Grammar &amp; Mechanics

Haupt, J.; Passmore, B.

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<p id="p_bXST" name="p_bXST" class=""><img src="https://open.byu.edu//content_images/writing/dwzC_1.jpg" alt="Chapter header" class="img-fluid" id="img_eUKv" name="img_eUKv"></p><div class="callout default" data-callout-custom-class="default">
<h3 id="h3_EppL" name="h3_EppL" class="">Learning Outcomes</h3>
<ul id="ul_KaKC" name="ul_KaKC" class=""><li id="li_XWTq" name="li_XWTq" class="">In this chapter you'll learn principles of grammar, spelling, and punctuation that will help you correctly and eloquently get your message across.</li>
<li id="li_osop" name="li_osop" class="">Precise grammar and mechanics will convince your readers that you belong in their discourse community and that they should listen to you.</li>
</ul></div><h2 id="h2_NBhe" name="h2_NBhe" class="">4.1 Grammar Principles</h2><p id="c8165c9d-05ab-4880-8b1d-da1fbef48c50" name="c8165c9d-05ab-4880-8b1d-da1fbef48c50" class="">Welcome to the grammar chapter! This information is designed to help you in several ways. First, you may have had lingering questions during your high school and college education about where to insert punctuation or how to make sentences better constructed and less awkward. We hope that this information will help you fill in any missing gaps so you can write even more effectively throughout your life. </p><p id="9ecd8a48-d4e0-4f88-bda8-597b210b8de0" name="9ecd8a48-d4e0-4f88-bda8-597b210b8de0" class="">Second, in today’s world, we “meet” many people through our writing before we are formally introduced in person. This writing (via email or text, for example) may create a “first impression” and influence their expectations about our level of professionalism. Good composition and an understanding of grammar can make a positive impression and get important things done.</p><p id="0e566b2b-bab3-4f7d-8c13-e6497c09ea8f" name="0e566b2b-bab3-4f7d-8c13-e6497c09ea8f" class="">Finally, we are writing about an important subject matter: people. The world needs the information we can offer. We are more likely to be able to spread that message if we can convey it clearly. In addition, we may be able to publish it more widely or be seen as more credible if our writing is engaging, authentic, interesting, and well-edited. To accomplish good style, knowing the fundamentals is important.</p><div class="common-editor__text" data-block="true" data-editor="80dva" data-offset-key="bu7ph-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="bu7ph-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bu7ph-0-0" class="">As you proceed through each section, take time to read the information slowly and carefully. Make note of the examples and the ways they demonstrate the principle being discussed. Note sections for review that are new to you or where you might need more practice.</span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="59j93-0-0"><span data-offset-key="59j93-0-0" class="">This grammar instruction includes three major sections to share principles of </span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3q6rn-0-0"><span data-offset-key="3q6rn-0-0" class="">Structure</span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="fl0bq-0-0"><span data-offset-key="fl0bq-0-0" class="">Polish.</span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="d3871-0-0"><strong class="">Structure</strong><span data-offset-key="d3871-0-1" class=""> represents the building block principles that help you understand the organization of sentences and teaches ways to add punctuation to keep your meaning clear to the reader. The</span><strong class=""> Power</strong><span data-offset-key="d3871-0-3" class=""> section contains rules that can help your writing gain more convincing power by deliberately managing the placement of words and phrases. Finally, the </span><strong class="">Polish</strong><span data-offset-key="d3871-0-5" class=""> section discusses principles to help you apply polishing touches that will help your writing go from good to great. </span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="75pgq-0-0"><strong class="">Note: The rest of this chapter is contained in Google Documents that you access by clicking on the links below. This makes it easier to get to the specific sections you're looking for.</strong></div>
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<h3 id="h3_LgAR" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="536iv-0-0" name="h3_LgAR"><a class="Linkstyles__StyledLink-va99s-0 jrRAFs" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QmEa3q8E_V_G9hZU4s85inY8AfRUt6h2vwf2WZqUxyI/edit?usp=sharing" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-PBzt" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QmEa3q8E_V_G9hZU4s85inY8AfRUt6h2vwf2WZqUxyI/edit?usp=sharing"><span data-offset-key="536iv-0-0" class="">UNIT 1: STRUCTURE</span></a></h3>
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<ul id="ul_bRPe" name="ul_bRPe" class=""><li id="li_EjhE" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_EjhE"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QmEa3q8E_V_G9hZU4s85inY8AfRUt6h2vwf2WZqUxyI/edit?usp=sharing" class="" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-PBzt" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QmEa3q8E_V_G9hZU4s85inY8AfRUt6h2vwf2WZqUxyI/edit?usp=sharing"><span data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" class="">Rule #1. Separate and Set Off Main Clauses Correctly</span></a>
<ul id="ul_bRPe" name="ul_bRPe" class=""><li id="li_MvVJ" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_MvVJ">1A. Choosing punctuation to fit your sentence.</li>
<li id="li_FIZb" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_FIZb">1B. Introducing your ideas</li>
<li id="li_uafU" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_uafU">1C. Using detours in your sentences</li>
<li id="li_rpBt" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_rpBt">1D. Constructing lists with punctuation</li>
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</ul><ul id="ul_bRPe" name="ul_bRPe" class=""><li id="li_mJfY" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_mJfY"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QmEa3q8E_V_G9hZU4s85inY8AfRUt6h2vwf2WZqUxyI/edit#heading=h.uxvtcbsgjkz3" class="" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-kHxK" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QmEa3q8E_V_G9hZU4s85inY8AfRUt6h2vwf2WZqUxyI/edit#heading=h.uxvtcbsgjkz3">Rule #2. Follow Agreement and Reference Rules</a>
<ul id="ul_bRPe" name="ul_bRPe" class=""><li id="li_ratN" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_ratN">2A. Match the number of your subjects and verbs</li>
<li id="li_Mwqh" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_Mwqh">2B. Match the case in your pronouns</li>
<li id="li_eqiL" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="93hvj-0-0" name="li_eqiL">2C. Avoid ambiguous references</li>
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<h3 id="h3_wNwd" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="aihpq-0-0" name="h3_wNwd"><a class="Linkstyles__StyledLink-va99s-0 jrRAFs" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/13NuqTZa5tD95Lk00PacuKU8XBWxmPhz88CDRtvBq9A8/edit?usp=sharing" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-oyND" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/13NuqTZa5tD95Lk00PacuKU8XBWxmPhz88CDRtvBq9A8/edit?usp=sharing"><span data-offset-key="aihpq-0-0" class="">UNIT 2: POWER</span></a></h3>
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<ul id="ul_GvKU" name="ul_GvKU" class=""><li id="li_RFQn" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_RFQn"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/13NuqTZa5tD95Lk00PacuKU8XBWxmPhz88CDRtvBq9A8/edit?usp=sharing" class="" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-oyND" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/13NuqTZa5tD95Lk00PacuKU8XBWxmPhz88CDRtvBq9A8/edit?usp=sharing"><span data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" class="">Rule #3. Increase Your Credibility with Respectful and Logical Language</span></a>
<ul id="ul_GvKU" name="ul_GvKU" class=""><li id="li_oWbW" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_oWbW">3A. Eliminate bias or stereotyping</li>
<li id="li_CwHi" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_CwHi">3B. Avoid absolute language</li>
<li id="li_eGjy" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_eGjy">3C. Arrange words in your sentences logically</li>
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</ul><ul id="ul_GvKU" name="ul_GvKU" class=""><li id="li_tmqz" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_tmqz"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/13NuqTZa5tD95Lk00PacuKU8XBWxmPhz88CDRtvBq9A8/edit#heading=h.7geqkd9hj9y7" class="" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-eKWW" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/13NuqTZa5tD95Lk00PacuKU8XBWxmPhz88CDRtvBq9A8/edit#heading=h.7geqkd9hj9y7">Rule #4. Don't Confuse Words</a>
<ul id="ul_GvKU" name="ul_GvKU" class=""><li id="li_HptZ" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_HptZ">4A. Affect and Effect</li>
<li id="li_EUsW" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_EUsW">4B. Imply and Infer</li>
<li id="li_ULJG" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_ULJG">4C. Complement and Compliment, Counsel and Council</li>
<li id="li_iZPn" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_iZPn">4D. Lie and Lay, Pour and Pore</li>
<li id="li_pYYD" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_pYYD">4E.<em class=""> </em>Fewer and Less, Number and Amount</li>
<li id="li_VaAx" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_VaAx">4F. Allusion and Illusion; Principal and Principle; Sight, Cite, and Site</li>
<li id="li_whFB" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="esv30-0-0" name="li_whFB">4G. Borrowed Greek and Latin Words</li>
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<h3 id="h3_fywp" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="fhqq2-0-0" name="h3_fywp"><a class="Linkstyles__StyledLink-va99s-0 jrRAFs" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UM-K3TbwAPUN_aB3Syt4koHobbJlr6fRSRoaBe1N5E4/edit?usp=sharing" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-bdpD" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UM-K3TbwAPUN_aB3Syt4koHobbJlr6fRSRoaBe1N5E4/edit?usp=sharing"><span data-offset-key="fhqq2-0-0" class="">UNIT 3: POLISH</span></a></h3>
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<ul id="ul_GInK" name="ul_GInK" class=""><li id="li_JMNL" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_JMNL"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UM-K3TbwAPUN_aB3Syt4koHobbJlr6fRSRoaBe1N5E4/edit?usp=sharing" class="" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-bdpD" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UM-K3TbwAPUN_aB3Syt4koHobbJlr6fRSRoaBe1N5E4/edit?usp=sharing"><span data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" class="">Rule #5. Pay Attention to the Small Details</span></a>
<ul id="ul_GInK" name="ul_GInK" class=""><li id="li_NPaw" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_NPaw">5A. Use parallelism to increase flow</li>
<li id="li_eUii" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_eUii">5B. Insert hyphens appropriately</li>
<li id="li_dHzo" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_dHzo">5C. Use apostrophes appropriately</li>
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</ul><ul id="ul_GInK" name="ul_GInK" class=""><li id="li_DDRj" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_DDRj"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UM-K3TbwAPUN_aB3Syt4koHobbJlr6fRSRoaBe1N5E4/edit#heading=h.f2olvthz10ic" class="" data-shortened-url="https://open.byu.edu/-sdnE" data-unshortened-url="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UM-K3TbwAPUN_aB3Syt4koHobbJlr6fRSRoaBe1N5E4/edit#heading=h.f2olvthz10ic">Rule #6. Capitalize and Quote with Care</a>
<ul id="ul_GInK" name="ul_GInK" class=""><li id="li_LWsX" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_LWsX">6A. Understand when to capitalize</li>
<li id="li_HvfI" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_HvfI">6B. Know how to abbreviate terms and format numbers</li>
<li id="li_bmgV" class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dadeg-0-0" name="li_bmgV">6C. Employ quotation marks consistently</li>
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