Grammar Review CTR

Grammar Review
Document Services
Reference Guide
March 2005
2
CAMPPRO.DOC/01 07/1999
About This Material
This participant guide is intended to be a resource for basic grammar rules

needed to be a successful proofreader at Hewitt Associates LLC.
The guide alone serves as a quick reference on the following topics:
• Parts of speech
• Subject/verb agreement
• Pronoun agreement
• Often confused words
• Spelling
• Commas/Semicolons
• Colons
• Capitalization
For more detailed and up-to-date grammar information as it relates to

Hewitt’s treatment of grammar, consult either the HA Admin Assistant
Reference database or the Administrative Assistant Forum database.
Contact Jen Seibert with questions or comments related to this guide.
Hewitt Associates GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

Contents
What Is Grammar? 1
The Eight Basic Parts of Speech 2
Subject/Verb Agreement 7
Pronoun Agreement 9
Often Confused Words 13
Spelling Review 18
Commas 23
Comma Splices 25
For Fun 27
Colons 29
Capitalization 31
Cruising With Confidence—Subject/Verb Agreement 35
Cruising With Confidence—Subject/Verb Agreement
(Answer Key) 37
“Poolside Pronouns”—Pronouns Made Easy—Pronoun Agreement 38
“Poolside Pronouns”—Pronouns Made Easy—Pronoun Agreement
(Answer Key) 40
Stop the Confusion!—Often Confused Words 41
Stop the Confusion!—Often Confused Words (Answer Key) 44
Coping With Colons—Colons 46
Coping With Colons—Colons (Answer Key) 48
Capitalization Cookout—Capitalization 49
Capitalization Cookout—Capitalization (Answer Key) 51
Hewitt Associates GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

What Is Grammar?
What Is Grammar?
Grammar is a collection of word patterns that make sense when they appear in sentences (a
collection of word patterns that allow communication through language).
What Is a Sentence?
A sentence is a group of words that makes sense (patterns we recognize). A sentence expresses a
complete thought. It requires both a subject (what the sentence is about) and a verb (indicates what
the subject does).
A fragment is a word, phrase, or clause that is incorrectly treated as a separate sentence when it
should be incorporated with adjacent words to make up a complete sentence.
Example: The beautiful girl in the white hat and green dress. (This is a fragment because no action
is being expressed.)
Hewitt Associates 1 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

The Eight Basic Parts of Speech
The parts of speech are the various types of words that, when grouped in a certain order, form
sentences that we are able to understand. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the eight basic
parts of speech listed below:
• Nouns
• Verbs
• Adjectives
• Adverbs
• Conjunctions
• Prepositions
• Interjections
• Pronouns
Nouns
Nouns are the names of a person, place, object, idea, or quality.
Examples
• Person: John
Orlando
• Place: New Mexico
• Object: Car
• Idea: Love
• Quality Courage
:
Types of Nouns
Abstract Noun

The name of a quality or general idea (e.g., courage, freedom).
Collective Noun
A noun that represents a group of persons, places, or things (e.g., audience, company, flock).
Common Noun
The name of a class of persons, places, or things (e.g., child, house).
Predicate Noun (Complement)

Follows a linking verb (e.g., is, are, was, were, will be, has been, could be). It explains the subject
and is identical to it.
Example: Mr. Billygoat is our new mechanic. (Mr. Billygoat and mechanic are one and the same.)
Verbs
A verb is a word or phrase used to express action or state of being.
Examples
• Action: Anderson has built his own race car.
• State of My sister was originally a teacher, but now she has become an actress.
being:
Adjectives
An adjective is a word that answers the following questions:
• What kind?
• How many?
• Which one?
Adjectives can be single words, or they can be phrases or clauses. Adjectives modify nouns or
pronouns.
Examples
• What kind? Terrific plans
• How Four consultants

many?
• Which The newest

one? movie

Adverbs
Adverbs are words that answer the following questions:
• When?
• Where?
• Why?
• In what manner?
• To what extent?
An adverb may be a single word, a phrase, or a clause. An adverb modifies the meaning of a verb, an
adjective, or another adverb.
Examples
• When? Yesterday she was in Atlanta.
• Where? The book is right there.
• Why? John Travolta is a handsome and talented actor; consequently, his movies are
quite popular.
• In what manner? She was completely shocked by his message.
• To what extent? She seldom leaves work early.
Notes
• Remember—although the -ly ending usually signifies an adverb, a few adjectives also end in -ly
(e.g., costly, timely, motherly, fatherly, friendly, lively, lovely, lonely).
• Adverbs such as only, nearly, almost, ever, scarcely, merely, too, and also should be placed as
close as possible to the word modified—usually directly before it. Putting the adverb in the wrong
position may change the meaning of the sentence.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words or phrases that connect words, phrases, or clauses.
Types of Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions
But, or, yet, so, for, and, nor (join elements of equal weight or function).
Correlative Conjunctions
Conjunctions used in pairs—also connect sentence elements of equal value (e.g., both…and, either…
or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or).
Subordinating Conjunctions
Join dependent or subordinate sections of a sentence to independent sections or to other dependent
sections.
Prepositions
A preposition is a connective (from, in, on, of, at, by, with) that shows the relationship between a
noun or pronoun and some other word in the sentence.
The best way to learn prepositions is to memorize the following list:
about by since
above despite through
across down to
after during toward
against except under
along excluding underneath
amid following until
among from up
As in upon
At including via
before inside with
behind into within
below like without
beneath near
beside of
between on
beyond over
Interjections
An interjection is a word that shows emotion that usually has no grammatical connection to other
parts of a sentence.
Examples
• Oh, so that’s what he meant.
• Wow! What a hit!

Pronouns
A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun.
Types of Pronouns
• Demonstrative—this, that, these, those
• Indefinite—each, either, any, anyone, someone, everyone, few, all
• Intensive—myself, yourself, himself, herself, ourselves, themselves
• Interrogative—who, which, what
• Personal—I, you, he, she, it, we, they
• Relative—who, whose, whom, which, that, whomever (compound pronoun)
Note: A pronoun must agree with its antecedent (the word for which the pronoun stands) in number,
gender, and person.

Subject/Verb Agreement
The subject and the verb must agree in number. A singular subject needs a singular verb; a plural
subject needs a plural verb.
Study the following rules:
• A singular subject must have a singular verb, and a plural subject must have a plural verb.
Examples
• The student thinks clearly.
• The two books appear to be lost.
Pronouns like I, he, she, and it require a singular verb; we and they require a plural verb. You
(both as a singular pronoun and a plural pronoun) takes the same verb conjugation as we and they.
Examples
• We are going to exercise daily.
• You do not know how glad I will be to leave this place.
• The subject and the verb must agree in number even if the sentence contains nouns of a different
number.
Examples
• The employees working on that job are required to finish it by the end of the month.
• The truck driver, in addition to the three other drivers, was hurt.
• A compound subject (more than one subject) joined by and usually requires a plural verb.
Examples
• Joe Stuart and Joanne Reese are new trainees.
• Sue and I were classmates in school.
• A compound subject joined by or requires either a singular verb or plural verb. The verb should
agree with the subject nearest to the verb.

Example: Either you or I am responsible for washing the dishes.
• There and here are adverbs; therefore, they are never the subject of a sentence. In sentences that
begin with there or here, the subject follows the verb.
Examples
• There is an invitation for Sam’s party.
• Here are an invitation and a return envelope for the wedding.
• Indefinite pronouns do not refer to specific persons or things. The following indefinite pronouns
are always singular:
Another everyone nothing

Anyone everybody one
Anything many a/an someone
Each neither somebody
Every nobody no one
Examples
• Another one has been ordered.
• Somebody is going to pay the bill.
• The indefinite pronouns both, few, many, others, and several are always plural.
Examples
• Both of the pencils are mine.
• Several pieces were boxed together.
• The words all, none, any, more, most, and some may be singular or plural depending on the word
they modify.
Examples
• More than 43 students were assigned the essay.
• Some of the candy is being given to Judy.

Pronoun Agreement
Pronouns are words that take the place of nouns. Study the following pronoun rules:
• The word to which the pronoun refers is called an antecedent. A pronoun must agree with its
antecedent in person, number, and gender.
Examples
• When Michael visited, he brought his puppy.
• When Shaun and Joe visited, they brought their cats.
• When the antecedent is a collective noun, it must be decided whether the noun represents a group
acting as a unit or a group acting as individuals. When the group acts as a unit, use the singular
pronoun. When the group acts as individuals, use the plural pronoun.
Examples
• The department made its recommendation.
• The staff submitted their surveys.
• There are three cases of pronouns: subjective (subjects), objective (receivers), and possessive
(ownership).
 Subjective case pronouns include I, you, he, she, it, we, and they.
 Objective case pronouns include me, us, you, him, her, it, and them.
 Possessive case pronouns include my, your, his, her, its, our, and their and mine, yours, his,
hers, its, ours, and theirs.

Subjective Pronouns
• Use the subjective case for a pronoun that is the subject of the sentence.
Examples
• We are making plans for the picnic.
• You are well-educated.
• He and I finished the project.
• Use the subjective case when the pronoun refers to the subject and follows a form of the verb to be
(am, is, are, was, were or be, being, been).
Examples
• It is I.
• It was she who found the money in the street.
• It could have been they who won.
Objective Pronouns
A pronoun is in the objective case if it follows the verb and answers the question what? or whom?. A
pronoun is in the objective case if it follows the verb and answers the question to whom or for what
something is done.
• Use objective pronouns when the pronoun is the object of the preposition (when it follows the
preposition). Prepositions to look for include among, at, between, by, for, from, on, to, and with.
Examples
• Just between you and me, I think this is a terrible idea.
• This box of invoices came for us today.
• An infinitive is a phrase containing the word to plus the present tense of the verb. Use the
objective pronoun when a pronoun precedes or follows an infinitive phrase.
Examples
• Sally expected to help them.
• Sally expected them to help.

“Who” Versus “Whom”
Some people find it difficult to remember the rules for using who and whom. Here are some
guidelines that might help:
• Who and whoever are subjective.
• Whom and whomever are objective.
• To determine whether who or whom should be used, try the following tricks:
 Substitute he instead of who or whoever. If it makes sense as he, use who or whoever.
 Substitute him instead of whom or whomever. If it makes sense as him, use whom or
whomever.
Examples
• A mother wants a child who is honest. (He is honest, not him is honest—thus, who is used.)
• With whom did you wish to speak? (Did you wish to speak with him? not Did you wish to speak
with he?—thus, whom is used.)
Possessive Pronouns
Use the possessive case to show ownership.
• Use my, your, his, her, its, our, or their when the possessive pronoun precedes the noun it
modifies.
Example: That is my chair.
• Use mine, yours, his, her, its, ours, or theirs when the possessive pronoun is separated from the
noun to which it refers.
Examples
• That chair is mine.
• The problem was theirs.
• Each idea has its own value.

• Use the possessive case of a pronoun before a gerund. A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that
is used as a noun.
Examples
• Her leaving the company was old news.
• The manager approved of our going to the seminar.
Note: Whenever possible, try to avoid gerunds. The two sentences above may be rewritten as
follows:
• Her separation from the company was old news.
• The manager approved of our attendance at the seminar.
• Eliminate he or she when it is impossible to determine which pronoun is accurate.
Examples
• Incorrect Who is the president and what is his address?
:
• Correct: What is the name and address of the

president?
• Use a plural noun and their to avoid using gender-specific pronouns.
Examples
• Incorrect A manager praises his workers.
:
• Correct: Good managers praise their

workers.
• Use neutral terms to avoid sexist language in your writing.
Examples
• Businessperson, business people no businessma
t n
• Salesperson, sales no salesman
representative t
• People no mankind
t
• Flight attendant no stewardess
t

Often Confused Words
List of Often Confused Words

One way to learn frequently misused words is by learning their definitions and learning synonyms
(words that have the same meaning) for the troublesome words.
• accept/except
 accept—verb meaning to receive or to take
 except—preposition meaning with the exclusion of
• addition/edition
 addition—noun meaning increase, enlargement, or gain
 edition—noun meaning form in which a text is published
• advise/advice
 advise—verb meaning to counsel or to inform
 advice—noun meaning recommendation or suggestion
• affect/effect
 affect—verb meaning to influence (Use it in place of “move” or “impact.”)
 effect—noun meaning outcome or result; verb meaning to cause to happen
• a lot/allot
 a lot—noun meaning number of, many
 allot—verb meaning to assign or to distribute
• all ready/already
 all ready—adjective phrase meaning completely prepared

 already—adverb meaning by or before this time
• cite/sight/site
 cite—verb meaning to quote or mention
 sight—noun meaning view or vision; verb meaning to see
 site—noun meaning location
• complement/compliment
 complement—noun meaning something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect; verb
meaning to complete or make perfect
 compliment—noun meaning recognition or praise; verb meaning to praise
• council/counsel
 council—noun meaning an assembly or a governing body
 counsel—verb meaning to give advice or advise; noun meaning lawyer or advice
• envelop/envelope
 envelop—verb meaning to surround or to enclose
 envelope—noun meaning flat (usually paper) container for letter
• every day/everyday
 every day—adverb phrase meaning each day
 everyday—adjective phrase meaning ordinary or customary
• its/it’s
 its—pronoun—possessive form of it
 it’s—contraction of it is and it has
• loose/lose
 loose—adjective meaning not fastened or tight, having freedom of movement

 lose—verb meaning to fail to win, gain, or keep; to mislay
• moral/morale
 moral—adjective meaning ethical, pertaining to right and wrong
 morale—noun meaning mental and emotional condition or mood
• passed/past
 passed—verb (past tense of pass) meaning to go by or to receive favorable results on an

examination
 past—noun meaning the time before the present; adverb meaning beyond
• personal/personnel
 personal—adjective meaning private; relating to an individual
 personnel—noun meaning body of employees
• precede/proceed
 precede—verb meaning to go or come before or in front of
 proceed—verb meaning to advance or move forward
• principal/principle
 principal—noun meaning leader or sum of money; adjective meaning highest in importance
 principle—noun meaning general truth or rule
• stationary/stationery
 stationary—adjective meaning immobile, fixed in one position
 stationery—noun meaning paper for writing
• altogether/all together
 altogether—adverb meaning entirely
 all together—all in a group

• amount/number
 amount—Use amount for things in bulk
 number—Use number for individual items
• anxious/eager
 anxious—adjective meaning full of anxiety or worry
 eager—adjective meaning fervent, enthusiastic
• bad/badly
 bad—Adjective meaning failing to reach an acceptable standard; morally objectionable

(e.g., bad weather, bad child; describes a noun)
 badly—Adverb meaning in a disagreeable way (e.g., felt badly, looked badly) or to a great or
intense degree (e.g., wanted it badly)—you would not write “felt bad” or “wanted it bad”
• between/among
 between—preposition used when referring to two persons
 among—preposition used when referring to more than two persons or things
• bring/take
 bring—verb indicating motion toward the speaker
 take—verb indicating motion away from the speaker
• disinterested/uninterested
 disinterested—adjective meaning without bias
 uninterested—adjective meaning bored or lacking interest
• ensure/insure
 ensure—verb meaning to make certain
 insure—verb meaning to protect monetarily against loss

• than/then
 than—conjunction used to indicate comparison
 then—chronological adverb meaning “at that time” or “next”
• that/which
 that—Used in essential, restrictive clauses; narrows down or makes specific the object being
referred to (e.g., Where is the key that I gave you? That’s the train that goes to St. Louis.)
 which—Used in nonessential, nonrestrictive clauses; introduces information that is tacked on

or extra to the sentence (e.g., Jill lost her job, which caused her to lose her house.)

Spelling Review
Basic Rules
• Sometimes the final silent “e” is dropped when adding a suffix to a word, and sometimes it is kept.
 Final silent “e”—Rules for when the “e” is dropped.
– Words ending in silent “e” usually drop the “e” before adding a suffix beginning with a
vowel.
sale = salable
move = movabl
e
store = storage
arrive = arrival
blue = bluish
desire = desirous
Exceptions
m = mileag
ile e
dye = dyeing
– Words ending in silent “e” usually drop the “e” before the suffix “y.”
e = easy
ase
ice = Icy
Exceptions
cage = cagey
pric = price
e y
– Before suffixes beginning with “i,” the “e” is usually dropped.
force = forcible
financ = financial
e
age = aging

Exceptions
sing = singein
e g
age = ageism
 Final silent “e”—Rules for when the “e” is kept.
– Words ending in “ce” or “ge” usually retain the “e” before a suffix beginning with “a” or “o”
(so as to preserve the soft sound of the “c” or “g”).
Replace = replaceable
Advantage = advantageous
Courage = courageous
Knowledge = knowledgeable
Service = serviceable
– Words ending in silent “e” usually retain the “e” before a suffix beginning with a consonant.
hope = hopeful
care = careless
subtle = subtlety
sincere = sincerely
Exceptions
wise = wisdo
m
true = truly
gentl = gently
e
nine = ninth
whol = wholly
e
• Sometimes the final “y” is changed to “i” when a suffix is added to a word, and sometimes it is
not.
 Words ending in “y” preceded by a consonant change the “y” to “i” before any suffix except
one beginning with “i.”
vary = variable
custody = custodial
Italy = Italian
easy = easier
happy = happily
likely = likelihood

Exceptions
dry = dryly
countr = countrywid
y e
 Words ending in “y” preceded by a vowel usually retain the “y” before any suffix.
okay = okayed
display = displayed
obey = obeying
joy = joyful
Exceptions
pa = paid
y
lay = laid
da = dail
y y
say = said
• “I” before “e” rule—Put “i” before “e,” except after “c.”
 “i” before “e”—believe, thief, niece
 After “c”—deceive, conceive, receive
• Words ending in “able” and “ible.”
 The ending “able” is more commonly used.
admirable
advisable
changeable
dependable
doable
likable
payable
 Words ending with “ible”:
compatible
convertible
eligible
irresistible
possible

responsible
sensible
terrible
• Words ending in “ant,” “ance,” “ent,” and “ence” follow no clear-cut pattern. Therefore, consult a
dictionary when in doubt.
existent
insistent
assistance
defendant
transcendent
persistent
resistant
maintenance
surveillance
recurrence
relevance
occurrence
intelligence
• Words ending in “ize,” “ise,” and “yze.”
 Most words end in “ize.”
apologize
authorize
characterize
summarize
criticize
economize
emphasize
vandalize
minimize
organize
prize
visualize
realize
recognize
specialize
 A number of common words end in “ise.”
advertise
advise
arise
compromise

devise
disguise
enterprise
exercise
franchise
improvise
merchandise
revise
supervise
surprise
televise
 Only a few words end in “yze.”
analyze
paralyze
catalyze
• Words ending in “cede,” ceed,” and “sede.”
 Only one word ends with “sede”—supersede.
 Only three words end with “ceed”—exceed, proceed, succeed.
 All other words ending with the sound of “seed” end with “cede”—precede, secede, recede,
concede, accede, intercede.
• Words ending in “c” usually take the letter “k” before a suffix so as to preserve the hard sound of
the “c.”
mimic = mimicked, mimicking

panic = panicked, panicking, panicky
picnic = picnicked, picnicking, picnicker
shellac = shellacked, shellacking
traffic = trafficked, trafficking
Exception
arc = arced, arcing

Commas
A comma has two primary functions:
• It sets off nonessential expressions that interrupt the flow of thought from subject to verb to object
or complement.
• It separates elements within a sentence.
Usually two commas are used to set off words, and usually one comma is used to separate words.
The next section of this guide discusses some basic comma rules.
Seven Basic Comma Rules

• In dates, use a comma to set off the year whenever it immediately follows the day. However, do
not use a comma between the month and the year when no day appears.
Examples
• The first robbery occurred on September 6, 1942.
• Construction of the monument was completed in February 2001.
• Use a comma to set off items in a series of three or more.
Example: I saw Jimmy, Joe, and Rick at the carnival.
• Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses.
Example: Hercule Poirot is a world- renowned detective, but he is not as famous as

Sherlock Holmes.
Note: Do not mistake a compound sentence for a simple sentence (e.g., The radio plays wonderful
songs and inspires couples to dance). If both clauses of a compound sentence are short, do not use
a comma (e.g., she sings and he dances).

• Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses.
Examples
• Suddenly, the phone rang and startled the snoozing detective.
• In the bottom drawer of the dresser, Jake found a stash of money.
• Use commas to separate parts of addresses and names of geographical places.
Example: Roy visited Stone Ridge, Georgia, last November.
• Use commas to set off appositives. An appositive is a word or phrase that names or can be
substituted for the noun or pronoun that immediately precedes it.
Example: Donna Smith, the famous movie star, appeared at the shopping mall.
• Use a comma to separate two consecutive adjectives that modify the same noun.
Example: This has been a long, hard day.

Comma Splices
Meet Sammy “the Splice”

The comma is a valuable punctuation mark when used correctly. However, the comma can become
deadly in writing if it falls into the wrong hands—especially the hands of notorious grammar villain,
Sammy “the Splice.”
Sammy “the Splice,” a.k.a. comma splice, has destroyed the works of many an aspiring writer. He’s
so clever. He’s so subtle. Oftentimes, writers fail to see that a crime has even been committed. You
can learn to spot comma splices in your writing if you understand how Sammy “the Splice” operates.
Comma Splices
A comma cannot be used to join two sentences (independent clauses). This type of error in writing is
called the comma splice.
Example
Incorrect: Children are fearless, they do not always consider the consequences of their actions.
Both parts of this example are complete thoughts. (Remember the definition of a sentence? A
sentence contains both a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.) Therefore, joining the
two parts creates a comma splice. This error can be corrected in several ways:
• Join the sentences together with a semicolon. (Children are fearless; they do not always consider
the consequences of their actions.)
• Rewrite the sentence so that one of the independent clauses is changed to a dependent clause.
(Children are fearless because they do not always consider the consequences of their actions.)
• Change the sentence to two separate sentences. (Children are fearless. They do not always
consider the consequences of their actions.)

Terms to Remember
Clause
A group of words with a subject and a verb.
Independent Clause
A clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
Dependent Clause
A clause that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

For Fun
Love or Hate?
Is this a love letter or hate mail? See if you can punctuate this note in two ways. If done correctly,
you will end up with two notes with entirely different meanings.
dear john
I want a man who knows what love is all about you are generous kind thoughtful people who are not
like you admit to being useless and inferior you have ruined me for other men I yearn for you I have
no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart I can be forever happy will you let me be yours
gloria
dear john
I want a man who knows what love is all about you are generous kind thoughtful people who are not
like you admit to being useless and inferior you have ruined me for other men I yearn for you I have
no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart I can be forever happy will you let me be yours
gloria

A Bit of Comma Trivia
The Fatal Punctuation Mark: How a Single Comma Made the Difference Between Life and
Death
Russian Czarina Maria Fyodorovna reportedly once saved the life of a man by transposing a single
comma in a warrant signed by her husband, Alexander III (1845–1984), exiling a man to death in
Siberia.
On the bottom of the warrant, the czar had written: “Pardon impossible, to be sent to Siberia.”
The czarina changed the punctuation so that the instructions read instead as follows: “Pardon,
impossible to be sent to Siberia.” The man was set free.
Punctuation is usually not a matter of life and death, but it certainly does affect the meaning of a
sentence, which is the intended lesson of this anecdote.
Note: Though the use of the comma in the Czar’s original warrant is not correct according to the
standards of contemporary American English (which would call for a dash or a colon), it was correct
according to the conventions of the Russian language, which, like many others, allows for looser
usage of punctuation than English.
One More Multiple Meaning

Try punctuating the following set of sentences in two different ways. In the first sentence, insert a
comma where you feel one belongs. In the second sentence, do not insert a comma. Do you see how
the comma affects the meaning of each sentence?
She is a pretty intelligent woman.
She is a pretty intelligent woman.

Colons
A colon is used to indicate that something follows.
• The colon is used to introduce or explain what has gone before.
Examples
• The child asked an interesting question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• John’s rule was simple: Live and let live.
• The colon is used to introduce a list or series.
Examples
The steps are as follows:
• Open the window.
• Jump out.
These criteria are considered important:
• A healthy lifestyle
• Meaningful relationships
• Financial stability
• Use a colon to separate hours and minutes expressed in figures.
Example: Lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.

• Use a colon to punctuate reference initials or the salutation when mixed punctuation is used in a
letter.
Examples
• CI:ci (The first set of initials indicates the author, and the second set of initials indicates the
typist.)
• Dear Mr. Mortimer:
Note: A colon is followed by one space. When using the colon with text that is enclosed by quotation
marks, the colon appears outside of the quotation marks.

Capitalization
Capitalization can be confusing. Sometimes a writer may choose to capitalize a word in one instance
and not in another, depending on the emphasis the writer chooses to place on these words. However,
it does help if you understand certain guidelines that pertain to capitalization.
Capitalization Guidelines
• Capitalize the first word of a sentence, a question, or a direct quotation. Do not capitalize the
first word of an interrupted quotation.
Examples
• Walk every day.
• “I am not aware,” he said, “of any new rules.”
• The memo read, “Lunch will now cost $1.”
• Capitalize a phrase or a single word that expresses a complete thought.
Example: Not now? Why?
• Capitalize the first word after a colon only if that word begins a complete sentence.
Examples
• I had a premonition: My boyfriend will propose to me tonight.
• He had one thing on his mind: to watch basketball.

• In titles and headings, capitalize all words with four or more letters. Also capitalize words with
fewer than four letters except:
 Articles: the, a, an
 Short conjunctions: and, as, but, if, or, nor
 Short prepositions: at, by, for, in, of, off, on, out, to, up
Note: Even articles, short conjunctions, and short prepositions should be capitalized under the
following circumstances:
• Capitalize the first and last words of a title: “A Home to Be Proud Of”
• Capitalize the first word following a dash or colon in a title:
Examples
• “Abraham Lincoln—The Early Years”
• “The Treaty of Versailles: A Reexamination”
 In, off, out, and up are initial-capped as adverbs—not as prepositions:
Examples
• “Sailing Up and Down the Mississippi”
• “Happenings In and Around Town”
• Remember that Is and Be (or forms of be: am, is, are, was, were, being, been) are always
initial- capped in titles and headings because they are verbs.
• Capitalize proper nouns as well as the personal pronoun “I.” Do not capitalize common nouns that
do not refer to a specific person, place, or thing.
Examples
Grand Canyon bu canyon
t
University of Illinois bu university

t
Advanced Algebra bu advanced

34 t algebra
• Capitalize well-known descriptive names or nicknames of people, places, or things.

Examples
• The First Lady
• Babe Ruth (George Herman Ruth)
• Capitalize words derived from proper names.
Examples
• Mexican
• American
Note: Some words change to common adjectives through frequent use and do not need to be
initial-capped (e.g., french fries, china dishes, plaster of paris).
• Capitalize specific brand names but not the product types.
Examples
• Dial soap
• Ford automobile
• Nestlé chocolate
• Both parts of a hyphenated word should be capitalized if they are proper nouns or proper
adjectives. Do not capitalize prefixes to proper nouns.
Examples
• ex- Senator Jones
• Italian-American cuisine
• mid-July
• French- speaking students
• Capitalize points of the compass when they refer to definite regions of the country or are used with
other proper names. These words are not capitalized when they indicate a direction.
Examples
• Jill lives east of Happy Valley Street.
• I look forward to moving to the West in two years.
• Names of seasons do not need to be capitalized.

• Capitalize a title that comes before a person’s name.
Example: The change was issued by Judge William Clarke.
• Capitalize a title in an address or signature line.
Example: Ms. Lea P. Holmes, Manager
• Do not capitalize a title when it follows the name in a sentence or when it is used in place of the
name.
Example: David Greer, editor, received the O’Henry Award for 1995.
• Capitalize titles that refer to persons of high distinction.
Examples
• the President of the United States
• the Prime Minister of Canada
• the Secretary of Defense
• the Governor of California
• Capitalize the name of an academic degree immediately following a personal name, whether it is
abbreviated or written in full.
Examples
• Carol Mathews, M.D.
• Jose Garcia, Doctor of Philosophy
Note: Do not capitalize an academic degree when it is used in general terms or with the word
degree (e.g., Susan received her master’s a year ago).
• “Social Security” should be initial-capped when it is used in a title or referred to as a specific

program or benefit.

Ahhhh! It’s summertime—you are out for a cruise on the highway. You have the top down, your baby
is by your side, and your favorite song is playing on the radio. Life couldn’t be better. The last things
you want to worry about are pesky subject/verb agreement rules. Let’s review this topic so that we
can spend more time having some summertime fun! Let’s begin by seeing what you already know.
Choose the correct answer. Circle your choice.
1. An order form and a catalog (is, are) enclosed in the package I sent you on Tuesday.
2. Johnny (have, has) written several books about classic cars.
3. (Have, Has) the representative decided to collect the donations today?
4. Skills as well as knowledge (is, are) necessary for this job.
5. The actress and producer of the show, Helen Hunt, (have, has) been given a prestigious award.
6. Neither the manufacturer nor the department store (is, are) willing to refund your money for the
damaged garment.
7. Here (is, are) an example and an illustration for you to follow.
8. A number of students (is, are) taking the state examinations today.
9. A number of new cars (have, has) been recalled for engine problems this month.
10. Somebody (is, are) bringing chips and salsa to the party.
11. None of the five puppies (was, were) adopted yesterday.

12. All of the money he saved last summer (was, were) spent in a 24-hour gambling frenzy in
Las Vegas.
13. Few of the workers (is, are) able to work overtime during the Christmas season.
14. Many a student and teacher (have, has) had disagreements about grades.
15. The number of people enrolling in computer classes (is, are) increasing.

(Answer Key)
It’s now time to check our answers. Here we go!
Answers
1. are
2. has
3. Has
4. are
5. has
6. are
7. are
8. are
9. have
10. is
11. were
12. was
13. are
14. has
15. is

“Poolside Pronouns”—Pronouns Made Easy—
Pronoun Agreement
Ahhhh! There is nothing more relaxing than an invigorating dip in the pool. In fact, everything seems
relaxing when you are sitting poolside. We want you to feel as relaxed and comfortable in your usage
of pronouns. So, let’s make a splash and dive into our test! I promise—the sharks won’t bite.
For each sentence below, choose the answer that best illustrates proper pronoun agreement. Circle
your answer.
1. Each of the women designed (her, their) own pattern.
2. The staff submitted (their, its) vacation schedules.
3. Our manager is considerate of (we, us) employees.
4. Just between you and (I, me), I think it is a great idea.
5. (You, Your) returning to Chicago really surprised us.
6. With (him, his) leaving the team, I don’t know if the Dodgers will win the rest of the season.
7. The company is proud of (their, its) employees.
8. With (who, whom) did you wish to speak?
9. (Who, Whom) should I say is calling?
10. Tina expected (they, them) to help.
11. Would you change positions now if you were (he, him)?
12. Was it (they, them) who were hosting the party?

13. The woman who won the lottery was (her, she).
14. She and (I, me) drove to Alaska during summer vacation.
15. Either Jennifer or Robin will make (her, their) presentation on Monday.

“Poolside Pronouns”—Pronouns Made Easy—
Pronoun Agreement (Answer Key)
Okay, it’s time to towel off and soak up some sun. Let’s see what you remember about pronoun
agreement.
Answers
1. her
2. their
3. us
4. me
5. your
6. his
7. its
8. whom
9. who
10. them
11. he
12. they
13. she
14. I
15. her

Stop the Confusion!—Often Confused Words
Stop! Look! Listen! It’s time to put an end to those grammar misdemeanors—the felony of word
confusion! “Is it effect or affect? Bring or take?” I know it would be a real crime if we did not review
these types of words, so let’s begin.
Choose the correct word for each sentence. Circle your answer.
1. You should (except, accept) a gift from a very rich man.
2. All of the managers (except, accept) Bob are going to the conference in Detroit.
3. Do you think the (addition, edition) to the hotel will be approved?
4. Henry autographed a copy of the latest (addition, edition) of his new book.
5. Johnny received the (advice, advise) he needed from his attorney.
6. Please (advice, advise) Patrick about your plans for the weekend.
7. The plans to (affect, effect) a change in policy are still being discussed.
8. Your teamwork will (affect, effect) the way others view you.
9. We will (a lot, allot) 7 percent of the total amount for travel expenses.
10. Did you find (a lot, allot) of mistakes in my essay?
11. The dishes have (all ready, already) been packed by the movers.
12. Since we are (all ready, already) to begin exercising, let’s get started.

13. Can you (cite, site, sight) the source of that line?
14. As soon as the company finds the proper (cite, site, sight), it will begin construction of its new
headquarters.
15. The Pacific Ocean is an inspirational (cite, site, sight).
16. The tablecloth and chair cushions (compliment, complement) the wallpaper in the kitchen.
17. I consider your remark to be a (compliment, complement).
18. Did you know the person who was appointed (council, counsel) for the case?
19. Dorothy Myers is an acting officer on the (council, counsel).
20. The impending darkness will soon (envelop, envelope) the entire city.
21. Use the enclosed (envelop, envelope) when mailing your bill.
22. The team has been practicing for three hours (every day, everyday) for the past month.
23. Why not use the (every day, everyday) dishes for the luncheon!
24. (It’s, Its) too early for supper!
25. When the bank increased (it’s, its) fees, I was angry.
26. The loss of the key will cause us to (loose, lose) access to the room.
27. The door knob is (loose, lose).
28. Keeping up the (moral, morale) of our employees is very important.
29. Today’s teenager has to face several (moral, morale) issues.
30. The taxi went (past, passed) my house without even stopping.
31. Do you realize we (past, passed) this gas station three times now!
32. I had to talk to our (personal, personnel) department about hiring you.
33. Employers are not permitted to ask their employees questions of a (personal, personnel) nature.
34. Dick York (preceded, preceding, proceed) Dick Sargeant on the show Bewitched.
35. Tell me what you learned in the (precede, preceding, proceed) lesson.

36. You may continue, but (precede, preceding, proceed) with caution.
37. Are you familiar with the economic (principle, principal) of supply and demand?
38. How much interest will I have to pay on the (principle, principal)?
39. The letter should be written on your best (stationary, stationery).
40. A (stationary, stationery) bicycle is a great exercise machine.
41. He is (all together, altogether) too cynical about life.
42. The reports are (all together, altogether) on the desk.
43. The construction company used a large (amount, number) of lumber at the site.
44. We had a large (number, amount) of inquiries for the training position.
45. I am (anxious, eager) about my test results.
46. I am (anxious, eager) to begin my vacation cruise.
47. I feel (bad, badly) about the mistake.
48. He was not injured (bad, badly) during the game.
49. The feud (between, among) the two brothers lasted for ten years.
50. The power ball award was divided evenly (between, among) the three winners.
51. Please (bring, take) the plans to the office on Monday.
52. Please (bring, take) the package to Donna on your way out.

Stop the Confusion!—Often Confused Words (Answer Key)
Have you been rehabilitated, or will you still be committing crimes against the English language? We
know you have been paying attention, and we are confident that we won’t have to put you in the
slammer. Let’s see what you have learned.
Answers
1. accept
2. except
3. addition
4. edition
5. advice
6. advise
7. effect
8. affect
9. allot
10. a lot
11. already
12. all ready
13. cite
14. site
15. sight
16. complement
17. compliment
18. counsel
19. council
20. envelop
21. envelope
22. every day
23. everyday
24. It’s
25. its
26. lose
27. loose
28. morale
29. moral
30. past
31. passed
32. personnel
33. personal
34. preceded

35. preceding
36. proceed
37. principle
38. principal
39. stationery
40. stationary
41. altogether
42. all together
43. amount
44. number
45. anxious
46. eager
47. bad
48. badly
49. between
50. among
51. bring
52. take

Coping With Colons—Colons
Beach volleyball, baseball, barbecues, camping, swimming, music, ice cream, and sun—these are
probably just a few things you associate with summertime. I bet the last thing you even want to think
about on a beautiful day like today is colon usage. Colons can be confusing, and you may have to
cope with a document that requires you to proofread for colons. What’s an admin to do! We will help
you learn about the colon so that you can go back to enjoying your summertime fun. There is a cure
for those summertime office blues!
Punctuate the following sentences with colons. If you feel that a sentence does not need a colon,
write the word correct next to the sentence.
1. The lecturer raised an interesting question Which comes first, employee satisfaction or financial
success?
2. The steps are as follows

1. Insert the disk into the drive.
2. Turn on the computer.
3. The team leader has the responsibility to (1) assist other associates, (2) organize projects, (3)
delegate duties.
4. The concert will begin sharply at 715 p.m.
5. Dear Mr. Fredericks:
6. It’s as true with books as it is people Don’t judge a book by its cover.
7. Three criteria are used when making travel arrangements comfort, cost, and convenience.

8. The article was sent to the following newspapers The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, and
USA Today.
9. In one hour, I plan to do the following drink a beer, eat a grilled steak, and dance the
hokey-pokey.

Coping With Colons—Colons (Answer Key)
Answers
1. The lecturer raised an interesting question: Which comes first, employee satisfaction or financial
success?
2. The steps are as follows:
1. Insert the disk into the drive.
2. Turn on the computer.
3. The team leader has the responsibility to (1) assist other associates, (2) organize projects,
(3) delegate duties. Correct
4. The concert will begin sharply at 7:15 p.m.
5. Dear Mr. Fredericks: Correct
6. It’s as true with books as it is people: Don’t judge a book by its cover.
7. Three criteria are used when making travel arrangements: comfort, cost, and convenience.
8. The article was sent to the following newspapers: The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, and
USA Today.
9. In one hour, I plan to do the following: drink a beer, eat a grilled steak, and dance the
hokey-pokey.

Capitalization Cookout—Capitalization
Just smell those steaks! Look at the size of that watermelon! And look—grandmother made her
special cherry pie! Hungry? Join me now for a picnic as we study capitalization rules.
Proofread the following sentences for capitalization errors. Make necessary corrections directly on
this page. If a sentence is correct, write correct next to it.
1. The memo read, “the office will be closed for repairs on Friday, August 4.”
2. I had a surprise: My husband gave me an anniversary party.
3. Have you read Gone with the Wind?
4. “Sailing up and down the Mississippi” was a terrific article.
5. The colorado river runs through the Grand Canyon.
6. He was a fellow texan who came to this town last December.
7. I am simply crazy for hershey candy.
8. The western states voted in that presidential candidate.
9. Plans are to develop the new factory east of the city.
10. To see Maine in the Fall is one of my fondest wishes.
11. James Edelson, Editor, received the grant funding from the council.
12. The meeting was called to order by Senator John Seagal.
13. We met Ex-President Bush at the convention.

14. There was great prosperity in America during the Post-World War II era.
15. I enjoy my Algebra and English courses.

Capitalization Cookout—Capitalization (Answer Key)
Answers
1. The memo read, “The office will be closed for repairs on Friday, August 4.”
2. I had a surprise: My husband gave me an anniversary party. Correct
3. Have you read Gone With the Wind?
4. “Sailing Up and Down the Mississippi” was a terrific article.
5. The Colorado River runs through the Grand Canyon.
6. He was a fellow Texan who came to this town last December.
7. I am simply crazy for Hershey candy.
8. The Western states voted in that presidential candidate.
9. Plans are to develop the new factory east of the city. Correct
10. To see Maine in the fall is one of my fondest wishes.
11. James Edelson, editor, received the grant funding from the council.
12. The meeting was called to order by Senator John Seagal.
13. We met ex-President Bush at the convention.
14. There was great prosperity in America during the post-World War II era.
15. I enjoy my algebra and English courses.

Grammar Review CTR

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Grammar Review CTR

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Grammar Review

This participant guide is intended to be a resource for basic grammar rules

The guide alone serves as a quick reference on the following topics:

• Often confused words

For more detailed and up-to-date grammar information as it relates to

Contact Jen Seibert with questions or comments related to this guide.

Hewitt Associates GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

Hewitt Associates GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

Hewitt Associates 1 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• Place: New Mexico

Hewitt Associates 2 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

Predicate Noun (Complement)

• How Four consultants

• Which The newest

Hewitt Associates 3 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• Where? The book is right there.

• In what manner? She was completely shocked by his message.

• To what extent? She seldom leaves work early.

Hewitt Associates 4 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

The best way to learn prepositions is to memorize the following list:

• Wow! What a hit!

Hewitt Associates 5 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• Indefinite—each, either, any, anyone, someone, everyone, few, all

• Intensive—myself, yourself, himself, herself, ourselves, themselves

• Interrogative—who, which, what

• Personal—I, you, he, she, it, we, they

• Relative—who, whose, whom, which, that, whomever (compound pronoun)

Hewitt Associates 6 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

Study the following rules:

• The two books appear to be lost.

• You do not know how glad I will be to leave this place.

• Sue and I were classmates in school.

Hewitt Associates 7 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• Here are an invitation and a return envelope for the wedding.

Another everyone nothing

• Somebody is going to pay the bill.

• Several pieces were boxed together.

• Some of the candy is being given to Judy.

Hewitt Associates 8 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• When Shaun and Joe visited, they brought their cats.

• The staff submitted their surveys.

Hewitt Associates 9 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• You are well-educated.

• He and I finished the project.

• It was she who found the money in the street.

• It could have been they who won.

• This box of invoices came for us today.

• Sally expected them to help.

Hewitt Associates 10 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• Who and whoever are subjective.

• Whom and whomever are objective.

Example: That is my chair.

• The problem was theirs.

• Each idea has its own value.

Hewitt Associates 11 GRAMMARREVIEW-CTR.DOC/046-72-01859 03/18/2005

• The manager approved of our going to the seminar.

• Her separation from the company was old news.

• The manager approved of our attendance at the seminar.

• Eliminate he or she when it is impossible to determine which pronoun is accurate.

• Correct: What is the name and address of the

• Correct: Good managers praise their

• Use neutral terms to avoid sexist language in your writing.