Grammar Guide

Checklist for Grammar & Punctuation

Make sure that every sentence is an independent clause: it has a subject and a verb and can stand alone.
Make sure that you have not joined two independent clauses without a semi-colon separating them (run-on sentence error).
Make sure that each subject agrees with each verb in number and person.
Make sure you have used commas correctly:
Use a comma:

before a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses
after an introductory word group
between all items in a series (including between the last two items)
between coordinate adjectives (each modifies the same noun separately) for example, in the phrase the old, blue-haired woman
to set off non-restrictive elements (word groups which are not essential to the meaning of the sentence)
with dates, addresses, titles, and numbers

Do not use a comma:

to separate two independent clauses (comma splice error)
to separate a verb from its subject
to set off a concluding adverb clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence (if it begins with after, as soon as, because, if, . . . etc., it probably is essential)
after a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so)
after such as or like
after although
to set off an indirect quotation

Check verbs to ensure they are consistent in tense (past, present, future), mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive) and voice (active, passive), and use present tense when discussing literary works.
Make sure you have no dangling modifiers: a verbal phrase at the beginning of a sentence should modify the subject.
Make sure that each pronoun agrees with its antecedent (especially indefinite pronouns like everybody, each, etc.) and that demonstrative pronouns, such as this, refer to a specific noun, rather than to an idea.
Use passive voice very sparingly.
Make sure you punctuate quotations correctly: periods & commas go inside quotation marks.
Check every use of its or it's and every possessive and plural to make sure you have not confused them.

Callaway North 205A | (404) 727-0886


	Checklist for Grammar & Punctuation Make sure that every sentence is an independent clause: it has a subject and a verb and can stand alone. Make sure that you have not joined two independent clauses without a semi-colon separating them (run-on sentence error). Make sure that each subject agrees with each verb in number and person. Make sure you have used commas correctly: Use a comma: before a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses after an introductory word group between all items in a series (including between the last two items) between coordinate adjectives (each modifies the same noun separately) for example, in the phrase the old, blue-haired woman to set off non-restrictive elements (word groups which are not essential to the meaning of the sentence) with dates, addresses, titles, and numbers Do not use a comma: to separate two independent clauses (comma splice error) to separate a verb from its subject to set off a concluding adverb clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence (if it begins with after, as soon as, because, if, . . . etc., it probably is essential) after a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so) after such as or like after although to set off an indirect quotation Check verbs to ensure they are consistent in tense (past, present, future), mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive) and voice (active, passive), and use present tense when discussing literary works. Make sure you have no dangling modifiers: a verbal phrase at the beginning of a sentence should modify the subject. Make sure that each pronoun agrees with its antecedent (especially indefinite pronouns like everybody, each, etc.) and that demonstrative pronouns, such as this, refer to a specific noun, rather than to an idea. Use passive voice very sparingly. Make sure you punctuate quotations correctly: periods & commas go inside quotation marks. Check every use of its or it's and every possessive and plural to make sure you have not confused them. Callaway North 205A \| (404) 727-0886