
Do not use a comma alone to join two main Walking to the store at the end of the
clauses that are not part of a series. Add a block, excited Fred. [comma between
coordinating conjunction, or use a semicolon, subject and verb]
to avoid a run-on sentence.
The trucking firm transported, groceries,
The fire burned brilliantly, warmth filled the electronics, and dry goods. [comma
between
room. [incorrect] verb and complement]

 A. Identifying Misused Commas

Circle the misused commas in the following sentences. If another form of punctuation
should replace a comma, insert it in the sentence. You may also insert coordinating
conjunctions if they are needed.
1. Most Nigerians earn their living in agriculture, they follow their ancestors’ traditions.
2. Most Nigerians live in rural areas, Nigeria does, however, have several large cities.
3. Abuja is the capital, and largest city.
4. Other large cities include, Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, and Ogbomosho.
5. Nigeria is quite famous for its art, for instance, traditional African sculpture
was an important influence on the work of Pablo Picasso.
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6. The first African writer to win the Nobel Prize for literature was named Wole
Soyinka, and was Nigerian.

 B. Avoiding Comma Errors in Your Writing

Combine each of the following pairs of sentences. Be sure to use correct punctuation.
1. An actor, dressed as a very old man, shuffled onstage. He turned toward the audience.

2. Finally, the old man began to speak. He spoke of days gone by, mistakes made
and regretted, and lessons painfully learned.

Writer’s Choice: Grammar Practice Workbook, Grade 10, Unit 21 47

21.7 The Dash
Key Information
Use dashes to indicate abrupt breaks or changes At the height of the eclipse—wasn’t that
in thought within sentences. a fantastic moment?—there was an
Who—of all the people in this eerie silence.
room—would have done such a thing?

 A. Punctuating Sentences with Dashes

Insert and circle missing dashes in each of the following sentences.
1. That man in the corner how odd, I haven’t seen him for years looks like my uncle.
< <
2. The Washingtons they must be delighted won a trip to the Grand Canyon.
< <
3. Most of the houses on our street I think they were all designed by the same person look alike.
< <
4. Winter is finally over and summer I thought it would never come is almost here.
< <
 B. Interrupting Sentences Correctly
Rewrite each of the following sentences. Use dashes to insert the parenthesized comments at an
appropriate place in each sentence.
1. The big concert is two weeks from Wednesday. (let me know if you get tickets)

2. The leading candidate will appear in a debate this week. (and I certainly don’t see
him losing now)

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3. The vehicle ran the red light and crashed into a truck. (the driver wasn’t paying attention)

4. The woman over there is talking very loudly. (I wonder if she knows people are staring)

 C. Writing Sentences with Dashes

Use each of the following phrases within dashes in a sentence.
1. (it was a stunning upset)

2. (I was amazed)
 21.9 Quotation Marks
Key Information
A comma or a period should always be placed A semicolon or colon should always be placed
inside closing quotation marks. outside closing quotation marks.
“She’ll never give us a pop quiz,” said my In eighth grade we had to memorize the
friend Stu. poem “Richard Cory”; I remember it to
this day.
Stu thus was suprised the next day when
Ms. Harding said, “Close your books for The newspaper quoted two sources in
a little quiz on last night’s reading.” its article “Governor to Unleash Soaring
Taxes”: the governor’s secretary and the
budget director.

 A. Using Quotation Marks with Other Punctuation

Insert and circle quotation marks where needed in the following sentences. All other sentence
punctuation is correct.
1. Darlene said, I will work only one school night a week.
^ ^
2. ^I’ll be there at eight,^said my brother, which meant he probably
” would arrive closer to ten.
3.
For years my mother has said, A stitch in time saves nine; to this day I have no idea what
that saying means. ^ ^
“ ”
4. There are two versions of the song Run to Me : one features vocals, and the other contains
only instrumentals. ^ ^
”
5. Yes, I know that Daniela said, I will never go out with him ; however, I think that she
might. ^ ^

 B. Writing Sentences with Quotation Marks

Rewrite each of the following sentences. Change the indirect quotation to a direct quotation
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and punctuate the sentence correctly. You may need to change several words.
1. Mom told us to take our coats with us, and so we did.

2. Wendy said that the view is breathtaking.

3. Nathan reminded us that the baseball season was about to begin; we were as excited as he was.

4. Martin commented that the marching band sounded good.

21.10 Italics (Underlining)
Key Information
Italicize (or underline if typing or Titles of paintings and sculptures, long musical
handwriting) the titles of the following kinds compositions, newspapers and magazines, ships,
of items: trains, airplanes, and spacecraft should also
books A Prayer for be italicized.
Owen Meany Italicize words, letters, and numerals that
Long poems The Waste Land represent themselves.
Plays Death of a Salesman I really do not know what the word
galvanize means.
Films The Karate Kid
Chyna spells her name with a y
Television series Cheers instead of an i.
It’s easy to turn 0 into 8.

 Using Italics Properly

Underline the item or items in the following sentences that should be italicized.
1. The PBS series Sesame Street has helped millions of children learn to read.
2. I always have a hard time spelling Luxembourg, but I can easily find the country on a map
of Europe.
3. Saint Peter’s High School is putting on a production of My Fair Lady this year.
4. Her phone number has five 7’s in it, and she lives on Mulberry Street.
5. Business people from all over the country subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, which
they can have delivered to their homes by the U.S. Postal Service.
6. My parents took a ride down the Mississippi River on a riverboat called The Delta Queen.

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7. Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro is considered a classic.
8. Art collectors have paid more than thirty million dollars for paintings such as
Van Gogh’s Irises.
9. The Great Gatsby is one of the most frequently read novels in American high schools.
10. How many e’s are there in committee?
11. My brother is going to renew his subscription to the Sporting News.
12. Hart Crane’s book-length poem The Bridge uses the Brooklyn Bridge as a central symbol.
13. The word adjectival refers to adjectives.
14. Citizen Kane is considered by some to be the best film ever made.
15. Ralph Ellison’s reputation as a writer rests primarily on his novel Invisible Man.
16. I have just finished Annie Dillard’s An American Childhood; I plan to read another of
her books, perhaps Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.
17. The Thinker is a sculpture by Rodin.
18. Her name has three l’s in it; I believe the word for such a name is mellifluous.
 21.11 The Apostrophe
Key Information
Use an apostrophe and -s to form possessives in Individual ownership, two or more people:
the following types of situations involving nouns van Gogh’s and Monet’s paintings.
and pronouns.
Use an apostrophe alone to form the
possessive
Singular indefinite pronouns: someone’s plate of plural nouns ending in -s.
Singular nouns, even ones that end in -s: the the teams’ mascot
duchess’s wedding two hours’ delay
Plural nouns that do not end in -s: the children’s Use an apostrophe in place of letters omitted
sandbox
in contractions.
Compound nouns: my brother-in-law’s dog I am—I’m they are—they’re
Joint ownership: Ricky and Maria’s cat
cannot—can’t

 A. Using Apostrophes to Show Possession

Insert apostrophes where they are needed in the following phrases.
1. a trips length 11. everybodys problem
2. his mothers ambitions 12. the mices cunning
3. Chriss response 13. the princes sister
4. many residents signatures 14. the Dodges new home
5. no ones fault 15. someones gloves
6. a pair of mens pants 16. one books conclusion
7. Wagners “Wedding March” 17. several stores sales
8. the two brothers jobs 18. Tammy Johnsons contribution
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9. Mr. Carsons job 19. the girls locker room

10. a womans autobiography 20. an umpires decision

 B. Using Apostrophes in Contractions

The following song titles each contain two words that should be combined and written as
contractions. Write the contraction in the space provided.
1. “I Have Got You Under My Skin”
2. “A Hard Rain Is Gonna Fall”
3. “For What It Is Worth”
4. “She Is Funny That Way”
5. “There Is a Small Hotel”
21.12–13 Hyphens and Abbreviations

Key Information
Although hyphens are not usually used to join • in expressions made up of an adverb end-
a prefix to a word, note the following exceptions: ing in -ly and an adjective: the beatifully
• to join a prefix to a proper noun or a proper prepared dinner.
adjective: pre-World War II Abbreviations can save time and space.
• after the prefix re- when the resulting word Capitalize abbreviations of proper nouns
looks like but is different in meaning and pro- and titles.
nunciation from another word: re-mark the Clancy M. McDonald, M.D.
test but remark on the scores.
• in compound adjectives that precede nouns: Abbreviate names of many organizations and
of states in addresses.
up-to-the-minute news
EPA NATO FDA
Hyphens are not used in the following cases:
FL NY WV
• in compound adjectives that follow nouns:
The news was up to the minute.

 Using Hyphens and Abbreviations

Decide where hyphens and abbreviations are needed in the following sentences and write the
hyphenated word or phrase or the abbreviation in the blank. Write correct if a sentence is
correct.
1. Doctor Smith’s illness, self diagnosed as influenza, got worse.
2. I will have to resort all these files.
3. The ZIP code abbreviations for Ohio and California are Ohio and California.

4. The visibly dejected skater buried her head in her hands.

5. The vice consul addressed the British Parliament.

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6. Hal’s sister remarried yesterday at 9:00 ante meridiem.
7. The boxer was penalized for hitting below the belt.
8. Life in pre Depression America was carefree and extravagant.
9. The pro Basque supporters rallied in the streets of Madrid.
10. State of the art technology filled Steve’s office at the Young Men’s Christian Association.

11. The thirty yard run made the fans watching the football game cheer.
12. My seventy year old aunt, who lives in Washington, District of Columbia, still
seems young.
13. Use 1 pound of butter and 1 gram of salt.
14. Most of the novels of Ann Beattie are well written.
15. A self deprecating person is not necessarily humble.