Grammar and punctuation exercises through narrative examples

Grammar

Word Choices

Richard, who had never flown before, was frightened as he looked at the big plane on the runway.

Courtney thought that Richard's reaction was unnecessary/overblown/exaggerated.

Despite her impatience, she embraced Richard, exuding compassion and reassurance.

"Don't worry," she said, "the flyer is an expert and a professional, and airplane accidents are rare"

Richard thought that Courtney's communication skills needed improvement.

He felt that her soothing words lacked meaning.

Ultimately Richard and Courtney moved past their communication problem and boarded the plane hand in hand.

Conciseness

Albert was frustrated with being unemployed and threatened by eviction. Although he insulted the head of the pharmacy Freda Waltzman, she ultimately hired him based on his strong physics background. Albert was relieved.

Part a: Commas

Fortunately, Albert's determination has not been erased. He knows that yes, his work experience is of questionable value in the real world, but that won't stop him! The voice of his mother, who died recently, seems to be urging him forward: "Don't be pessimistic, Al. Whenever the going gets rough we have to put our noses to the grindstone!" That voice, its enthusiasm never waning, shields Albert from despair.

Part B: Semicolon

1) Driving in a rainstorm is always stressful; driving in a blizzard can be terrifying.

2) it was rainy and very chilly outside, but Marina decided to walk to work anyway.

3) in what seemed like a paradox to him, David was afraid of heights; however, he liked to fly.

4) Train travel isn't just for the faint of heart; it is also for those who enjoy the beauty of unfolding landscapes.

5) During the summer, Michelle has fun hosting parties for her visitors: various friends, family, and guests from both in town and afar.

Part C: Colon

Up and down Main Street, Albert passes five kinds of establishments: restaurants, massage parlours, used-car dealerships, pharmacies, and provincial offices. Albert enters a pharmacy, noticing lots of customers in the aisles, but sees only one employee behind the counter. The employee looks frazzled; the customers look perturbed. Albert is reminded of Dr. Franz, a brilliant professor, and his graduate students. His hopes rise.