San José State University
Independent Clauses in Compound Sentences
Does your class dread using semicolons? Use this resource to join two independent clauses using either a comma, semicolon, or colon. Several examples and six practice sentences are available at the bottom for learners to choose the...
Curated OER
Independent and Subordinate Clauses
Middle schoolers identify independent and subordinate clauses and differentiate between the two. They discuss sentences, complete a practice worksheet, write independent clauses, and identify independent and subordinate clauses in the...
Curated OER
Commas and Colons and Semicolons? OH MY!
Take a close look at both the definitions and uses of commas, colons, and semicolons. Commas set off clear parts of sentences, colons come before an explanation, and semicolons join two complete thoughts. Review these types of...
Curated OER
Clauses
Look at the basic parts of a sentence with your class. Definitions of the subject, verb, and various clauses are all included. Clear, succinct examples are given in this thorough presentation. A great way to start off grammar with your...
Curated OER
Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Using Famous Quotes
Ten famous quotes are written on these slides, at first without punctuation. After giving learners a chance to punctuate the quotes, the correct punctuation is shown. Use memorable words to develop long-term grasp of how to use commas,...
Curated OER
Clauses: Building Blocks for Sentences
Colorfully animated and packed with engaging examples, this PowerPoint encourages to employ clauses to create a variety of sentence structures. Peer editing of sample paragraphs would provide an opportunity for guided practice with...
San José State University
Semicolons
This worksheet provides a good description of when to use a semicolon, followed by 6 sentences to practice inserting punctuation. A key is provided.
EngageNY
Grade 9 ELA Module 3, Unit 3, Lesson 7
As the unit on research writing draws to a close, class members continue to revise and edit their papers, this time focusing on grammar, spelling, and punctuation (colon and semicolon).
Curated OER
The Compound Sentence: Correcting Run-ons and Comma Splices
Do some of your writers need an extra lesson on correcting run-ons and comma splices? This worksheet clearly defines the terms, provides models of run-on sentences, comma splice errors, and how to correct them. The second page of the...
Curated OER
Conquering the Comma
Thoroughly review where to put commas: after an introductory clause, before a coordinating conjunction, around nonessential phrases, etc. Furthermore, avoid comma splices by adding a conjunction or semicolon or by starting a new sentence...
Curated OER
Run-On Sentences
Have you seen run-on sentences in your learners' writing lately? If you're looking to address this issue, you might use this run-on sentence handout as a reference sheet. This handout lists examples of run-on sentences as well as...
Curated OER
Avoiding Run-on Sentences
Viewers are entertained as well as educated by the illustrations in this colorfully animated PowerPoint focused on run-on sentences.
Curated OER
The Compound-Complex Sentence
After reading a series of definitions and studying examples, partners craft five of their own compound-complex sentences.
Curated OER
Run-ons, Comma Splices and Fused Sentences
In this sentence writing learning exercise, learners are given pairs of sentences with directions to form one new sentence using commas, semicolons and/or conjunctions. Students can self check or trade and grade using the answer key...
Curated OER
Punctuation 2: Other than Commas
Thoroughly cover the nuances of apostrophes, quotation marks, dashes, hyphens, colons, and semi-colons. Intended for higher-level English classes, the examples given pertain to tricky rules and formal language. There are no animations or...
San José State University
Transition Words
Translate transition words for your class with this handout and brief exercise. Fairly straightforward and informative, it includes sample sentences and a working link to a more complete list of transition words. There are two different...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan 18: Cleaning It Up
Careful proofreading is an important step in the writing process. After guided practice using a provided worksheet that details common grammar concepts, young writers refer to the worksheet as they proofread their own work. Although the...
Shmoop
ELA.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.2
Semicolons and colons are tricky, and the Common Core creators knows that. If you are stuck on what to teach to make sure your learners can master Common Core skill L.9-10.2 use this resource to fine-tune your content. The multiple...
Curated OER
Avoiding Primer Language
In this avoiding primer language worksheet, students combine four or five simple sentences into one effective sentence with only one independent clause.
Curated OER
Sentence Patterns
Supplement instruction on sentence patterns and types by providing this reference sheet for your class members. Included on this page are definitions of many different sentence patterns and an example of each. A useful item for pupils to...
Curated OER
Using Transitions
Transitions, words that reveal the relationship between two ideas, are the subject of a presentation that provides color-coded illustrations to show viewers how this part of speech functions in sentences. The PowerPoint concludes with an...
Curated OER
Compound Sentence
In this sentence structure worksheet, learners review a definition and examples of compound sentences prior to responding to 10 questions that require them to label the parts of compound sentences.