Compound Sentences and the Comma vs. the Semicolon

When joining two independent clauses (or two sentences, or two complete thoughts), you’ll need to determine whether to use a comma or a semicolon.

When using a comma, one of these coordinating conjunctions must be used: and, but, for, nor, or, so or yet. The comma will be placed before the conjunction used. Examples of correct comma usage:

• I’m going to the zoo, and I will see the gorillas.
• Chocolate is my favorite ice cream flavor, but I sometimes like eating the strawberry ice cream flavor.
• Jenny’s mother saw her come home late at 2:00 a.m., so Jenny is grounded for the next two weeks.

When using a semicolon, a coordinating conjunction is not needed to join two independent clauses. Examples of correct semicolon usage:

• I’m going to the zoo; I will see the gorillas.
• Chocolate is my favorite ice cream flavor; I sometimes like eating the strawberry ice cream flavor.
• Jenny’s mother saw her come home late at 2:00 a.m.; Jenny is grounded for the next two weeks.

When using a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, nevertheless, etc.), a semicolon can also be used. Examples of correct semicolon usage with conjunctive adverbs:

• Jenny arrived home late; therefore, she is grounded for the next two weeks.
• Chocolate is my favorite ice cream flavor; however, I sometimes like eating the strawberry ice cream flavor.

TriSec 16 photos added

New photos from TriSec 16 have been uploaded for you to view! Please click here or on the slideshow below to view the photos.

Your vs. You’re & There vs. Their

For this week, let’s continue with more word usage tips.

Your vs. You’re

“Your” is a possessive form of the word “you.” Examples of correct usage of the word “your”:

• You left your hat at my apartment last night.
• Your mother is my best friend.
• Is that your dog?

“You’re” is a contraction of the words “you” and “are.” Examples of correct usage of the word “you’re”:

• You’re my best friend.
• I did not know that you’re Shelly’s sister.
• I once sat where you’re sitting right now.

Example of correct usage of both words: I will water your plants while you’re gone.

There vs. Their

“There” refers to a place. Examples of correct usage of the word “there”:

• I would like to go there someday.
• I want my desk placed over there.
• I knew I would find you there.

“Their” is a possessive form of “they.” Examples of correct usage of the word “their”:

• Sometimes Carol and Jeff play guitar together, and I love their music.
• Their house is beautiful.
• Jessica and Alan say that their parents are a lot of fun.

Example of correct usage of both words: I am going to California with my parents. While I’m there, I am going to see their old high school.

Who vs. Whom

A common source of confusion when writing and speaking is usage of the words “who” and “whom.” Do you understand the correct usage of these words?

“Who” is always the subject of a sentence, and “whom” is always the object.

• For example: Who is going to lunch with Sarah?
• “Who” is the word that is performing the action. "Who" = the person who is going to lunch.
  
• Now, let’s examine this sentence: With whom is Sarah going to lunch?
• “Whom” is the word that receives the action. "Whom" = the person who Sarah is going to lunch with.

A simple trick is to rewrite your questionable sentence using the words “he” or “him” instead of “who” or “whom.” Using this trick, “he” represents “who,” and “him” represents “whom.”

• For example: Who/whom did you tell about your vacation?
• The sentence could be rewritten like this: I told him about my vacation.
• Therefore, the sentence that you began with would be correct when written: Whom did you tell about your vacation?
  
• Let’s try one more: I’m not sure who/whom visited my mother last night.
• The sentence could be rewritten like this: He visited my mother last night.
• Therefore, the sentence that you began with would be correct when written: I’m not sure who visited my mother last night.

Rachel Martin on TriSec 16

Listen to the sound clip below to hear what Falmouth Curriculum Specialist and instructor Rachel Martin has to say about her experience at TriSec 16.

When You're Editing, Use Your Head Not Your Computer

Welcome to Tips and Tricks Tuesday, a weekly column on grammar for tribal secretaries and administrative assistants.

Despite all the technology that has made writing easier, it can’t take the place of a powerful vocabulary, a firm grasp of grammar and a good eye — and ear — for editing your own work. Yes, of course, any word processing program worth its hefty price includes spelling and grammar checks. But spell check isn’t going to tell you the difference between heal and heel or when to use that, which or who. It’s also of little use when it comes to spelling most tribal names and most surnames — Native American or not.

So here’s our first tip: Use your head first and last. Never send out anything that hasn’t been checked and double checked.

When you’re editing your own work, follow these tips:

1. Walk away from it … at least for a little while. You need to take a break between your writing and your editing.


2. Use a pencil as you read your work. Point to every word and look at it. Does it look right? Are you sure of the spelling? If not, look it up. Don’t rely on your computer’s spell check.


3. Read your work aloud slowly. Reading your writing aloud helps you look at every word and it gives you a better idea of the tone or your work, whether all your sentences make sense and whether you’ve conveyed your thoughts accurately.


4. Get a second set of eyes. Find someone in your office with a proven record of good writing and editing skills and ask him or her to read your work. This is not needy or unprofessional. This should be standard operating procedure for all business material that will be distributed to the public.


5. Remember that writing and editing is a skill. Your ability will increase with knowledge and practice.

Online training sessions in June

Continue to improve upon your professional skills when you participate in one of our online training sessions next month.

Business Communication Series: Error Free Writing

June 11, 2009 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST ONLINE

In November 2008, poor grammar led cancer researchers in Hawaii to lose $8 million in funding from cigarette taxes, as only one cigarette was specified in the law. Grammar mistakes can be costly! Don’t let errors in your writing negatively affect you and your tribal organization. Sign up today and begin our Business Communication Series with “Error Free Writing.”

Sexual Harassment for Tribes and Tribal Organizations

June 11, 2009 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST ONLINE

Anyone who has encountered sexual harassment will tell you that it’s bothersome, irritating and demeaning. It’s also against the law. During this workshop, you’ll learn the important aspects of handling sexual harassment issues and complaints. You’ll examine how to prevent unacceptable behavior from the beginning.

Records Management for Tribal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

June 16, 2009 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST ONLINE

The effective and efficient performance of an organization necessitates accurate records. Learn to tackle the ever-growing mound of data: paper and electronic. Avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes and discover proven techniques that will help you organize and manage important tribal records.