Basic Grammer

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Sergeants Distance

Education Program

Basic Grammar and

Composition

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EXAM ADMINISTRATION THROUGH

COMMAND UNIT VERIFICATION

REPORT, RANDOM ONLINE EXAMS

(ROLE)

1. This is to amplify the procedures as per MARADMIN

370/07.

2. Exams will not be distributed with this MCI unless

specifically requested by the Marine’s Training

Representative. Marines are strongly encouraged to use

ROLE.

3. Marines should contact their Command Unit

Verification Report representative to complete the final

examination using the Random Online Examination

(ROLE).

4. Marines who do not have access to a computer may

request the final examination material by contacting

MCI’s Student Services Division at 1-800-MCI-USMC.

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BASIC GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION

(8011B)

Course Introduction

Scope The Basic Grammar course is designed to provide the Marine sergeant with a basic knowledge of English grammar and composition fundamentals. It includes a review of the parts of speech, the basic elements of writing

including phrases, clauses, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling, and an overview of composition fundamentals from outlining to final proofing.

References The following reference was used in the writing of this course:

Effective Army Writing Subcourse Number IS1460, Edition A. Center for Army Leadership, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Edition Date: June 1999.

Table of Contents

The following is a table of contents for this course.

Study Unit Title Page

-- Course Introduction i

1 Parts of Speech 1-1

2 Phrases, Clauses, and Sentences 2-1

3 Punctuation 3-1

4 Capitalization and Spelling 4-1

5 Effective Composition 5-1

Estimated Study Time

You will spend about 10 hours 45 minutes completing this course. This includes the time required to study the text, complete the exercises, and take the final exam.

Continued on next page

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MCI Course 8011B ii Course Introduction

Course Introduction,

Continued

Reserve Retirement Credits

You earn four retirement credits for completing this course. You earn reserve retirement credits at the rate of one credit for each 3 hours of estimated study time.

Note: Reserve retirement credits are not awarded for the MCI study you do during drill periods if awarded credits for drill attendance.

Summary The table below summarizes all important “gateways” needed to successfully complete this course.

Step When you Then you will For more information 1 Enroll in the program Receive your program

material

Refer to the Program Introduction

2 Complete the self-paced text

Arrange to take the final examination

3 Pass the final examination

Receive a course completion certificate

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STUDY UNIT 1

PARTS OF SPEECH

Overview

Estimated Study Time 2 hours, 25 minutes

Unit Scope Putting our thoughts on paper is important, but only if what we have written clearly communicates our intentions. Our understanding of English grammar can help make sure that we communicate clearly. The objective of this study unit is to help you sharpen your understanding of English grammar by briefly reviewing the parts of speech.

Learning Objectives

After completing this study unit, you should be able to • Identify the parts of speech.

• Identify the relationship between sentence elements joined by a conjunction.

Unit Content The following table lists the lessons covered in this study unit.

Topic See Page

Overview 1-1

Lesson 1 Nouns 1-3

Lesson 2 Pronouns 1-13

Lesson 3 Verbs 1-21

Lesson 4 Adjectives and Adverbs 1-33

Lesson 5 Prepositions 1-41

Lesson 6 Conjunctions 1-45

Study Unit 1 Exercise 1-49

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MCI Course 8011B 1-2 Study Unit 1

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LESSON 1

NOUNS

Introduction

Estimated Study Time 15 minutes

Lesson Scope Nouns are your people, place, and thing words. Nouns typically serve as the subjects and objects of verbs and prepositions. This lesson will help you identify the nouns in a sentence and how these nouns relate to other sentence elements.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Define the characteristics of nouns.

• Identify the function of nouns. • Form plurals of nouns correctly. • Select the nouns in a sentence.

Lesson Content The following table lists the topics covered in this lesson.

Topic See Page

Introduction 1-3 Definition 1-4 Gender 1-6 Number 1-7 Person 1-9 Case 1-10

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Definition

Naming Words Naming is a function of nouns. Nouns can be • Concrete

• Officer • Weapon • Tank • Abstract

• Invisible substances (air, gases) • Qualities (leadership, honor) • Actions (marching, commanding) • Measurements (month, pounds)

Function Nouns function as

• The subject – these nouns do the action described by the verb.

• Corporal Wrigley fired the rifle. (Corporal Wrigley is the noun that did the action.)

•

• Sergeant Baker taught the maintenance class. (Sergeant Baker is the noun that did the action.)

•

• Objects of the verb or of a preposition – these nouns generally receive the action.

• Private Jones fired the rifle expertly to win the championship. (Rifle is the noun that was acted on.)

•

• The honored guest for today’s parade is Colin Powell. (Parade is the object of the preposition for.)

The function is further explained in study unit 1, lesson 1, Case.

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Definition,

Continued

Proper Nouns Proper nouns begin with a capital letter. Proper nouns name particular people, places, or things:

• President Bush • Parris Island • American

Compound Nouns

Compound nouns are two or more words that express a single idea. Sometimes compound nouns are written as

• One word • Keyboard • Machinegun • Breechblock • • Hyphenated words • Brother-in-law • Commander-in-chief • Court-martial

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Gender

Explanation One characteristic of nouns is gender. Gender is obvious for some nouns. Noun gender may be

• Male • Man • Boy • • Female • Woman • Lady • • Neutral • Weapon • Barracks • Integrity

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Number

Definition Another characteristic of nouns is number. Number tells if the noun is singular (one) or plural (more than one). Most plurals are formed based on the spelling of the singular form of the noun.

Adding S Nouns ending in a sound that can be smoothly united with s usually form their plurals by adding s:

• Officer, officers • Radio, radios

• Regulation, regulations

Nouns ending in ay, ey, oy, or uy form their plurals by adding s: • Day, days

• Key, keys • Boy, boys

Adding ES Nouns ending in a sound that cannot be smoothly united with s form their plurals by adding es:

• Bush, bushes • Torch, torches • Wrench, wrenches Changing Y to I and Adding ES

Nouns ending in y preceded by a consonant form their plurals by changing y to i and adding es:

• Mercy, mercies • Nursery, nurseries • Army, armies

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Number,

Continued

Plurals of Compound Nouns

Compound nouns form their plurals by making the main word plural: • Sergeant major, sergeants major

• Lieutenant colonel, lieutenant colonels • Court-martial, courts-martial

Plurals of Borrowed Nouns

Plurals of nouns borrowed from French, Greek, and Latin frequently retain the plural of the original language:

• Alumna (feminine), alumnae • Alumnus (masculine), alumni • Analysis, analyses

• Basis, bases • Datum, data

Special Plurals Some nouns form their plurals differently. These types of nouns do not follow specific rules:

• Man, men • Mouse, mice • Sheep, sheep

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Person

Type The third characteristic of nouns is person. Person determines the function of the noun. The noun can be

• First person • Second person • Third person

First Person A noun in first person is serving as the speaker; generally this is the subject of a sentence, the person who does the action.

Example: Private Jones talked. (Private Jones is a noun in first person.)

Second Person A noun in second person is the person spoken to or to whom action is done.

Example: Private Jones talked to Sergeant Smith. (Sergeant Smith is a noun in second person.)

Third Person A noun in third person is the one spoken of.

Example: Corporal Jones talked to Sergeant Smith about Private Mason. (Private Mason is a noun in third person.)

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Case

Definition The last characteristic of nouns is case. Case describes whether a noun is functioning as

• Subjective • Objective • Possessive

Subjective Case A subject (subjective case)

• The wind blew. (Wind is a noun and the subject of the sentence.) • The platoon marched away. (Platoon is a noun and the subject of the

sentence.)

• The general spoke eloquently to the command. (General is a noun and the subject of the sentence.)

Objective Case An object of a verb or of a preposition (objective case)

• The commander assigned the guards. (Guards is a plural noun that is the object of the verb assigned.)

• The general spoke eloquently to the command. (Command is a collective noun that is the object of the preposition to.)

• Staff Sergeant Lyon placed first at the rifle competition. (Competition is a noun that is the object of the prepositions at.)

Possessive Case A possessive (possessive case)

• SGT Smith locked the door of the cell. (Cell is a noun that is the object of the preposition of.)

• The commander’s policy is no drinking at company functions. (Commander’s is the possessive form of the noun commander.)

• This evening’s storm cancelled the parade. (Evening’s is the possessive form of the noun evening.)

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Case,

Continued

Form Nouns have only two case forms: • Common

• Possessive

Common Form The common form serves as either the subjective or objective case. The common form is generally the noun in singular or plural form.

Possessive Form

The possessive forms show ownership. Generally the possessive form follows the phrase of the or has an apostrophe s or a plain apostrophe at the end of the noun:

• The storm of the evening (the evening’s storm) • Angela’s book (book belongs to Angela)

• Marines’ rifles (rifles that belong to many Marines)

Check on Learning

What are the four characteristics of nouns? The four characteristics of nouns are • Gender (male, female, neutral) • Number (singular, plural) • Person (1st

, 2nd, 3rd)

• Case (subjective, objective, possessive)

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MCI Course 8011B 1-12 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

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LESSON 2

PRONOUNS

Introduction

Lesson Scope Another part of speech that is critical for good writing is the pronoun. Pronouns function like nouns; they are naming words. Pronouns are words that substitute for nouns. This lesson will describe the characteristics of pronouns and provide you examples of pronouns so you can identify them in a sentence.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Define the characteristics of pronouns.

• Identify pronouns by type.

• Identify the pronouns in a sentence. • Define pronoun-antecedent agreement.

Topic See Page

Introduction 1-13

Basic Characteristics 1-14

Types 1-16

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement 1-18

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Basic Characteristics

Pronoun Characteristics

Because pronouns substitute for nouns, they have the same characteristics as nouns: • Gender • Number • Person • Case

Gender Because pronouns substitute for nouns, pronouns also note gender differences. Pronouns may be

• Male (he) • Female (she) • Neutral (it, you)

Person Like nouns, pronouns function in • First person – the speaker (I, we)

• Second person - the one spoken to (you)

• Third person – the one spoken of (he, she, it, they)

Number Pronouns can be singular or plural. The following table shows number and person for some pronouns.

Number Person

Singular Plural

1st I We

2nd You You

3rd He, she, it They

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Basic Characteristics,

Continued

Case As with nouns, case describes whether a pronoun is functioning as • A subject (subjective case)

• An object (objective case) • A possessive (possessive case)

Examples of Case

The following table lists some pronouns by case.

Subjective Possessive Objective

I Mine Me

You Your, yours You

He, she, it His, hers, its Him, her, it

We Our, ours Us

They Their, theirs Them

Who Whose Whom

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Types

Eight Types of Pronouns

There are eight types of pronouns: • Demonstrative • Indefinite • Intensive • Interrogative • Reciprocal • Reflexive • Relative • Personal Demonstrative Pronouns

A demonstrative pronoun points out the noun it refers to and distinguishes it from others. Some demonstrative pronouns are

• This • That • These • Those

Example: Those Marines are the ones who helped validate this course. (Those is the demonstrative pronoun that refers to a specific group of Marines—the ones who helped validate this course.)

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to an unidentified person or thing. Some indefinite pronouns are • One • Any • Each • Anyone • Somebody • All

Example: Anyone can apply for the position. (Anyone is the indefinite pronoun that refers to the unknown person who can apply for the position.)

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Types,

Continued

Intensive Pronouns

Intensive pronouns strengthen or emphasize the antecedent. The antecedent is the noun to which the pronoun refers. Some intensive pronouns are

• Myself • Yourself • Himself

Example: The commander, himself, took out the garbage. (Himself is the intensive pronoun that refers to the antecedent commander to emphasize it.)

Interrogative Pronouns

An interrogative pronoun indicates a question. Some interrogative pronouns are

• Who • Which • What

Example: Who was the honor graduate? (Who is the interrogative pronoun in the question; it refers to the person who was the honor graduate.)

Reciprocal Pronoun

Reciprocal pronouns denote mutual action or cross relationship between members comprised in a plural subject. Some reciprocal pronouns are • Each other

• One another

Example: Corporal Jones and Corporal Smith helped each other prepare for the promotion board. (Each other is the reciprocal pronoun that refers to the antecedents Corporal Jones and Corporal Smith.)

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Types,

Continued

Reflexive Pronoun

Reflexive pronouns refer to the subject of the sentence, clause, or verbal phrase in which it stands. Generally it is a personal pronoun compounded with self. Some reflexive pronouns are

• Myself • Yourself • Himself

Example: He helped himself get promoted by working and studying diligently. (Himself is the reflexive pronoun that refers to the subject of the sentence he.)

Relative Pronoun

Relative pronouns introduce an adjective clause. The relative pronoun connects the adjective clause to the independent clause by showing relationship to the noun (the antecedent). Some relative pronouns are • Who, Whom

• Whose • Which • That

Example: Corporal Smith is the Marine who won the rifle competition. (Who is the relative pronoun that refers to the Marine that won the rifle

competition.)

Personal Pronouns

A personal pronoun represents a person or persons. Some common personal pronouns are • I • You • He, She • It • We • They

Example: John and I attended basic training together; we were combat buddies there. (We is the personal pronoun that refers to the antecedent John

and I.)

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Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Antecedent Definition

An antecedent is the noun that the pronoun represents or stands for.

Generally it is the closest noun that comes before the pronoun in the sentence.

Agreement Pronouns must always agree in person and number with their antecedents. The pronoun gender should also be the same as its antecedent. The following table describes this agreement further.

If the noun is… Then the pronoun… In first person Must be first person

In second person Must be second person In third person Must be third person

Singular Must be singular

Plural Must be plural

Male Should be male

Female Should be female

Neutral Should be neutral

When a pronoun is in objective case, what do you know about it?

When a pronoun is in objective case, you know that it is functioning as an object of a verb or of a preposition.

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LESSON 3

VERBS

Introduction

Lesson Scope When we write, we not only use nouns and pronouns, but also we express action. Predicating (stating or asserting) is a function of the verb. Verbs express state of being (seem, be, and all other forms of to be) or action (run,

eat, think, etc.). This lesson will teach you the characteristics of verbs and the

relationship between verbs and other sentence elements.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Classify verbs by type.

• Define the characteristics of verbs. • Identify the tenses of verbs.

• Select the correct verb form for subject-verb agreement in a sentence.

Topic See Page

Introduction 1-21 Classification 1-22

Person and Number 1-25

Voice 1-27 Tense 1-28 Mood 1-30

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Classification

Categories Verbs are predicating (stating or asserting) words. They express state of being or action. We classify verbs as

• Transitive • Intransitive • Linking • Auxiliary Transitive Verbs A transitive verb

• Expresses a transfer of action from the subject to the object

• Requires a direct object to complete its meaning; that is, it must be followed by a word that answers the question whom or what. Examples:

• The commander wrote the award citation. (Wrote is the transitive verb;

citation is the object that answers the question wrote what?)

• The officer pushed the suspect. (Pushed is the transitive verb; suspect is the object that answers the question pushed whom?)

• Sergeant Johnson drove the bus. (Drove is the transitive verb; bus is the object that answers the question drove what?)

Intransitive Verbs

An intransitive verb expresses no transfer of action; consequently, it does not require an object to complete its meaning. An intransitive verb is also called a finite verb.

Examples:

• The troops marched all day. (Marched is the intransitive verb.) • The old man died. (Died is the intransitive verb.)

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Classification,

Continued

Linking Verbs A linking verb

• Links the subject to some other word that names or describes it • Denotes a state of being or condition

• Is always followed by a subject complement that identifies or describes the subject of the sentence

Note: When the subject complement is a noun or pronoun, it is called a predicate nominative. When the subject complement is an adjective that modifies the subject of the verb, it is called a predicate adjective.

Common Linking Verbs

The most common linking verbs are

• Forms of the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were, be, being, been, am) • Seem • Become • Appear • Prove • Look • Remain • Feel • Taste • Smell • Sound • Turn • Grow Examples:

• He is my friend. (Is represents the linking verb; friend is the noun serving as the subject complement that identifies or describes who he is.)

• The room appears different. (Appears is the linking verb; different is the adjective serving as the subject complement that describes the subject

room.)

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Classification,

Continued

Auxiliary Verbs An auxiliary verb helps another verb. Some verbs commonly used as auxiliaries are • Have • Has • Had • Do • Did • Does • Shall • Will • Must • May • Can • Might • Could • Would • Should • Forms of to be Examples:

• She is going to Okinawa. (Is is the auxiliary verb—a form of the verb to

be—that helps the verb going.)

• You should check with your platoon leader for the information. (Should is the auxiliary verb that helps the verb check.)

Verb Phrase A verb with its auxiliary verb is called a verb phrase. Some examples of verb phrases are

• Can go

• Had been done • Will be able to

Verb phrases are discussed more in study unit 2, lesson 1, Verb Phrases.

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Person and Number

Characteristics Like nouns and pronouns, verbs can be • First, second, or third person • Singular or plural

Based on the person and number, the form of the verb is different. Creating these different forms is called conjugation.

Conjugating the Verb To Take

The following table is an example of the verb to take based on person and number.

Number Person

Singular Plural

1st (the speaker) I take We take

2nd (the one spoken to) You take You take 3rd (the one spoken of) He, she, or it takes They take

Adding S to Form Third Person Singular Verbs

Verbs ending in a sound that can be smoothly united with s form their third person singular by adding s.

• Verb blacken becomes blackens • Verb criticize becomes criticizes • Verb radiate becomes radiates

Verbs ending in a y and preceded by a, e, o, or u also form their third person singular by adding s.

• Verb buy becomes buys • Verb enjoy becomes enjoys • Verb sway becomes sways

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Person and Number,

Continued Adding ES to Form Third Person Singular Verbs

Verbs ending in a sound that cannot be smoothly united with s form their third person singular by adding es.

• Verb pass becomes passes • Verb tax becomes taxes • Verb march becomes marches Changing Y to I and Adding ES to Form Third Person Singular Verbs

Verbs ending in a y preceded by a consonant form their third person singular by changing the y to i and adding es.

• Verb pity becomes pities • Verb carry becomes carries • Verb bury becomes buries

Subject-Verb Agreement

Because the verb takes different forms based on person and number, it is important to use the correct form. The verb form must match the form for the person and number of the subject noun. That is, if the subject is singular and third person, the verb form must also be singular, third person; generally this means the verb will end in s.

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Voice

Active Voice Voice is a characteristic unique to verbs. Active voice is when the subject performs the action.

• The private cleaned the floor. (The private is the subject and the person doing the cleaning.)

• Sergeant Smith directed traffic away from the accident. (Sergeant Smith is the subject and the person directing traffic.)

• Corporal Jensen fired the rifle expertly. (Corporal Jensen is the subject and the person firing the rifle.)

Passive Voice The passive voice is when the subject is acted upon. A form of the verb to be combined with a phrase by someone or something generally indicates passive voice.

• The floor was cleaned by the private. (The floor is the subject and it is being cleaned.)

• Traffic was directed away from the accident by Sergeant Smith. (The

traffic is the subject and it is being directed.)

• The rifle was fired expertly by Corporal Jensen. (The rifle is the subject and it is being fired.)

Note: Use passive voice when the doer is not important. For example, The

words “let’s go” were heard.

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Tense

Definition The verb characteristic of tense refers to the action or state of being of the verb. It describes the point in time the action or state of being occurs.

Six Tenses The six verb tenses are • Present • Past • Future • Present perfect • Past perfect • Future perfect

Present Tense Present tense refers to action or state of being that is currently occurring: • I take

• He marches • They grow

Past Tense Past tense refers to action or state of being that has already occurred. • I took

• He marched • They grew

Future Tense Future tense refers to action or state of being that will occur in the future. • I shall take

• He shall march • They shall grow

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Tense,

Continued

Present Perfect Present perfect tense refers to action or state of being that began in the past and is continuing in the present.

• I have taken • He has marched • They have grown

Past Perfect Past perfect tense refers to action or state of being that has occurred before another past action.

• I had taken • He had marched • They had grown

Future Perfect Future perfect tense refers to action or state of being that will be completed by a certain time in the future.

• I shall have taken • He shall have marched • They shall have grown

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Mood

Definition Mood, another characteristic of verbs, shows how the speaker views the action. It tells what type of sentence it will be; it can be a statement or opinion, question, command, warning, or doubt.

Four Moods The four moods a verb can express are • Indicative • Interrogative • Imperative • Subjunctive Indicative Mood

Indicative mood states a fact or an opinion.

• The Marine Corps is one of the smaller branches of service. (fact) • The Marine Corps is the best branch of service. (opinion)

Interrogative Mood

Interrogative mood asks a question.

• Do you believe the Marine Corps is the best branch of service? • Do you want to join the Marines after you graduate?

Imperative Mood

Imperative mood expresses a command, warning, or request. The subject of the sentence (you) is often omitted.

• Ready, aim, fire!

• Be wary of files from unknown sources. • Please complete this survey.

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Mood,

Continued

Subjunctive Mood

Subjunctive mood expresses doubt, wish, or condition contrary to fact. • The platoon leader recommended that he study the drill and ceremony

manual more often.

• The boss insisted that they work five days a week.

• Regulation requires that all students be enrolled before the new fiscal year.

What are the six tenses of a verb?

The verb’s six tenses are present, past, future, present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect.

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LESSON 4

ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS

Introduction

Lesson Scope Modifying words add color to our writing. Adjectives and adverbs are

modifying words. That is, they describe or limit the meaning of another word or group of words. This lesson will explain the differences between

adjectives and adverbs.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Identify the function of adjectives.

• List the types of adjectives. • Identify the function of adverbs. • Select the adjectives in a sentence. • Select the adverbs in a sentence.

Topic See Page

Introduction 1-33 Adjectives 1-34 Adverbs 1-36 Conjunctive Adverbs 1-38 Importance of Location 1-39

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Adjectives

Definition Adjectives are words and phrases that describe or limit the meaning of a noun or its equivalent. Adjectives answer the questions what kind, how many, or which one.

Attributive Adjectives

Adjectives that describe a quality of a noun are called attributive adjectives. Attributive adjectives are placed next to the nouns they modify.

• Dressed in his fatigues, the sergeant looked like a formidable foe. (Formidable describes the noun foe.)

• She demonstrated her professional attitude in that situation. (Professional describes the noun attitude.)

• He married a woman of great means. (Of great means describes the noun

woman. Additionally, great describes the noun means.)

Predicative Adjectives

Adjectives that occur after a linking verb or words such as appear, sound,

look, feel, taste, seem, become, and smell are called predicative adjectives.

• The food tasted bad.

• He is handsome in his dress uniform. • The section became disorganized.

Three Types Attributive and predicative adjectives can be divided into three categories: • Descriptive

• Proper • Limiting

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Adjectives,

Continued

Descriptive Adjectives

Descriptive adjectives name a particular quality. • Green vehicle • Powerful Marine • Leaking radiator Proper Adjectives

Proper adjectives are derived from proper nouns. • Roman fountain

• American custom • Marine Corps hero

Limiting Adjectives

Limiting adjectives may • Indicate possession • My puppy • Their challenge • Your commitment • • Point out • This manual • Former president • That regulation • • Number • Three forces • Second platoon • Tenth vehicle • • Be articles • A division • The Marine • An idea

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Adverbs

Definition Like adjectives, adverbs are modifying words. Adverbs are words and phrases that describe or limit the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or a whole sentence. Adverbs answer the questions when, where, why, in what manner, or to what extent.

Modify Single Words

By definition, adverbs are words and phrases that modify single words (either verbs or adjectives).

• The day went quickly. • Nearly all men want success.

• The funeral detail slowly marched to the cadence.

Modify Sentences

Adverbs can also modify complete sentences. • Maybe he will go.

• Very quickly the crowd dispersed.

• The parade was cancelled, because it was raining.

Ask Questions Adverbs can also serve to ask questions. • When did he go?

• Where is the book?

• How quickly can you disassemble the rifle?

Indicate Manner

Adverbs can indicate the manner in which the action is taken. • Secretly embarrassed, the woman held her head high. • Speaking quietly, the chaplain admonished the little boy. • I only found the secret.

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Adverbs,

Continued

Indicate Time Another function of adverbs is to indicate time. • Never healthy, she decided to retire.

• I called today.

• Yesterday the Marines celebrated their victory.

Indicate Place Adverbs can describe location or place. • Outside the office, it was raining hard.

• Here at MCI, we produce distance training products. • Within the organization, the morale was low.

Indicate Degree Adverbs indicate the degree something happens.

• Quite easily distracted, the editor failed to finish her project. • She was very happily married.

• The meal was mostly vegetarian.

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Conjunctive Adverbs

Definition A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that serves as a conjunction; it joins two complete sentences.

Common Conjunctive Adverbs

Some common conjunctive adverbs are • Consequently • Furthermore • However • Moreover • Nevertheless • Otherwise • Therefore • Thus Examples:

• He was the top student in his platoon; therefore, he was the honor graduate.

• Corporal Brooks finished second in the marksmanship competition;

consequently, his platoon finished second in the company competition.

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Importance of Location

Specific Rules for Adjectives

Attributive adjectives, you may remember, are placed next to the noun they modify. Predicative adjectives are placed after the linking verb or verb of sense (appear, sound, feel, taste, smell).

General Rule Generally, place the adverb or adjective closest to the word or words that it modifies. Placement of the adjective or adverb affects the meaning of a sentence. Be sure to place the adjective or adverb so that it modifies exactly what you mean for it to modify!

Consider the following sentences to see how the placement of only, which can be an adjective or an adverb, affects the meaning of each sentence. • Only I lost a million dollars. (Just me, nobody else.)

• I only lost a million dollars. (Just lost, not found, won, etc.) • I lost only a million dollars. (Just $1 million, not more or less.)

Adjectives and adverbs are modifying words. What is the basic difference between the two?

Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns; adverbs modify verbs or the predicate part of the sentence.

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LESSON 5

PREPOSITIONS

Introduction

Lesson Scope Prepositions are connecting words. Connecting words helps us link one word or word group with another. They help us establish relationships between the words in a sentence. This lesson will teach you about the group of connecting words called prepositions.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Define the function of prepositions.

• Identify prepositional phrases in a sentence.

Lesson Content The following table lists the contents of this lesson.

Topic See Page

Introduction 1-41 Definition 1-42

Prepositional Phrases 1-43

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Definition

Relationship to Nouns and Pronouns

Prepositions are specific words that connect a noun or pronoun (called its object) with some other word in the sentence. The preposition shows the relationship between the object and the other word.

Common Prepositions

The most common prepositions are

• About, above, across, after, among, around, as, at • Before, behind, below, beside, by

• Down, during • Except • For, from • In, inside, into • Near, next

• Of, off, on, out, over • Past

• Since

• Through, to, toward • Under, until, up, upon • With, within, without

Example: The company under the leadership of Captain Johnson excelled in competition. (Under is the preposition that relates leadership to company. Of is the preposition that relates Captain Johnson to leadership. In is the

preposition that relates competition to excelled.)

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Prepositional Phrases

Definition A preposition and its object form a prepositional phrase.

Examples of Prepositional Phrases

Some prepositional phrases are

• After the ceremony (After is the preposition; ceremony is its object.) • Toward the enemy (Toward is the preposition; enemy is its object.) • Under the leadership (Under is the preposition; leadership is its object.) Prepositional phrases are discussed more in study unit 2, lesson 1,

Prepositional Phrases.

What is the function of prepositions?

Prepositions connect nouns or pronouns (called the object of the preposition) with some other word in the sentence. The preposition shows the relationship between the object and the other word.

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LESSON 6

CONJUNCTIONS

Introduction

Lesson Scope Like prepositions, conjunctions are connecting words. A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions show the relationship between the sentence elements they connect. This lesson will teach you to identify conjunctions and the relationship between the elements they connect.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Identify the classes of conjunctions.

• Identify correlative conjunction pairs.

• Identify the relationship between elements joined by subordinating conjunctions.

• Identify the conjunctions in a sentence.

Topic See Page

Introduction 1-45

Coordinating Conjunctions 1-46

Correlative Conjunctions 1-47

Subordinating Conjunctions 1-48

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Coordinating Conjunctions

Definition One category of conjunctions is the coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions

The common coordinating conjunctions are • For • And • Nor • But • Or • Yet • So

Note: An easy way to remember the common coordinating conjunctions is to remember the acronym fan boys (from the first letter of each of the common coordinating conjunctions).

Examples The following sentences contain coordinating conjunctions. • The Marine and the soldier competed together.

• The Marine Corps collects toys at Christmas, so the chapel staff can distribute gifts to children.

• The commander devised the plan, but the NCOs carried out the orders.

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Correlative Conjunctions

Definition Another type of conjunction is the correlative conjunction. Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join words, phrases, clauses, or whole sentences. Common Correlative Conjunction Pairs

The most common correlative pairs are • Both … and

• Either … or • Neither … nor • Not … but

• Not only … but also

Relationship Between Joined Elements

Elements joined with a correlative conjunction pair are generally equal in rank.

Examples The following sentences contain correlative conjunctions. • Both the Marines and the Navy live on that base.

• Not only the enlisted Marines, but also the officers participated in the disaster relief.

• Neither sleet, nor rain, nor dark of night shall keep them from their appointed duties.

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Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

The third category of conjunctions is subordinating conjunctions.

Subordinating conjunctions join clauses that are not equal in rank. When subordinating conjunctions are used, one clause is dependent on the other; that is, the dependent clause is not a complete sentence by itself.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

The most common subordinating conjunctions are • After, although, as, as if, as though

• Because, before • Even if, even though • If, in order that • Rather than • Since, so that • Than, that, though • Unless, until

• When, whenever, where, wherever, whether, while

Examples The following sentences contain subordinating conjunctions.

• Although the weather was stormy, the Marine patrolled the perimeter. • She accepted the job, so that she could be closer to home.

• Corporal Smith worked after duty hours even though his supervisor did not ask him to.

What are the three categories of conjunctions?

Conjunctions can be divided into three categories: coordinating, correlative pairs, and subordinating.

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Study Unit 1 Exercise

Estimated Study Time 1 hour, 10 minutes

Directions Complete the following items. Check your answers against the correct answers at the end of this study unit. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.

Item 1 What is the major function of nouns?

a. Naming b. Modifying c. Connecting d. Predicating

Item 2 To form the plural of nouns that end in y preceded by a consonant, you

a. add es. b. add s.

c. change the y to e and add s. d. change the y to i and add es.

Item 3 To form the plural of compound nouns, you

a. add s to the last word. b. make the last word plural. c. make the main word plural. d. make the first word plural.

Item 4 Case refers to whether a noun is

a. singular or plural. b. female, male, or neutral. c. first, second, or third person. d. subjective, objective, or possessive.

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Directions for Item 5 Through Item 7

Refer to the following sentence to answer items 5 though 7.

Lance Corporal Maclain’s ability to accomplish multiple, complicated tasks simultaneously enabled his superiors to focus on other important issues.

Item 5 Identify the nouns in the sentence.

a. Ability, multiple, superiors, important issues b. Ability, superiors, issues

c. Lance Corporal Maclain’s, ability, tasks, superiors

d. Lance Corporal Maclain’s, ability, tasks, superiors, issues

Item 6 Identify the noun in the possessive case.

a. Ability

b. Lance Corporal Maclain’s c. Important issues

d. Superiors

Item 7 Identify the noun in the objective case.

a. Issues b. Multiple

c. Lance Corporal Maclain’s d. Ability

Item 8 What is the major function of pronouns?

a. Connecting b. Modifying c. Naming d. Predicating

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 9 Through Item 11

Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of pronoun from column 2 that best describes the list of pronouns in column 1. The answers in column 2 may only be used once.

Column 1

List of Pronouns

Column 2

Type of Pronouns ___ 9. Who, which, what

___ 10. This, that, these, those ___ 11. Myself, yourself, himself,

etc. a. Interrogative b. Reflexive c. Reciprocal d. Demonstrative Directions For Item 12 Through Item 14

For items 12 through 14, select the answer that describes the problem and the correction (problem; correction).

Item 12 Our company clerk is a man in who you can put a great deal of trust.

a. Wrong case of pronoun who; whom b. Pronoun-antecedent disagree; whose c. Wrong person of pronoun who; whom d. Wrong person of pronoun who; whose

Item 13 The cub scouts played his first game.

a. Wrong number of pronoun his; their b. Wrong number of pronoun his; theirs c. Pronoun-antecedent disagree; their d. Pronoun-antecedent disagree; theirs

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 14 Everyone had taken off their heavy equipment.

a. Pronoun-antecedent disagree; his or her b. Pronoun-antecedent disagree; theirs c. Wrong number of pronoun their; theirs d. Wrong person of pronoun their; theirs

Item 15 What does a transitive verb do?

a. Helps another verb

b. Links to some word that names or describes it c. Expresses a transfer of action from subject to object d. Expresses no transfer of action from subject to object

Item 16 Verbs of sense (such as be, appear, feel, taste, smell, sound) are types of _____ verbs. a. auxiliary b. linking c. transitive d. intransitive

Item 17 Active voice is when

a. the subject performs the action. b. the subject is acted upon.

c. action transfers from subject to object.

d. the subject is linked to another word that names or describes it.

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 18 Verb tense refers to the action or state of being of the verb. What are the six verb tenses?

a. Pluperfect, future perfect, past perfect, future, past, present b. Future perfect, past perfect, present perfect, aorist, past, present c. Future perfect, past perfect, present perfect, future, past, present d. Future perfect, past perfect, present pluperfect, future, past, present

Directions For Item 19 Through Item 21

For items 19 through 21, fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.

Item 19 One of the Marines ____ completed the land navigation course.

a. has b. have

Item 20 He was one of those Marines who ___ to be honored for conspicuous valor.

a. is b. are

Item 21 Second platoon _____ expert on the rifle range.

a. shooted b. shot

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 22 What is the function of adjectives and adverbs?

a. Naming b. Modifying c. Connecting d. Predicating

Item 23 Adjectives answer the following questions:

a. When, why, what kind b. When, what kind, how many c. What kind, how many, where d. What kind, how many, which one

Item 24 Limiting adjectives

a. indicate possession or number.

b. indicate manner in which action is taken. c. indicate time.

d. indicate to what extent something occurs.

Item 25 Not counting the article the, list the adjectives and adverbs in the following sentence (adjectives; adverbs):

The Continental Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of Marines under Captain Samuel Nicholas, who is traditionally considered the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.

a. two, Captain; first b. two, first; traditionally c. first; Captain, traditionally d. two, Continental; first

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 26 Adverbs answer the questions

a. when, which one, why, where.

b. in what manner, when, where, how many. c. who, what, when, where, why.

d. when, where, why, in what manner, to what extent.

Item 27 What is the function of prepositions?

a. Naming b. Modifying c. Connecting d. Predicating Directions For Item 28 Through Item 31

For items 28 through 31 identify the prepositions and the objects (preposition, object; preposition, object; etc.) in each sentence.

Item 28 Lieutenant O’Bannon led a Marine detachment in the storming of the harbor fortress of Derna, Tripoli in 1805.

a. in, storming; of, fortress; of, Derna, Tripoli; in, 1805 b. led, Marine; of, fortress; in, 1805

c. of, harbor; of, Derna; in, 1805

d. led, detachment; of, harbor; of, Tripoli, in 1805

Item 29 Marines deployed as part of a multinational peacekeeping force.

a. deployed, as; of, peacekeeping b. deployed, part; of, multinational c. as, part; of, force

d. as, part; of, peacekeeping

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 30 In January 1968, Marines defended the firebase at Khe Sanh from an attack force.

a. In, January 1968; at, Khe Sanh; from, attack b. At, Khe Sanh; from, force

c. In, January 1968; at Khe Sanh; from, force d. In, January 1968; from, force

Item 31 Marines occupied the “Halls of Montezuma” after the Battle of Chapultepec in Mexico City.

a. of, Montezuma; after, Battle; in, City

b. of Montezuma; after, Battle; of, Chapultepec; in, Mexico City c. of Montezuma; after, Battle, of, Chapultepec

d. after, Battle; of, Chapultepec; in, Mexico City

Item 32 What is the function of conjunctions?

a. Predicating b. Naming c. Modifying d. Connecting Item 33 Through Item 36

Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the class of conjunction from column 2 that best describes the conjunction in column 1. The answers in column 2 may be used more than once.

Column 1 Conjunction Column 2 Class of Conjunction ___ 33. Nor ___ 34. Both…and ___ 35. Not…but ___ 36. As if a. Coordinating b. Correlative c. Subordinating

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Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Answers The table below provides the correct answers to the exercise items. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.

Item Number Answer Reference Page

1 a 1-4 2 d 1-7 3 c 1-8 4 d 1-10 5 d 1-4 6 b 1-10 7 a 1-10 8 c 1-13 9 a 1-17 10 d 1-16 11 b 1-18 12 a 1-15 13 c 1-19 14 a 1-19 15 c 1-22 16 b 1-23 17 a 1-27 18 c 1-28 19 a 1-26 20 a 1-26 21 b 1-28 22 b 1-33 23 d 1-34 24 a 1-35 25 b 1-35; 1-36 26 d 1-36 27 c 1-41; 1-42 28 a 1-42; 1-43 29 c 1-42; 1-43

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MCI Course 8011B 1-58 Study Unit 1 Exercise

Study Unit 1 Exercise,

Continued

Answers (continued)

Item Number Answer Reference Page

30 c 1-42; 1-43 31 b 1-42; 1-43 32 d 1-45 33 a 1-46 34 b 1-47 35 b 1-47 36 c 1-48

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STUDY UNIT 2

PHRASES, CLAUSES, AND SENTENCES

Overview

Estimated Study Time 1 hour, 10 minutes

Unit Scope Now that you have learned the different parts of speech, you need to learn how to put them together to write effectively. The subject is usually a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun. The predicate is what is being written about the subject. The predicate consists of a verb or a verb phrase and may also contain modifiers or objects that the subject acts on. Study unit 2 teaches you about the basic elements of writing: phrases, clauses, and sentences.

After completing this unit, you should be able to

• Identify the difference between a phrase, a clause, and a sentence. • Identify a complete sentence from a sentence fragment.

Unit Content The following table lists the lessons covered in this unit.

Topic See Page

Overview 2-1

Lesson 1 Phrases 2-3

Lesson 2 Clauses 2-11

Lesson 3 Sentences 2-21

Study Unit 2 Exercise 2-26

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MCI Course 8011B 2-2 Study Unit 2

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LESSON 1

PHRASES

Introduction

Lesson Scope This lesson teaches the first element of putting parts of speech together to communicate effectively. The first element of word groups is the phrase. This lesson will define different types of phrases so that you will be able to identify them in sentences.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Define a phrase.

• List types of phrases

• Identify phrases in a sentence.

Topic See Page

Introduction 2-3 Types of Phrases 2-4 Absolute Phrases 2-5 Verb Phrases 2-6 Prepositional Phrases 2-7 Adjective Phrases 2-8 Adverb Phrases 2-9

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Types of Phrases

Definition A phrase is a group of words that relate to each other but lack a related subject and predicate. Phrases do not make sense alone. A phrase by itself is a sentence fragment; that is, it is not a complete sentence.

Categories The different categories of phrases are • Absolute • Verb • Prepositional • Adjective • Adverb

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Absolute Phrases

Definition An absolute phrase is a noun and a participle (a verb functioning as an adjective; normally ends with ing) that is not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence. It is related only by thought.

Examples Some sentences with absolute phrases (in italics) are

• Knees trembling, Private Smith approached the promotion board. • Eyes flashing, the first sergeant reprimanded the unshaven Marine.

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Verb Phrases

Definition A verb phrase is a verb plus its auxiliary (helping verb). You will remember from the lesson on verbs that some common auxiliary verbs are

• Have • Has • Had • Do • Did • Does • Shall • Will • Must • May • Can • Might • Could • Would • Should • Forms of to be

Examples Some sentences with verb phrases (in italics) are

• After you have moved the handle to the safe position, you will be able to

connect the chain to the block.

• Travelers should be aware of strangers lurking near their luggage. • You have loaded the weapon.

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Prepositional Phrases

Definition A prepositional phrase is a preposition plus its object. A few common prepositions, as stated in an earlier lesson on this subject, are

• About, above, across, after, among, around, as, at • Before, behind, below, beside, by

• Down, during • Except • For, from • In, inside, into • Near, next

• Of, off, on, out, over • Past

• Since

• Through, to, toward • Under, until ,up, upon • With, within, without

Examples Some sentences with prepositional phrases (in italics) are

• When placing the ammunition into the weapon, make sure the bolt is in

the closed position.

• Each step of the process is covered in more detail later in this lesson. • How can we make sure we retain the integrity of the plan?

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Adjective Phrases

Definition An adjective phrase is a prepositional phrase that serves as an adjective. The adjective phrase modifies a noun or pronoun, and it answers questions such as: what kind, how many, or which one?

Examples Some sentences with adjective phrases (in italics) are

• The commander of the troops is responsible for the commands. • Careless omission of pertinent facts will hinder mission success.

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Adverb Phrases

Definition An adverb phrase is a prepositional phrase that is used as an adverb. The adverb phrase modifies the verb, and it answers questions such as: when, where, how, or why?

Examples Some sentences with adverb phrases (in italics) are

• Because it started to rain, the troops marched at a fast pace. • The party began after the parade.

What kind of information does an adjective phrase provide?

An adjective phrase is a prepositional phrase serving as an adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun. An adjective phrase tells what kind, how many, or which one.

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LESSON 2

CLAUSES

Introduction

Lesson Scope The next element of effective writing is the clause. This lesson defines clauses and explains the different types of clauses you will use to write well. You will learn words that may signal the different types of clauses in a sentence.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Define a clause.

• List types of clauses.

• Identify clauses in a sentence.

Topic See Page

Introduction 2-11 Types of Clauses 2-12 Noun Clause 2-13 Adjective Clause 2-14 Adverb Clause 2-15 Restrictive Clause 2-16 Nonrestrictive Clause 2-17 Dependent Clause 2-18 Independent Clause 2-19

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Types of Clauses

Definition A clause is a group of words that relate to each other, contains a subject and a predicate (verb), but may or may not form a complete thought.

All clauses that do not form a complete thought are incomplete sentences or sentence fragments.

Listing of Categories

Types of clauses are • Noun • Adjective • Adverb • Restrictive • Nonrestrictive • Dependent • Independent

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Noun Clause

Definition A noun clause functions as a noun. Because it is a clause, it has a subject and a predicate. A noun clause is generally essential to the sentence and cannot be omitted.

Signals Some signal words that a noun clause is beginning are • How • That • What • Whether • Why

Examples Some sentences with noun clauses (in italics) are

• The manual describes how the machinegun is cleaned.

• The awards board determines whether the award nomination is approved.

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Adjective Clause

Definition An adjective clause is a clause that functions as an adjective. The adjective clause modifies a noun or a pronoun; it comes after the word it modifies.

Signals Adjective clauses are introduced by relative pronouns. There are five main relative pronouns. • That • Which • Who • Whom • Whose

Examples Some sentences with adjective clauses (in italics) are

• The secondary road that runs south from the junction at the river is your left boundary.

• Honor graduate is awarded to the Marine whose grades and performance

greatly excelled above the rest.

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Adverb Clause

Definition An adverb clause functions as an adverb. The adverb clause tells how, on/under what condition, when, where, or why. The adverb clause has a subject and a predicate, but it cannot stand alone.

Signals Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinate conjunctions. The

subordinating conjunctions that signal the beginning of an adverb clause depend on the type of information the clause tells. The following table lists the subordinating conjunctions for adverb clauses.

If the subordinating conjunction is…

Then the adverb clause tells…

As if, as though How

Although, if, provided that, though, unless

On/under what condition After, as, as soon as, before, since,

until, when, whenever, while

When

Where, wherever Where

Why As, because, since, so that

Examples Some sentences with adverb clauses (in italics) are

• Although we have no units adjacent to us, we have a company to our rear for support.

• Move your platoon forward 600 meters, as soon as your equipment

arrives.

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Restrictive Clauses

Definition A restrictive clause limits the meaning of the word it modifies, and it limits the interpretation to only one. The restrictive clause is an essential element of the sentence.

Examples Some sentences with restrictive clauses (in italics) are

• The company that won the softball tournament celebrated their victory at the picnic.

• Turn the switch that powers the tank to the off position, before you begin disassembly.

• The Marine presented the bouquet to the lady whose husband just retired.

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Nonrestrictive Clauses

Definition A nonrestrictive clause merely adds information about the word it modifies. The nonrestrictive clause is not essential to the meaning, and it is set off with a comma.

Examples Some sentences with nonrestrictive clauses (in italics) are

• Before testing the adapter, the silver part of the machine, remove the circuit card.

• The M250 smoke grenade launcher, mounted on the side of the tank, screens your tank from enemy observation.

• Personnel having open lesions, particularly on their hands, face, and

neck, are prohibited from performing further duty in the mess hall.