FCA Reference Sheet
Conventions Rule
All proper nouns and first word in sentences begin with a capital letter. No other words begin with a capital letter.
They’re/ their/ there are used correctly.
They’re- they are
Their- to show possession
There- pronoun/to show place
Affect/effect are used correctly.
Affect- used as a verb in most cases
Effect- used as a noun in most cases
Simple Sentences include:
A subject (who or what the sentence is about)
A predicate (what the subject is doing)
A complete thought
 If the sentence is missing any of the above, it is a fragment!
Sight/Site
Sight- anything that pertains to vision
Site- location
You’re/Your
You’re- you are
Your- shows possession
Run-On Sentences and fragments
Run-on- two sentences put together.
Fragment- a sentence missing either the subject/predicate/complete thought.
The use of signal phrases and citations to support a stance.
Examples:
According to “Zoo Captivity,” the author states, “Today, the Bronx Zoo is considered one of the most advanced
and environmentally responsible in the world” (Steinburg).
Subject/Verb agreement
Simple subject= simple verb (usually ends in “s”)
Jack walks to the store.
Plural subject = plural verb (usually does not end in an “s”)
Aidan and Ashley can run a 7 minute mile.
Singular indefinite pronouns as subjects = singular verb (each, either, neither, somebody, someone, something, anybody,
anyone, anything, nobody, no one, nothing, everybody, everyone, everything)
Either Joseph or Jenny is going to take me home.
Each of the apples was rotten.
Compound Sentences
 Made by joining two separate sentences with a conjunction and a comma
 Example: We talked to the pilot, and we asked a question.
Introductory Phrase Comma
 Commas should be used to separate a longer phrase or clause before the main part of the sentence
 Example: On my way to school, I saw an unusual sight.
Appositive Phrases
 Use commas to set off appositives and appositive phrases that are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.
An appositive is a noun or pronoun that identifies another noun or pronoun besides it.
 Example: My new favorite novel, Orphan Train, explores an aspect of American history that is rarely discussed.