Ch 4: Conventions of Standard English
About This Chapter
Conventions of Standard English - Chapter Summary
This chapter covers the basic rules of English grammar. Lessons explore punctuation, including commas, colons, and semicolons, as well as parts of speech, like pronouns, adjectives and adverbs. Types of phrases and dependent and independent clauses are explained. By the end of this chapter, you should have a thorough understanding of these subjects:
- Comma, colon, semicolon and period usage
- Pronouns, adjectives and adverbs
- Gerund, participial, and prepositional phrases
- Independent and dependent clauses
Short, engaging video lessons make the material easy to understand and remember, and you can review key topics from the lesson using the jump feature under the Timeline tab. Knowledgeable instructors can answer any questions you have. Test your understanding of the lessons using the self-assessment quizzes.
1. Commas: Correct Usage & Basic Rules
Think that you know commas? You may be surprised. Even the most experienced writers have problems remembering all the rules. Learn the basics of comma usage in this first of two lessons on the comma.
2. Comma Usage: Avoid Confusion in Clauses & Contrasting Sentence Parts
Learn more about comma usage from the pros! There are just too many ways to use the comma (it's a basic punctuation mark, after all) to fit in one sentence. Watch here to learn about some of the more common traps students fall into when trying to put commas in the right place.
3. Punctuation: Using Colons, Semicolons & Periods
Periods, colons, and semicolons all have the ability to stop a sentence in its tracks, but for very different purposes. In this lesson, learn how and why we use them in our writing.
4. What Are Personal Pronouns?
Pronouns are great for making sure debaters don't have to keep repeating the other guy's name over and over again, but they have many other uses too! In fact, pronouns, you could say, make reading readable. In part one, we'll cover personal pronouns and how they're used before moving on to more esoteric varieties.
5. Semicolon: Uses, Rules & Examples
In this lesson, we will learn how to effectively use a semicolon. Although many students shy away from using semicolons, you will see how easy it can be to incorporate them into your writing.
6. Types of Phrases: Gerund, Participial, Prepositional & More
The writing of a sentence begins with a phrase. In this lesson, we will discuss the definition of a phrase, the different types of phrases, and how knowing what a phrase is will improve your writing.
7. Gerund: Phrases & Examples
What is a gerund? What is a gerund phrase? How do I use them in my writing? Watch this lesson to find out how to use this useful and versatile part of speech in your writing.
8. What is a Prepositional Phrase? - Definition & Examples
In this lesson, we will examine the prepositional phrase, a grammatical tool that acts very much like an adjective or adverb. In other words, this type of phrase provides additional information about a noun or verb. Read on to learn how it works.
9. Independent & Dependent Clauses: Subordination & Coordination
This lesson is about independent and dependent clauses, and how they make up a sentence. Dependent clauses, like the name suggests, rely on other elements in a sentence. Independent clauses, on the other hand, can stand alone. Learn more in this lesson.
10. Comparison of Adjectives & Adverbs: Examples, Sentences & Exercises
Adjectives and adverbs are descriptive words that allow our sentences to be much more specific and interesting than they would be without them. This lesson covers the rules for using adjectives and adverbs correctly, including those used in comparisons.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 160 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the FTCE English 6-12 (013): Practice & Study Guide course
- About the FTCE English 6-12 Test
- Language, Literacy & Communication
- Phonology and Word Identification Strategies
- Word Comprehension
- Classroom Strategies
- Writing & Analyzing Argumentative Texts
- Composing Informative Texts
- Writing Engaging Narrative Texts
- Brainstorming & Organization for Writing
- Understanding the Writing Process
- Essay Structure & Elements
- Syntax & Sentence Structure
- Citations & References
- Intro to Essay Writing
- Revising & Improving Written Works
- The Research Process for Written Works
- Strategies & Activities for Teaching Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension & Fluency
- Reading & Writing Instruction
- Effective English Assessment Methods
- Strategies for Analyzing Texts
- Analyzing Expository Texts
- Analyzing Persuasive & Functional Texts
- Genre & Form
- Analyzing Literary Texts
- American Literature
- British Literature
- World Literature
- Poetry Analysis
- Rhetorical Devices
- The Listening Process
- Listening for Comprehension & Meaning
- Delivering Effective Presentations
- Classroom Teaching Strategies
- FTCE English 6-12 Flashcards
