English review
Correcting run-ons
1. Use a period to create two separate sentences. 2. Use a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or nor, for, so, or yet) to connect ideas. 3. Use a semicolon to connect ideas. 4. Use a semicolon followed by a transitional word or phrase to word or phrase to connect ideas. 5. Use a dependent word (although, because, when, etc) to connect ideas.
Comma
A _______ is usually unnecessary when the sentence starts with an independent clause followed by a dependent clause. Example: Let me know now if you are not sure about this.
Comma
A _________ should precede the term etc. Many authorities also recommend a ________ after etc. when it is placed midsentence. Example: Sleeping bags, pans, warm clothing, etc., are in the tent.
Colon
A ____________ instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion. If a complete sentence follows a colon, as in the previous example, authorities are divided over whether to capitalize the first word. Some writers and editors feel that capitalizing a complete sentence after a colon is always advisable. Others advise against it. Still others regard it as a judgment call: If what follows the __________ is closely related to what precedes it, there is no need for a capital. But if what follows is a general or formal statement, many writers and editors capitalize the first word. Example: Remember the old saying: Be careful what you wish for.
Semicolon
A _____________ can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences. Examples: Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then. We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract.
Preposition
A _____________ is a word or set of words that indicates location (in, near, beside, on top of) or some other relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of the sentence (about, after, besides, instead of, in accordance with). A ______ isn't a _______ unless it goes with a related noun or pronoun, called the object of the _____________. Examples: Let's meet before noon. Before is a preposition; noon is its object. We've never met before. There is no object; before is an adverb modifying met.
Semicolon
A _____________ may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
Colon
A capital letter generally does not introduce a word, phrase, or incomplete sentence following a __________. Examples: He got what he worked for: a promotion He got what he worked for: a promotion that paid a higher wage.
Oxymoron
A figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase. A device that puts two contradictory ideas together to create complex meaning. (See top photo) Their relationship was an open secret. The sight of the living dead shuffling below sent a blazing chill down her spine. It's hard to explain that comforting pain to those who don't understand.
Phrase
A group of words that is missing a subject or a verb or both.
Foreshadowing
A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader Words, phrases, or events that hint or suggest to the reader what's going to happen in the story. .
Symbolism
A person, place or object which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well. Using objects or action to mean something more than what appears on the surface. The dawn of a new day often is used to symbolize a new beginning. The albatross in in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" symbolizes a burden: Ah ! well a-day ! what evil looks / Had I from old and young ! / Instead of the cross, the Albatross / About my neck was hung In daily life, people often associate colors with ideas. Black with death. Red with love. White with purity or peace.
Onomatopoeia
A word that imitates the sound it represents. Words whose sound mimics natural sounds or sounds of an object. These words help bring the reader into the scene by working on the senses. Bang! Flutter. Buzzzzz! Hum. The birds tweet in chipper chatter outside the window. A loud bang jarred me from sleep.
Personification
A writer using __________ gives human qualities to something nonhuman. __________is an effective way to add interest to your writing and can truly bring your descriptions to life. The last of these examples is one of the most famous uses of _________ in literature. "I stared at it in the swinging light of the subway car, and in the faces and bodies of the people, and in my own face, trapped in the darkness which roared outside." —James Baldwin, Sonny's Blues "These are the lips of the lake, on which no beard grows. It licks its chops from time to time." —Henry David Thoreau, Walden "April is the cruelest month." —T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land
Adjectives
An _________ is a word or set of words that modifies or identifies (i.e., describes) a noun or pronoun. ____________ may come before the word they modify. Examples: That is a cute puppy. She likes a high school senior. Adjectives may also follow the word they modify: Examples: That puppy looks cute. The technology is state-of-the-art.
Adverb
An __________ is a word or set of words that modifies or identifies or describes verbs, adjectives, or other __________. ________ answer how, when, where, why, or to what extent—how often or how much (e.g., daily, completely). Examples: He speaks slowly (tells how) He speaks very slowly (the adverb very tells how slowly) She arrived today (tells when) She will arrive in an hour (this adverb phrase tells when) Let's go outside (tells where) We looked in the basement (this adverb phrase tells where) Bernie left to avoid trouble (this adverb phrase tells why) Jorge works out strenuously (tells to what extent) Jorge works out whenever possible (this adverb phrase tells to what extent)
Independent clause
An ______________ is a clause that can stand alone as a sentence (i.e., it expresses a complete thought). An __________, like all clauses, has a subject and verb. When there are no dependent clauses in the same sentence as an _________, the _________ is a simple sentence. For example: I like coconut macaroons. (This is an __________ and a simple sentence.) I like coconut macaroons even though I dislike coconut. (This is an _____________ and a dependent clause. This is an example of a complex sentence.)
Fragment
An incomplete sentence. Every senctence must include at least one subjuect, and one verb, and every sentence must express a complete thought. If a group of words do not do both, it is a _______________
collective noun
Are words (such as band and team) that name a group of people or things but are singular-thus used with singular pronouns.
Semicolon
Avoid a ____________ when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. Incorrect: Although they tried; they failed. Correct: Although they tried, they failed.
Colon
Avoid using a __________ before a list if it directly follows a verb or preposition that would ordinarily need no punctuation in that sentence. Not recommended: I want: butter, sugar, and flour. Recommended: I want butter, sugar, and flour. OR Here is what I want: butter, sugar, and flour. Not recommended: I've seen the greats, including: Barrymore, Guinness, and Streep. Recommended: I've seen the greats, including Barrymore, Guinness, and Streep.
Colon
Capitalize the first word after a _________ if the information following the colon requires two or more complete sentences. Example: Dad gave us these rules to live by: Work hard. Be honest. Always show up on time.
Colon
Capitalize the first word of a complete or full-sentence quotation that follows a ________. Example: The host made an announcement: "You are all staying for dinner."
Infinitive
Consists of "to" plus the base form of the verb (to be, to go, to write)
Compound Antecedent
Consists of two or more words connected by And or Or ( ____________ connected by and are plural, and they are used with plural pronouns) ( ____________ connected by or may take singular or a plural pronoun. The pronoun always agrees with the word that is closer to it.)
Semicolon
Do not capitalize ordinary words after a _____________. Incorrect: I am here; You are over there. Correct: I am here; you are over there.
Oxford comma
Ex. My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. When the last comma in a series comes before And or Or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the ___________
Colon
For extended quotations introduced by a ________ , some style manuals say to indent one-half inch on both the left and right margins; others say to indent only on the left margin. Quotation marks are not used. Example: The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter: Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in the translucent glass of the overhead light. Her father was in "hyper mode" again where nothing could calm him down.
Colon
If a quotation contains two or more sentences, many writers and editors introduce it with a _____________ rather than a comma. Example: Dad often said to me: "Work hard. Be honest. Always show up on time."
Comma
If a quotation functions as a subject or object in a sentence, it might not need a _________. Examples: Is "I don't care" all you can say to me? Saying "Stop the car" was a mistake.
Comma
If a quoted question ends in midsentence, the question mark replaces a __________. Example: "Will you still be my friend?" she asked.
Comma
If something or someone is sufficiently identified, the description that follows is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by ___________. Examples: Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. If we already know which Freddy is meant, the description is not essential. The boy who has a limp was in an auto accident. We do not know which boy is meant without further description; therefore, no __________ are used. This leads to a persistent problem. Look at the following sentence: Example: My brother Bill is here. Now, see how adding two commas changes that sentence's meaning: Example: My brother, Bill, is here. Careful writers and readers understand that the first sentence means I have more than one brother. The ___________ in the second sentence mean that Bill is my only brother. Why? In the first sentence, Bill is essential information: it identifies which of my two (or more) brothers I'm speaking of. This is why no commas enclose Bill. In the second sentence, Bill is nonessential information—whom else but Bill could I mean?—hence the commas. Comma misuse is nothing to take lightly. It can lead to a train wreck like this: Example: Mark Twain's book, Tom Sawyer, is a delight. Because of the commas, that sentence states that Twain wrote only one book. In fact, he wrote more than two dozen of them.
Comma
If the quotation comes before he said, she wrote, they reported, Dana insisted, or a similar attribution, end the quoted material with a __________, even if it is only one word. Examples: "I don't care," he said. "Stop," he said.
Comma
If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, a __________ is generally unnecessary. Example: He thought quickly but still did not answer correctly. But sometimes a ____________ in this situation is necessary to avoid confusion. Confusing: I saw that she was busy and prepared to leave. Clearer with _______: I saw that she was busy, and prepared to leave. Without a _________, the reader is liable to think that "she" was the one who was prepared to leave.
Synecdoche
If you've ever called a businessman a "suit," called someone's car a "set of wheels," or been referred to a "hired hand," you've used synecdoche, a literary device that uses one part to refer to the whole. "10 Downing Street": The British prime minister's residential address "Boots on the ground": Soldiers A figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (as hand for sailor), the whole for a part (as the law for police officer), the specific for the general (as cutthroat for assassin), the general for the specific (as thief for pickpocket), or the material for the thing made from it (as steel for sword).
Comma
In sentences where two independent clauses are joined by connectors such as and, or, but, etc., put a ____________ at the end of the first clause. Incorrect: He walked all the way home and he shut the door. Correct: He walked all the way home, and he shut the door. Some writers omit the ____________ if the clauses are both quite short: Example: I paint and he writes.
Effect
Is a noun meaning "result"
Affect
Is a verb meaning "to influence"
Interjections
Is a word- such as Oh! or Hey!- that is used to express emotion.
Conjunction
Is a word-such as however, although, or because- that connects and relates parts of a sentence.
It's
Is the contraction of "it is" or "it has"
Who's
Is the contraction of either "who is" or "who has".
Person
Is the form a pronoun takes to show who is speaking, spoken about, or spoken to.
Voice
Is the form a verb takes to indicate whether the subject is acting or is acted upon.
Tense
Is the form a verb takes to show when an action takes place or when a situation occurs.
Its
Is the possessive form of it
Whose
Is the possessive form of who.
Parallelism
Is the use of matching words, phrases, clauses, and sentence structure to highlight similar ideas in a sentence. When you use _________________, you are telling readers that certain ideas are related, you create sentences that are clearer, more concise, and easier to read.
Comma splice
Many inexperienced writers run two independent clauses together by using a comma instead of a period. This results in the dreaded run-on sentence or, more technically, a ______________ Incorrect: He walked all the way home, he shut the door. There are several simple remedies: Correct: He walked all the way home. He shut the door. Correct: After he walked all the way home, he shut the door. Correct: He walked all the way home, and he shut the door.
Raise
Means "to elevate" or "to increase in size, quantity, or worth." The past tense of __________ is raised.
Lay
Means "to put or place something down." The past tense of __________ is laid.
Lie
Means "to rest or recline". The past tense of ____________ is lay
Rise
Means "to stand up" or "to move from a lower position to a higher position." The past tense of __________ is rose.
Nouns
Names a person, an animal, a place, an object, or an idea.
Appositive comma
Nonessential words, clauses, and phrases that occur midsentence must be enclosed by commas. The closing comma is called an _____________. Many writers forget to add this important comma. Incorrect: The man knowing it was late hurried home. Correct: The man, knowing it was late, hurried home. Following are two instances of the need for an _____________ with one or more nouns. Incorrect: My best friend, Joe arrived. Correct: My best friend, Joe, arrived. Incorrect: The three items, a book, a pen, and paper were on the table. Correct: The three items, a book, a pen, and paper, were on the table
Shift
Occurs whenever a writer changes tense, person, or voice. As you write and revise, be sure that any _____________ you make are logical- that is, that they occur for a reason.
Pronouns
Refers to and takes the place of a noun or another ______________
Comma
Similarly, use a __________ to enclose degrees or titles used with names. Example: Al Mooney, M.D., is here.
Verbs
Tells what someone or something does, did, or will do.
Preposition
The ________ like means "similar to" or "similarly to." It should be followed by an object of the ____________ (noun, pronoun, noun phrase), not by a subject and verb. Rule of thumb: Avoid like when a verb is involved. Correct: You look like your mother. That is, you look similar to her. (Mother is the object of the preposition like.) Incorrect: You look like your mother does. (Avoid like with noun + verb.)
Comma
Traditionally, if a person's name is followed by Sr. or Jr., a comma follows the last name: Martin Luther King, Jr. This ________ is no longer considered mandatory. However, if a _______ does precede Sr. or Jr., another comma must follow the entire name when it appears midsentence. Correct: Al Mooney Sr. is here. Correct: Al Mooney, Sr., is here. Incorrect: Al Mooney, Sr. is here.
Comma
Use ___________ to introduce or interrupt direct quotations. Examples: He said, "I don't care." "Why," I asked, "don't you care?" This rule is optional with one-word quotations. Example: He said "Stop."
Comma
Use ___________ to set off nonessential words, clauses, and phrases (see Who, That, Which, Rule 2b). Incorrect: Jill who is my sister shut the door. Correct: Jill, who is my sister, shut the door. Incorrect: The man knowing it was late hurried home. Correct: The man, knowing it was late, hurried home.
Comma
Use ____________ to set off expressions that interrupt the sentence flow (nevertheless, after all, by the way, on the other hand, however, etc.). Example: I am, by the way, very nervous about this.
Comma
Use ______________ to set off the name, nickname, term of endearment, or title of a person directly addressed. Examples: Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me? Yes, old friend, I will. Good day, Captain.
Comma
Use a _________ before and after certain introductory words or terms, such as namely, that is, i.e., e.g., and for instance, when they are followed by a series of items. Example: You may be required to bring many items, e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
Colon
Use a _________ rather than a comma to follow the salutation in a business letter, even when addressing someone by his or her first name. (Never use a semicolon after a salutation.) A comma is used after the salutation in more informal correspondence. Examples: Dear Ms. Rodriguez: Dear Dave,
Comma
Use a _________ to separate a city from its state, and remember to put one after the state, also. Example: I'm from the Akron, Ohio, area.
Comma
Use a _________ to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example: That is my money, not yours.
Colon
Use a __________ to introduce an item or a series of items. Do not capitalize the first item after the ________ (unless it's a proper noun). Examples: You know what to do: practice. You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing. I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour. I need an assistant who can do the following: input data, write reports, and complete tax forms.
Comma
Use a __________ to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable. Example: He is a strong, healthy man. We could also say healthy, strong man. Example: We stayed at an expensive summer resort. We would not say summer expensive resort, so no comma.
Comma
Use a ___________ after certain words that introduce a sentence, such as well, yes, why, hello, hey, etc. Examples: Why, I can't believe this! No, you can't have a dollar.
Semicolon
Use a ___________ before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms. Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.
Comma
Use a ___________ to separate a statement from a question. Example: I can go, can't I?
Semicolon
Use a _____________ to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. Incorrect: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho, Springfield, California, Alamo, Tennessee, and other places as well. Note that with only commas, that sentence is hopeless. Correct: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho; Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well. (Note the final ________, rather than a comma, after Tennessee.)
Comma
Use a ______________ to separate the day of the month from the year, and—what most people forget!—always put one after the year, also. Example: It was in the Sun's June 5, 2003, edition. No comma is necessary for just the month and year. Example: It was in a June 2003 article.
Colon
When listing items one by one, one per line, following a ___________ , capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation. Otherwise, there are no hard and fast rules, except be consistent. Examples: I want an assistant who can do the following: input data write reports complete tax forms The following are requested: Wool sweaters for possible cold weather. Wet suits for snorkeling. Introductions to the local dignitaries. These are the pool rules: Do not run. If you see unsafe behavior, report it to the lifeguard. Did you remember your towel? Have fun!
Comma
When starting a sentence with a dependent clause, use a _________ after it. Example: If you are not sure about this, let me know now. Follow the same policy with introductory phrases. Example: Having finally arrived in town, we went shopping. However, if the introductory phrase is clear and brief (three or four words), the _________ is optional. Example: When in town we go shopping. But always add a ________ if it would avoid confusion. Example: Last Sunday, evening classes were canceled. (The comma prevents a misreading.) When an introductory phrase begins with a preposition, a _______ may not be necessary even if the phrase contains more than three or four words. Example: Into the sparkling crystal ball he gazed. If such a phrase contains more than one preposition, a __________ may be used unless a verb immediately follows the phrase. Examples: Between your house on Main Street and my house on Grand Avenue, the mayor's mansion stands proudly. Between your house on Main Street and my house on Grand Avenue is the mayor's mansion.
Passive voice
When the subject is acted upon, the sentence is in the ___________________
Active voice
When the subject is acting, the sentence is in the_________________
Dashes
Words and phrases between ________ are not generally part of the subject. Example: Joe—and his trusty mutt—was always welcome.
Hyperbole
__________ is an exaggeration for the sake of emphasis, humor, or effect. _________ is commonly heard in everyday conversations, often when people want to state their position without seeming too direct. When used in fiction writing, hyperbole can be a powerful tool, allowing you to create a heightened sense of a feeling, action, or quality. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse. I've told you a million times. If I hear that one more time, I'm going to die.
Dashes
___________, like commas, semicolons, colons, ellipses, and parentheses, indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought. Experienced writers know that these marks are not interchangeable. Note how dashes subtly change the tone of the following sentences: Examples: You are the friend, the only friend, who offered to help me. You are the friend—the only friend—who offered to help me. I pay the bills; she has all the fun. I pay the bills—she has all the fun. I wish you would ... oh, never mind. I wish you would—oh, never mind
Dashes
______________ replace otherwise mandatory punctuation, such as the commas after Iowa and 2013 in the following examples: Without dash: The man from Ames, Iowa, arrived. With dash: The man—he was from Ames, Iowa—arrived. Without dash: The May 1, 2013, edition of the Ames Sentinel arrived in June. With dash: The Ames Sentinel—dated May 1, 2013—arrived in June.
indefinite pronoun
a pronoun that does not refer to a specific, person, place, thing, or idea; examples: everyone, everything, everybody, anybody, many, most, few, each, some, someone, all, nothing, nobody, and no one
Dependent clause
is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought so it is not a sentence and can't stand alone.
Alliteration
the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. __________ involves the quick repetition of the first letters, and therefore the first sounds, of words. The white witch wanted to write a new spell. New aunt Anita aimed to avoid annoying her tired sister.
Satire
the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.