My Blue Book of Grammar for Class 7: A Series Based on the Functional Approach

GRAMMAR

1. Compound–Complex Sentences

2. Ellipsis

3. Compound Subject

4. Reported Speech

5. Compound Predicate

6. Coordinating Adjectives

7. Sentences, Fragments and Run-ons

8. Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

9. Pronoun–Antecedent Agreement

10. Active and Passive Voice

11. Commas: With Introductory Phrases; When Addressing a Person; in Dates; and in Addresses

12. Comma Splices

13. Singular and Plural Possessive Nouns

14. Linking Verbs

15. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs – Revision

Test Paper 1

1

Compound–Complex Sentences

Read the sentence below:

I didn’t have the time to buy the book that you asked me to, and I don’t think I’ll be able to any time soon.

The sentence has two independent clauses:

It has one dependent clause:

A. Identify the dependent and independent clauses in these sentences. Write them in the space provided.

We saw a play that won an award, but it was rather boring.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

Selina knew where the amusement park was, and she gave us the directions.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

Jaspreet said that we should start without her; however, we decided to wait.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

Since the rain has stopped, the match can restart; our team is ahead.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

Vinit listened until the teacher finished, and then he raised his hand.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

We must hurry so that we are not late; otherwise, we may not be allowed to enter the hostel.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

The penthouse that you like is for rent, but it is expensive.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

Shimona was nervous before she auditioned; therefore, she did not do well.

Dependent:_____________________________________

Independent:_____________________________________

B. Join the following sentences to make compound–complex sentences:

I don’t like this restaurant. The food here is not good. The waiters are also unfriendly.

I did not have much time. I could not read the report. I’m sure it is well prepared.

The students who came to the class yesterday knew about the test. The rest were taken by surprise.

The doctor asked my father to do more exercise. She thinks he is in poor health. My father refuses to listen.

Sana teaches children. The children live in her neighbourhood. She teaches them in the evening.

I haven’t had the time to go lately. I haven’t found anyone to go with. I like to go hiking.

I enjoyed my break. I’m glad to come back to school. I missed seeing your smiling faces.

They went on vacation. Misha found the babysitter. Mayank booked the plane tickets.

My dog runs to me. I come home. He licks my face.

I started reading Harry Potter last week. I’ve been reading it every chance I get. I’m almost finished with it.

Researchers have identified the bacteria. These bacteria cause disease. They have not found a cure for the disease.

You can come with us. Ask your mother. You can also stay home and study.

The shop got the items. Tina had requested those items. She has not picked them up yet.

I miss my maths teacher. She was really nice. The new maths teacher is also a lovely person.

She wanted to know more about her aunt’s job. Her aunt is a journalist.

C. Rewrite the compound sentences below into compound–complex sentences by adding the dependent clauses in brackets. The first one has been done as an example.

Dependent Clauses: (Until I feel better) (Whenever I am sick)

My father makes vegetables soup, and my mother reads to me.

Dependent Clause: (as soon as we arrived)

We went to the game, but it started to rain.

Dependent Clause: (if the weather is bad)

We’ll go rafting, or we might stay in a hotel.

Dependent Clause: (until the people left the stadium)

We bought our tickets, but we couldn’t go in.

Dependent Clauses: (While I do my work) (when I get home)

You can play in the park, or you can go cycling.

2

Ellipsis

Read the following sentences:

We went to the mall, shopped, ate lunch and arrived home after midnight.

We went to the mall … and arrived home after midnight.

Did you notice that in the second sentence, we have omitted certain words (shopped, ate lunch) and replaced them with three dots?

These three dots are called ellipses.

Usage of the Ellipse

Omitting Words in the Middle

Without ellipses:

Today, after months of planning, we are proud to launch our new book.

With ellipses:

Today… we are proud to launch our new book.

Did you notice that the words ‘after months of planning’ have been replaced by the ellipsis? This increases the dramatic effect and the suspense, and it shortens the sentence making it easier to understand.

The use of the ellipses here represents a pause in speech. If we were listening to someone say this sentence aloud, they would’ve paused after saying, ‘today’.

Building Suspense

Ellipsis can be used at the end of a sentence to build suspense.

I am writing an interesting story, but …

The ellipsis at the end of a sentence gives the reader a sense of suspense as they're forced to imagine the end of the sentence themselves.

Showing Hesitation

When ellipses are used in the middle of sentences, they indicate the speaker or writer's hesitation.

Did you see Jennifer? She seemed… different.

I don't think … I can … do this.

The ellipses here show a pause before the next word, suggesting that the speaker is taking the time to carefully choose their words or, in the case of the second example, struggling to get their words out in the first place.

Omitting Words at the Beginning

Another place you can insert an ellipsis is at the beginning of a sentence. If you are using them to omit the beginning