English Lit. Terms and Vocab
type of evidence
...
use of quotation marks
...
Fragment
A group of words that doesn't express a complete thought
Rule 5
Make a simple sentence
How to revise a run-on sentence:
Make it a compound sentence.
Question Marks
Make the sentence a question
Capitalize historical periods
Middle Ages World War 1 Christian Era Roaring Twenties Age of Louis XIV (*notice the WHOLE period is capitalized)
GUIDE 24: Adjectives
Simple This test is hard. Comparative This was the harder of the two tests. Superlative This was the hardest test all semester.
Active Voice
The subject of the sentence performs the action.
Passive Voice
The subject of the sentence receives the action.
RO
The store was closing the clerks were turning out the lights.
passive voice
The sugar water was relished by the hummingbirds. - is this sentence written in active voice or passive voice
Apostrophes
The superscript sign ( ' ) used to indicate the omission of a letter or letters from a word, the possessive case, or the plurals of numbers, letters, and abbreviations.
shades
buried souls
run on
early egyptians liked glass beads, blue beads were favored.
pan
earth god of woods and field
3rd person
story told by a narrator
1st person
story told by character
Examining the opposition makes your opinion...
stronger (Payne 20-22).
Punctuation Marks
symbols used to organize indicate structure and organize written language
Pronoun
takes the place of a noun (or a group of words that work as a noun) e.g. he, she, they, his, yours etc. Writers use them to save repeating a person's name too often in the sentence or passage. Some pronouns are used to make the reader feel involved in the passage, as though the writer is talking directly to him or her e.g. 'You know how it feels to quarrel with your best friend.'
Mr. Olsen never tires of talking about his grandchildren.
talking about his grandchildren-OP
Predicate
tells what the subject is or does
Mood or atmosphere
the 'feeling' associated with the piece e.g. tense, scary, upbeat etc.
limited point of view
the story is told from the perspective of one of the characters whose information is restricted to what he/she sees, hears, and feels.
subject
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
alliteration
use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse
Semi-colon
used to break up long sentences and lists or joins clauses that are closely related e.g. 'My close friend told me I should try it; but she wasn't going to do it herself.'
interjection
used to express stong emotion or surprise. "oh" or "well"
Possessive Pronouns
used to show ownership. do not use an apostrophe.
Use THAT after
verbs like REQUEST, RECOMMEND, SUGGEST, ASK, REQUIRE, and INSIST and after such expressions as IT IS IMPORTANT and IT IS NECESSARY. (EX: It is necessary THAT all papers BE SUBMITTED on time.)
ares
war god
Past Tense (Yesterday I )
was began became broke chose did ate fell flew gave went knew saw took
nominative case
when a noun or pronoun is the subject of a verb
objective case
when a noun or pronoun is used as the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition
fragment
whenever it thunders and whenever there is lightning
Verbals
words that appear to be verbs, but are acting as some other part of speech
verbals
words that appear to be verbs, but are acting as some other part of speech. (EX: READING and WRITING are fundamental skills that all of us should possess.)
Conjunction
words that are used to connect sentence , most common are nor, or, but, and , yet
argument/persuasion
writing that attempts to prove a point through reasoning. As one of the Rhetorical Modes of Essays, Argument presses its case by using logic and by supporting its logic with examples and evidence.
five Words Weak Writers Use
you, we, they, this, it
deucalion
zeus wiped out mankind and saved only him and his wife
metis
zeus' first wife- titan daughter
hera
zeus' wife- goddess of marriage and family
GUIDE 30: Commas used with introductory clauses
A third use for commas is to separate an introductory phrase or dependent clause which starts the sentence from the main clause. Dependant clauses starting a sentence typically start with words like since, when, if, although, because, after, as, when, and while.
AAMA
American Association of Medical Assistants
GUIDE 14: Pronoun / Antecedent Agreement
An antecedent is what is replaced by the pronoun. incorrect One of the men on the golf team left their clubs on the bus. correct One of the men on the golf team left his clubs on the bus.
plot
An author's selection and arrangement of incidents in a story to shape the action and give the story a particular focus.
Capitalize political groups and philosophies
Democratic party Communist party Transcendentalism (* note only the GROUP is capitalized not the following descriptor)
Subordinate Clause
Does not express a complete thought AND cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Verb Mood
Examples of the indicative mood are: Joe reads his e-mail daily. Does Joe read his e-mail daily? An example of imperative mood is: Please send an e-mail to Joe. Typically, subjunctive verbs are used to express a wish, doubt, or a condition contrary to fact.
My third cousin.
FRAG: Appositive
Coordinating Conjunction
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. (FANBOYS)
A member of the National Basketball Association.
Fragment
A secretary who typed well.
Fragment
A very confusing problem.
Fragment
Always rushing around.
Fragment
As though we had met.
Fragment
Because I like frogs.
Fragment
Corinne, a student in the evening division.
Fragment
Evacuated the residents of the area.
Fragment
Jumping up and down and never stopping.
Fragment
Most of the tenants in the organization.
Fragment
Never used an iron on this fabric.
Fragment
Often goes to the library on Saturday.
Fragment
Roasted a chicken.
Fragment
Spent five dollars at the country fair last night.
Fragment
The cash register near the door.
Fragment
The soldier in the blue uniform.
Fragment
The wooden toys in the display.
Fragment
Whichever is less expensive.
Fragment
GUIDE 15: Clear Antecedent / Pronoun Usage
Frequently the antecedent for pronouns such as it, which, this, they, and that are unclear. Incorrect Tom and Todd play golf on Friday because he gets a senior discount. Correct Tom and Todd play golf on Friday because Tom is a senior, and he gets a senior discount.
GUIDE 27: Gerunds
Gerunds are verbals formed by adding -ing.
Subordination
Giving prominence to ideas in the main clause and letting secondary ideas slide into the background
direct object
Glancing at the sky, she paid us a compliment. - "compliment" is a(n) _______________.
action verb
Glancing at the sky, she paid us a compliment. - "paid" is a(n) _______________.
indirect object
Glancing at the sky, she paid us a compliment. - "us" is a(n) _______________.
Good vs. Well
Good is an adjective (The quiche tastes good.) Well is and adverb or an adjective meaning "in good health". (He plays well. - Adverb My mother is not well. - Adjective)
Sentence
Has Kendal left already, or is she still here?
Nominative (Subject) Pronoun Case:
I he she we they who
RO
I can wait for basketball practice to start for I will finally get to be on Varsity!
Sentence
I can wait for basketball practice to start, for I will finally get to be on Varsity!
Sentence
I can't wait until I turn 16 because I will finally get to drive a car without my parents!
Example of a comma splice
I like cheese, it tastes yummy.
RO
I thought the first week of school was very easy but now I am beginning to feel the pressure.
GUIDE 39: Apostrophe usage with words ending in s
If the ownership word ends in the letter s, typically an apostrophe is placed at the end of the word. If the extra syllable caused by 's is easily pronounced, than the ownership word should end with 's.
GUIDE 20: Verb Usages with Compound subjects joined by or or nor
In sentences which use or or nor to join a compound subject, the subject closest to the verb determines whether to use a singular or plural verb. Correct Neither the actors nor the director ARE following the script very closely. Incorrect Neither the actors nor the director IS following the script very closely. inCorrect John or his brothers IS going to the party. correct John or his brothers ARE going to the party.
active/passive voice
In the ACTIVE VOICE the subject acts. In the PASSIVE VOICE the action happens to the subject.
direct object
In the sentence - "Our mother made a salad with almonds." is the object a direct object, indirect object, predicate adjective, or predicate nominative?
adjective
In the sentence - "Our mother made a salad with almonds." is the prepositional phrase adjective or adverb?
action
In the sentence - "Our mother made a salad with almonds." is the simple predicate action or linking?
no
In the sentence - "Our mother made a salad with almonds." is there a subordinate clause in this sentence?
salad
In the sentence - "Our mother made a salad with almonds." what is the complement?
with almonds
In the sentence - "Our mother made a salad with almonds." what is the prepositional phrase?
made
In the sentence - "Our mother made a salad with almonds." what is the simple predicate?
predicate adjective
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." is the object a direct object, indirect object, predicate adjective, or predicate nominative?
linking
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." is the simple predicate action or linking?
difficult
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." what is the complement?
are
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." what is the simple predicate?
sentences
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." what is the simple subject?
adjective
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." what part of speech is "difficult"?
adverb
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." what part of speech is "not"?
noun
In the sentence - "These sentences are not very difficult yet." what part of speech is "sentences"?
GUIDE 37: Colons
Incorrect The agenda items included: old business, new business, and future meeting dates. Correct The agenda items included old business, new business, and future meeting dates. Incorrect The following cities are being considered Dallas, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Correct The following cities are being considered: Dallas, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
GUIDE 21: Verb Usage with Indefinite Pronouns
Incorrect Each of the network computers HAVE an assigned printer. Correct Each of the network computers HAS an assigned printer.
Verb Usages with Collective Nouns
Incorrect Kelly's family are going to see the play tonight. Correct Kelly's family is going to see the play tonight.
GUIDE 34: Avoid using unnecessary commas
Incorrect Sam wore a new suit, and a new tie to the meeting. Correct Sam wore a new suit and a new tie to the meeting. Incorrect The two people, in the back of the room, are judges. Correct The two people in the back of the room are judges. Incorrect The reason he left early is, that he felt ill. Correct The reason he left early is that he felt ill.
GUIDE 36: Semicolon separating a series which contains a comma separator
Incorrect Students can take the test on May 5, 2011, May 12, 2011, or May 19, 2011. Correct Students can take the test on May 5, 2011; May 12, 2011; or May 19, 2011. Incorrect The franchise has restaurants in Dallas, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon. Correct The franchise has restaurants in Dallas, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and Portland, Oregon.
GUIDE 38: Apostrophe usage with words not ending in s
Incorrect We meet at Toms house every Tuesday evening. Correct We meet at Tom's house every Tuesday evening. Incorrect He is looking for a job with one weeks paid vacation. Correct He is looking for a job with one week's paid vacation. Incorrect The library had a large selection of childrens books. Correct The library had a large selection of children's books.
GUIDE 40: Periods
Incorrect Robert works at Apple, Inc.. Correct Robert works at Apple, Inc. Incorrect Class ends at 10:30 a.m.. Correct Class ends at 10:30 a.m. Incorrect Would you please pass forward your homework? Correct Would you please pass forward your homework.
GUIDE 32: Commas used with an appositive
Incorrect Steve Jobs the founder of Apple will be the keynote speaker at the conference. Correct Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, will be the keynote speaker at the conference.
Is this sentence correct?: Billy likes to go to the library, there is a nice coffee shop.
Incorrect---Correct Version: Billy likes to go to the library, because there is a nice coffee shop.
Conjunctive Adverb (defined)
Links two parts of a compound sentence.
Listening to the concert is sheer pleasure for Joan.
Listening to the concert-S
active voice
Louise made the coffee. - is this sentence writting in active voice or passive voice
Appositive Phrase
Noun or pronoun that describes or identifies a nearby noun.
"Self" Ending Pronouns
Pronouns ending in "self" should only be used when referring back to a previously mentioned noun or pronoun. ie: Correct: Katie said that the report was written by Kyle and her. Incorrect: Katie said that the report was written by Kyle and herself.
Example of a Fragment
Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical,chemical, and industrial engineering.
GUIDE 26: Conjunctions
When using conjunctions in a sentence, sometimes punctuation like a comma or semicolon is needed. Other times no punctuation is needed.
Sentence
Wherever I go after school, I have to take my little sisters with me; it's so annoying.
RO
While my mom fixes dinner, I have to work on my homework and my sister has to set the table.
Sentence
While my mom fixes dinner, I have to work on my homework, and my sister has to set the table.
Prepositional Phrase
a group of words consisting of a preposition, its object, and the intervening modifiers
Appositive Phrase
a group of words consisting of an appositive (noun or pronoun that follows another noun or pronoun to identify or explain it) and its modifiers.
Participial Phrase
a group of words containing a present participle(verb ending in -ing) or a past participle(verb ending in -ed, -d, -t, -en, -n), its modifiers, and its complements.
Phrase
a group of words that does not contain a verb and its subject and does not express a complete thought
Sentence Fragment
a group of words that does not express a complete thought
Sentence
a group of words that expresses a complete thought
Complete Sentence
a group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought
Simple sentence
a group of words, including a verb, that make sense on their own. Commonly used to describe a single idea e.g. 'The student asked a question.'
epic
a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
fragment
a sports magazine in the library
Adverb
a word that tells us how, when or where an action takes place. Its job is to give extra meaning to verbs e.g. ' Tomorrow I will build a snowman outside, carefully.'
coordinating conjunction
a word used to connect grammatically equal elements. These include and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet.
subordinating conjunction
a word which joins together a dependent clause and an independent clause. Examples are although, because, while, etc.
Idiomatic Usage
a word whose meaning can't be derived from the individual words in it. ex- to turn a new leaf over.
These indefinite pronouns are considered plural:
both, few, and many.
Plural indefinite pronouns
both, few, many, others, several
Parenthesis
brackets that are most commonly used to include extra information within a sentence e.g. 'She said to me (for the millionth time), "Go on, have a go."'
Dash
break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over
"The first, or introductory, paragraph begins...
broadly and narrows to a point" (Payne 42).
"The middle section, or 'argument,' is...
in block form and takes up most of the space in the essay" (Payne 42).
in medias res
in or into the middle of a plot; into the middle of things
ulsseus
latin for odysseus
A.S., a.s.
left ear
Don't you ever get tired of listening to the radio?
listening to the radio-OP
In an argument, you should appeal to...
logic/reason (Payne 29-31).
dramatic irony
occurs when another character(s) and/or the audience know more than one or more characters on stage about what is happening
situational irony
occurs when the outcome of a work is unexpected, or events turn out to be the opposite from what one had expected
Mrs. Norman enjoys playing bridge.
playing bridge-DO
Allow twenty minutes a pound for roasting the turkey.
roasting the turkey-OP
a whale may live 80 years, an elephant may live 70 years.
run-on
Transitions between paragraphs fall roughly into three categories:
standard devices, paragraph hooks, and combinations of standard devices and paragraph hooks (Payne 82).
After standing behind the counter all day, Jim likes to relax at night.
standing behind the counter all day-OP
Dashes
has three main purposes: to indicate a sudden change of thought; to lead to the unexpected; to give extra information e.g. 'I couldn't get out of it - but wait - maybe there was another way'.
A(n) ______hook is where the writer does not use the exact words from the previous paragraph but instead uses the main premise behind it (Payne 89).
idea
direct characterization
the writer tells us directly what a character's personality is like
An essay is...
the written expression of the author's opinion (Payne 13).
Conjunctive Adverbs are these words:
therefore, instead, meanwhile, still, also, nevertheless, however
concrete nouns
they name things that are touchable, visble, and audible, that is they are perceived by the senses.
The first rule of the essayist is_____before you write (Payne 22).
think
An opinion is what one...
thinks (Payne 16-17).
round character
this character is fully developed - the writer reveals good and bad traits as well as background
flat character
this character seems to possess only one or two personality traits - little or no background is revealed
atlas
titan whose punishment was to hold up the world
Infinitives
to + verb
a lot
to a very great degree or extent
The purpose of all writing is...
to communicate (Payne 13).
Subjunctive Mood
to express a wish or state condition contrary to fact. (EX: IT IT WERE NOT raining, we could have a picnic.)
"The function of the introductory paragraph is simply...
to introduce the subject and come to the point (the thesis itself" (Payne 42-43).
Mrs. Brent enjoys watching quiz shows on television.
watching quiz shows on television-DO
RO
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for my family is big and entertaining when they get together.
Sentence
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, for my family is big and entertaining when they get together.
passive voice
The package was advertised by the travel agent.- is this sentence written in active voice or passive voice
cause and effect
The reason something happens and the result of it happening.
Subject / Verb Agreement
The relationship between the subject and verb is that the subject determines whether the verb form is singular or plural. Incorrect The budget reports, along with the sales comparison, is completed weekly. Correct The budget reports, along with the sales comparison, are completed weekly.
Alliteration
The repetition of consonants make words flow and phrases easy to remember. It also helps draw our attention to a line in a poem or passage, or a particular image, and it can both slow down our reading or speed up the words in order to create an atmosphere e.g. 'A black-backed gull bent like an iron bar.'
Caught by the police officer.
FRAG: Participal
Baking cookies.
FRAG: Participial OR Gerund
For three hours.
FRAG: Prepositional
abstract noun
a noun that names a quality or mental concept
irony
incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs
sentence
lions sometimes climb trees and nap on the branches.
Subordinate Conjunctions
although, as, because, before, if, since, that, until, unless, when, where, whether, while
Present Tense (Today I _)
am begin become break choose do eat fall fly give go know see take
hephaestus
blacksmith of the gods
charon
boat driver in hades
Missuse of Conj.
both apples and oranges , but not the red ones or the green ones
A.U., a.u.
both ears
Correlative Conjunctions
both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also
verbal irony
occurs when what is said contradicts what is meant or thought
reflexive pronouns
reflect back to the person. pronoun refers to a noun or pronoun tha appears earlier.
collective nouns
represent a group of persons, animals, or things.
phlegethon
river of fire
styx
river of unbreakable oath
lethe
river of underworld- forgetfulness
archeon
river of woe
Look at the squirrel over there, what is it eating?
run-on
O. Henry was a short-story writer, at one time he was a cowboy.
run-on
pandora
"perfect"woman whose curiosity brought the world disease and badness
The two patterns of "major importance " in terms of sentence structure are...
"the 'strung-along' sentence, and the periodic sentence" (Payne 110).
the writing process
1. Prewriting 2. Drafting 3. Revising 4. Editing 5. Proofreading
hercules
1/2 god. a hero of greece
Most important words of titles are capitalized. Conjunctions and short prepositions are not (unless they are the first or last word)
A Man for All Seasons Of Mice and Men Rise of the West Amazing Grace
subject and verb
A clause has a ________________ and a ______________.
plural
A collective noun is __________________if the members of group act as individuals.
singular
A collective noun is _________________if the group acts as one unit.
Conjunctive adverbs are followed by:
A comma
comma splice
A comma is used in place of a semi colon, colon, or period to separate two different clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
independent clauses
A compound sentence has two ___________ ______________.
Coordinating Conjunction (defined)
A conjunction (like 'and' or 'or') that connects two identically constructed grammatical constituents
Metaphor
A direct comparison between two things e.g. 'My brother John is a pig.'
action verb
A direct object follows a(n) ________________.
Fused (Run-On) Sentences
A fused sentence contains two independent clauses which are joined incorrectly. Two independent clauses must be joined by either 1. comma 2. coordinating conjunction (Fanboys) 3. by a semi-colon. ; Independent clauses can also be separated into two separate sentences.
Run-on Sentence (defined)
A fused sentence where the writer joins one (or more) sentences without any punctutation between them.
comparison-contrast
A method of informing that explains something by focusing on how it is similar and different from other things
Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
A misplaced modifier occurs when the word or phrase it describes is not close enough to the modifier.
dangling modifier
A modifiying phrase or clause that does not sensibly modify any word or words in a sentence. Usually the actor is missing from the sentence. (Ex. "Reading a book, the black cat crawled onto my lap." The cat was not reading the book. To fix: add an actor to the sentence.)
Sentence Fragments
A part of a sentence that is written as if it were a complete sentence
sentence fragments
A part of a sentence that is written as if it were a complete sentence
Prepositional Phrase
A phrase beginning with a preposition
linking verb
A predicate adjective follows a(n) ________________.
SEMICOLON
A semicolon is used to separate closely related independent clauses, items in a series with a comma separation, and independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs.
Acting in high school and college plays helped prepare Tim for Broadway.
Acting in high school and college plays-S
"________ voice is direct, vigorous, strong" (Payne 95).
Active
How to change it into a compound sentence:
Add a semi-colon OR a semi-colon and a conjunctive adverb OR a comma and a coordinating conjunction
Fixing Fragments
Add more words to make sense
GUIDE 23: Adverbs
Adverbs typically tell where, when, why, or how. Incorrect John said he did GOOD on the test. Correct John said he did WELL on the test.
RO
After I leave school today, I am going to the mall for I have a dance to attend Friday night.
Sentence
After the holidays are over, I always get the winter blues and can't wait for spring to come.
Sentence
After the holidays are over, I always get the winter blues; therefore, I am not a happy person to be around.
Run on
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, he was not a scientist.
their
All of my brothers earned (his, their) degrees from Florida State University.
he or she
Almost everyone was surprised when (he or she, they) heard the news.
Sentence
Although I had stayed up late studying, I could only recall a few terms; I bombed the test!
When an antecedent is one of dual gender (student, singer, artist etc) use HIS OR HER or change the antecedent to a plural noun to avoid using the sexist, singular pronoun HIS. INCORRECT: Everyone hopes that he will win the lottery.
CORRECT: Most people hope they will win the lottery.
DO NOT use a colon after a verb INCORRECT: My favorite holidays are: Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Halloween.
CORRECT: My favorite holidays are Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Halloween.
WHERE refere to a place and should not be used as a substitute for THAT. INCORRECT: We read in the paper where they are making great strides in DNA research.
CORRECT: We read in the paper that they are making great strides in DNA research.
After working out Sandy always stretches.
CS
Fred hates running.
CS
Mary's car would not start.
CS
phrase
Can you go to the park when school is over? - "to the park" is an independent clause, a subordinate clause or a phrase?
Collecting stamps is a popular hobby.
Collecting stamps-S
GUIDE 22: Verb Usages with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are nouns which reference a group. Most collective nouns take a singular verb. Examples of collective nouns are: administration, board, class, committee, company, crowd, faculty, group, jury, and team.
Colons
Colons are used in the salutation of business letters. In business writing, colons are used at the end of a sentence or phrase introducing a list. A colon should not be used when the list is a direct object of the verb or a preposition.
GUIDE 33: Commas used with other sentence elements
Commas need to be used appropriately in dates, addresses, professional designations, degrees, and geographical names.
GUIDE 25: Prepositions
Commonly used prepositions are: about, as, at, before, between, during, except, for, from, in, of, on, to, under, and with.
Loves skiing.
FRAG: Gerund
Constant complaining helps no one.
Constant complaining-S
her
Each of the daughters followed (her, their) mother's footsteps.
resolution
End of the story where loose ends are tied up
his or her
Every student should proof (his or her, their) essay for Type I errors.
he or she
Everybody on the voyage complained that (he or she, they) were suffering from food poisoning.
his/her
Everyone complained that (his/her, their) food was cold.
subordinate clause
Everyone who signed up for the marathon should meet at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow in the parking lot. - "who signed up for the marathon" is an independent clause. a subordinate clause or a phrase?
GUIDE 41: Question Marks
Examples Are you going to the seminar on Tuesday? Explanation End a question sentence with a question mark. Examples The article in Business Week was titled "Is Outsourcing the Answer?" Explanation The title is a question, so enclose the question mark within the quotation marks. Examples Have you read the book "Tuesdays with Morrie"? Explanation The sentence is a question, not the title. Place the question mark outside the quotation marks.
GUIDE 42: Dashes
Examples Membership in the accounting society - it is a little expensive but worth it - may be obtained by applying in the ABSOC office. Explanation The comment is a separate thought, so it should be offset by dashes. Examples Boeing's first-quarter profits - almost $15 billion - reaffirm the company's 2011 targets. Explanation The comment is a phrase which needs to be emphasized. Use dashes to set-off the comment. Examples Three students - Joe Morris, Steve Howell, and Susan Pike - will represent the college at the conference. Explanation The list of items is separated by commas. Dashes can be used to separate these items within the sentence. Examples Haiti, Chile, and Japan - these countries have recently been hit with natural disasters. Explanation The dash is used to separate the introductory list.
Marty, Jerry, and Larry.
FRAG: Appositive
well
I am doing (good, well).
than
It was later (than, then) I thought it was.
The three cases of pronouns are: subjective, objective, and possessive.
Subjective (Nominative) Case Used for subjects of verbs and subject complements. A subjective-case pronoun performs the action. I we you he she it they who, whoever Objective Case Used for objects of prepositions and objects of verbs. An objective-case pronoun is acted upon. me us you him her it them whom, whomever Possessive Case Used to show possession. me us you him her it them whom, whomever
Taking out the garbage is not my favorite job around the house.
Taking out the garbage-S
tone
The author's attitude toward the subject
complete thought
The difference between an independent clause and a subordinate clause is that an independent clause has a ______________ _____________ and a subordinate does not.
GUIDE 16: Verb Tense
The three simple verb tenses are: present, past, and future. past tense verbs often end in ed. Future tense verbs have will or shall
active voice
The travel agent advertised the package. - is this sentence written in active voice or passive voice
irony
The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning
fewer
There are (less, fewer) people going to the concert than went to the fair.
Starting Fillers
There are or It is. Filler Used There are four managers who run the accounting department. Better Four managers run the accounting department. Filler Used It is the employee's responsibility to review the handbook. Better The employee should review the handbook.
independent clause
Tuesday we went to the Mardi Gras Parade, which is held every year in New Orleans. - "Tuesday we went to the Mardi Gras Parade" is an independent clause, a subordinate clause or a phrase?
Understanding a foreign language and speaking it well are two different things.
Understanding a foreign language; speaking it well-S
Unusual Single Verbs: criterion alumnus datum medium
Unusual Plural Verbs: criteria alumni data media
Rule 3
Use a comma and coordinating conjunction between independent clauses
GUIDE 31: Commas used with sentence interrupters
Use a pair of commas to separate non-essential phrases included in a sentence. These sentence interrupters often provide additional information that is not needed to complete the sentence.
Rule 2
Use a semi colon between closely related sentences
Rule 4
Use a subordinating conjunction to make a complex sentence
Rule 1
Use an end mark
GUIDE 28: Commas used with items in a series
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses. Ie: The branches in the U.S. government are executive, legislative and judicial. Better: The branches in the U.S. government are executive, legislative, and judicial.
Fixing Run-Ons
Using proper punctuation marks and conjunctions, and adding proper pronouns
participle
Verb that can be used as a adjective. *Present ends in -ing*-----*Past ends in ed.-d,-t,-en,-n (The TERRIFYING movie was rated "R"
Volunteering at the hospital is just one of Helen's activities.
Volunteering at the hospital -S
RO
When I get all A's on my report card, I get rewarded with money however, my parents make me save my money instead of going shopping with it
Sentence
When I get all A's on my report card, I get rewarded with money; however, my parents make me save my money instead of going shopping with it
RO
When I get sleepy, I get irritable and no one likes to be around me when I'm crabby.
Personification
When a non-living thing is given living characteristics. It helps the writer to bring the passage alive by introducing a human characteristic with which the reader can identify e.g. 'The vine is strangling that tree.'
verb
a content word that denotes an action or a state
Onomatopoeia
When the sound of the word imitates or suggests the meaning or noise of the action described. Writers use it to help the reader experience what is happening by recalling the sound that something makes and thereby improving the reader's ability to understand what is being described e.g. 'The buzz of the chainsaw.'
Run On Sentence
When two or more sentences aren't joined correctly because they don't use proper conjunction's and other punctuations
RO
Whereever I go after school, I have to take my little sisters with me it's so annoying.
Verbals
Word that is formed but used as another part of speech.
epithet
Word used adjectivally to describe some quality or attribute of is objects, as in "Father Aeneas".
singular
Words ending in "one", "body" and "thing" are ________________.
Repetition
Words or statements repeated for emphasis or special effect e.g. 'It was cold that night, very, very cold.'
Comma-splice Sentences
Writers must also avoid creating a comma-splice sentence when independent clauses starting with conjunctive adverbs such as consequently, furthermore, however, therefore, and then are used.
summary
a briefstatement that presents the main points in a concise form
static character
a character that does not change from the beginning of the story to the end
independent clause
a clause in a complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence
dependent clause
a clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb
Noun Clause
a dependent clause used as a noun
Adjective
a describing word. It adds meaning to a noun by giving more information e.g. 'The big dog.'
Verb
a doing or being word e.g. 'I walked to school today', 'I was happy'.
metaphor
a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
simile
a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with 'like' or 'as')
audience
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
Clause
a grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb
clause
a group of related words containing both a subject and a predicate.
noun compound
a group of words (usually two) that functions as a single part of speech
Gerund Phrase
a group of words consisting of a gerund (verb ending in -ing used as a noun), its modifiers, and its complements.
Clause
a group of words consisting of a subject and a predicate.
Dangling Participle
a participle or participial phrase, often found at the beginning of a sentence, that appears from its position to modify an element of the sentence other than the one it was intended to modify
character
a person or animal who takes part in the action of a literary work
prepositional phrase
a phrase consisting of a preposition, a noun or pronoun that serves as the object of the preposition, and any modifiers
absolute phrase
a phrase that is related to a sentence in meaning, but has no grammatical relationship to the phrase. Ex. "The movie over......,"
antecedent
a preceding occurrence or cause or event
indefinite pronoun
a pronoun that does not refer to a specific, person, place, thing, or idea (Ex: everyone, everything, everybody, anybody, many, most, few, each, some, someone, all, nothing, nobody, and no one)
interrogative pronoun
a pronoun that poses a question. ex. what, which, who, whom, and whose
relative pronoun
a pronoun that relates one part of a sentence to a word in another part of the sentence. (Ex: that, which, who, whom, whose)
Exclamation Point
a punctuation mark (!) used after an exclamation
Commas
a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate the separation of elements within the grammatical structure of a sentence.
Colon
a punctuation mark (:) used after a word introducing a series or an example or an explanation (or after the salutation of a business letter)
Allusion
a reference to a well-known person, place, book, song etc. that people will know.
passive voice sentence
a sentence in which the subject receives the action
interrogative statement
a sentence that asks a question
Complex Sentences
a sentence that includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause
Incomplete sentence
a sentence with enough parts missing that it can not be understood e.g. 'Anne got up because...'
Minor sentence
a sentence without a completed verb that is often used for emphasis. Many common greetings are also minor sentences. They can give a fast-paced, less formal tone.
Adjective Clause
a subordinate clause that modifiers a noun or a pronoun
exposition
a systematic interpretation or explanation (usually written) of a specific topic
example
a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding
The "full thesis" includes...
a thesis statement, a list of CONs, and a list of PROs (Payne 34).
dialect
a variety of speech characterized by its own particular grammar or pronunciation, often associated with a particular geographical region
intransitive verb
a verb that does not take an object. ex. lie, arrive, went
regular verb
a verb that forms the past tense by adding "ed" to the basic verb
transitive verb
a verb that takes an object to complete its meaning
Cliché
a well-known, over-used expression e.g. 'It's as hot as an oven in here.'
complement
a word often used to complete the meaning of an intransitive verb without receiving the intransitive verb's action and with copulative (linking) verbs to describe state of being.
nominal of a sentence
a word or group of words that can function as a noun
direct object
a word that receives a direct action from the subject of the sentence. Answers the question what or whom.
indirect object
a word that receives the action of the subject indirectly. ex. She gave Bill a present.
ABD
abdomen
abd.
abduction; abdomen
A picture-frame paragraph uses two things to create vivid images for the reader:
action verbs and descriptive adjectives (Payne 75-78).
"Whenever a verb shows the subject of a sentence doing something, the sentence is in _________ voice" (Payne 95).
active
In writing it is better to use _______ verbs (Payne 65-66).
active
AAROM
active assistive range of motion
apostrophe
address to an absent or imaginary person
parts of speech
adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections, nouns, pronouns, prepositions, verbs
ACTH
adrenocortiotropic
positive adjective
an adjective used when there is no comparison being made. (Ex: This is a HOT day.)
Pun
an expression that plays on different meanings of the same word or phrase. It may draw attention to an idea or create a humorous effect e.g. Mercutio, mortally wounded, says: 'Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.'
connotation
an idea that is implied or suggested
elliptical clause
an instance in which clause elements are omitted if the context makes clear what is being indicated. ex. Jessica had three dollars; Janie, one.
thesis
an unproved statement put forward as a premise in an argument
Coordinating Conjunctions are these words:
and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet
Examples of coordinating conjunctions
and, but, or, nor, so, yet
coordinating conjunctions
and, or, but, for, so, yet, nor; use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses
Singular indefinite pronouns
another, anyone, anybody, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, other, somebody, someone, something
singular:
anyone, anybody, anything, each, either, every, everyone, everybody, everything, nobody, someone, somebody, and something
Declarative Sentences
are statements and end with periods
Pronouns
are substitutes for nouns.
eponyms
are surnames of people used as descriptive adjectives for disease, instruments, sundromes, procedures, drugs, parts of human body, and other medical nouns.
interrogative pronouns
are used to ask questions. Who, whom, whose, which, and what.
chronology
arrangement of events in time
setting
arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where a play or movie is enacted
ABG
arterial blood gas
Conjunctive Adverbs
as a result, consequently, however, moreover, nevertheless
A
assessment
"The last, or concluding, paragraph begins...
at narrow point and ends broadly" (Payne 42).
Prepositions Introducing the Objects of Verbs (3)
at, of, for (Ex: glance at, look at, approve of, smells of, call for, look for)
A & P
auscultation and percussion
sentence
because the sun was shining, we went on a picnic.
Examples of subordinating conjunctions
because, when, if, as, since, although, though, even though
Past Perfect (I have )
been begun become broken chosen done eaten fallen flown given gone known seen taken
A.D., a.d.
before meals
a.c.
before meals
gender
categorizes nouns as masculine, feminine, or indefinite.
Idiom
combining words or phrases that aren't meant to be together
The best guide to transitions is...
common sense (Payne 84).
superlative
compares three or more persons, places or things.
comparative adjective
compares two persons, places or things. It is usually followed by "than". ex. colder than
oxymoron
conjoining contradictory terms (as in 'deafening silence')
X Subordinate Clause
consists of a subject and verb, but does not express a complete thought and cannot be seperated from the main clause
verbal phrase
consists of an infinitive (to choose), a past participle (chosen), or a present participle or gerund (choosing) together with any objects and modifiers it may have
subordinate clauses
contain both subjects and verbs, but they always begin with a subordinating conjunction (although, if) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that)
fates
controlled what happened to humans (death esp)
The CONSs "go on the left simply for...
convenience" (Payne 37).
and
coordinating conjunction
for
coordinating conjunction
nor
coordinating conjunction
or
coordinating conjunction
so
coordinating conjunction
yet
coordinating conjunction
Is this sentence correct?: Rosie refuses to eat all dry dog food, nor does she like canned food.
correct
incorrect Kirsten went to a matinee in the afternoon and she saw a play in the evening.
correct Kirsten went to a matinee in the afternoon, and she saw a play in the evening.
A(n) ______hook uses a word or phrase from further back in the paragraph in order to bridge the ideas between paragraphs (Payne 88).
deeper
persephone
demeter's daughter who is kidnapped by hades
Do NOT capitalize systems of government or individual adherents to a philosophy
democracy communism transcendentalist
noun
describes a person, place or thing
GUIDE 10: Objective-Case Pronouns
except and between Correct: Dr. Lawson asked she and I to present first. Incorrect: Dr. Lawson asked her and me to present first. Correct: Pam gave a cookie to everyone except John and I. Incorrect: Pam gave a cookie to everyone except John and me.
Exclamatory Sentences
express strong feeling
Independent Clause
expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence
hyperbole
extravagant exaggeration
True or False "Because" is a coordinating conjunction
false
True or False "However" is a coordinating conjunction
false
theseus
famous hero- defeated minotaur
achilles
famous soldier; fought at troy
Perfect Participle
for action that occurred before the main verb. (Ex: HAVING READ the directions, I started te test.
zeus
god of sky
Pronouns Who / Whom
he for who and him for whom. Incorrect Explanation Whom is going to the play? Correct Who is going to the play? A subjective-case pronoun is needed in this sentence. Rephrase as a statement: He (not Him) is going to the play. Incorrect For who were the flowers delivered? Correct For whom were the flowers delivered?
odysseus
hero in the odyssey who is trying to get home
Colon
introduces more information or shows divisions e.g. I have lots of reasons: I'm too scared, I'm too poor, I'm not interested, the rope might break, I value my life!'
prepositional phrases
is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.
objective case
is a pronoun that receives the action of the verb either directly or indirectly is an object pornoun.
"The first consideration (in writing the middle section), the most crucial for the beginner, is...
logical development" (Payne 48).
dryad
magical city
The "three general rules to guide you (in writing the middle section):
make the necessary concessions to the opposition ASAP, devote at least one paragraph to every major PRO argument in your full thesis statement, save your best argument for the last" (Payne 49).
talus
man of bronze who protected greece
Objective (Object) Pronoun Case:
me him her us them whom
The only pronouns that are acceptable after BETWEEN and other prepositions are...
me, her, him, them, and whom
hermes
messenger of the gods
gaea
mother earth. unmoved mover of greeks
A(n) ______hook uses two or more words from the previous sentence in order to make the connection for the reader from one thought to the next (Payne 88-89).
multiple
abstract nouns
name a feeeling, quality, or idea.
proper noun
names a particular person, place, object, or quality, and they begin with capital letters.
singular
neither, either, and are __________________.
Do NOT capitalize compass directions or seasons
north, south, west, east, spring, autumn, winter, summer
Object
noun being acted upon
appositives
nouns, or nouns and their modifiers, that rename or describe other nouns
penelope
odysseus' faithful wife
Sort Of vs. Kind Of
often misused instead of "rather" or "somewhat" INCORRECT: Jan was KIND OF saddened by the results of the test. CORRECT: Jan was SOMEWHAT saddened by the results of the test.
Ellipsis (...)
omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences. Can be used to show a pause and help build tension e.g. '
Prepositions for Time, Place, and Introducing Objects (10)
on, at, in, since, for, by, from-to, from-until, during, within
The thesis of your essay is your opinion boiled down to...
one arguable statement (Payne 25).
cyclopes
one eyed monster
Simple Sentences
one independent clause
Complex sentence
one main clause joined to one or more sub-ordinate clauses. Used to express an idea that requires more elaboration e.g. 'The student asked a question when he had a problem with his class work.'
dynamic character
one whose character changes in the course of the play or story
The characteristic when makes an opinion the most interesting is the presence of...
opposition (Payne 19).
conflict
opposition between or among characters or forces in a literary work that spurs or motivates the action of a plot (internal, external; person vs. person, self, nature, society)
sentence
paper clips are useful items.
A(n) _____ _______ is when the last word of the first paragraph is hooked into the first sentence of the second paragraph (Payne 87-88).
paragraph hook
compound predicates
predicates made up of two or more verbs and their objects
I remember promising Steve my old bike.
promising Steve my old bike-DO
Facts can be...
proven (Payne 17).
indefinite pronouns
refer to persons or things in general.
personal pronouns
refer to specific people and things.
Do you like sailing on the lake?
sailing on the lake-DO
Parallel Structure
same idea, same grammatical form
as we entered the house, the telephone rang.
sentence
my spaniel wont chase the ball because he is lazy
sentence
Compound-Complex Sentences
sentence that combines elements of both compound and complex sentences
Ungrammatical sentences
sentences that break 'the rules' of grammar e.g. sentences that start with a conjunction. Often used to give a colloquial/informal tone or to show the thoughts of a character.
possessive case
shows ownership or possession.
Tone
shows the writer's attitude about the topic of the piece. It might be angry, sarcastic, passionate or sad, and so on.
Standard devices for transitions between paragraphs are...
simple and obvious, specific words and phrases (Payne 83-84).
perseus
slayed medusa (went to gray sisters)
paris
soldier in Trojan war. also a prince who married hellen (started war)
topic
some situation or event that is thought about
Main Clause
sometimes called an independent clause; consists of a subject and verb, expresses a complete thought
icarus
son of daeldaus; died flying too close to sun with wax wings
description
sort or variety
infinitive
the basic form of a verb, usually preceded by the preposition "to"
When quoting several paragraphs, place quotation marks at...
the beginning of EACH paragraph and at the END of the last paragraph.
possessive case
the case expressing ownership
indirect characterization
the character is revealed through their personality, appearance, words, actions, and effect on others
antagonist
the character who works against the protagonist in the story
denouement
the final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work
Syntax
the grammatical arrangement of words in sentences
epic hero
the main character or protagonist in an epic that heroically larger than life, often the source and subject of a legend or a national hero
Diction
the manner in which something is expressed in words
denotation
the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression
omniscient point of view
the narrator is capable of knowing, telling, and seeing all
antecedent
the noun, usually before the pronoun, that the pronoun replaces.
Indirect Object
the object that is the recipient or beneficiary of the action of the verb
Direct Object
the object that receives the direct action of the verb
protagonist
the principal character in a work of fiction
purpose
the quality of being determined to do or achieve something
Use nominative case for
the subject of an elliptical clause (Molly is more experience than HE.) the subject of a subordinate clause (Robert is the driver WHO reported the accident.) the complement of an infinitive with no expressed subject (I would not want to be HE.)
active voice
the subject performs the action
sentence
the thunderstorm began at three o'clock
3rd person narrative point of view
the writer is outside the story - 'he', 'she' and 'they' will indicate that the narrator is third person e.g. 'Tom was not feeling like going to football practice. His mother sensed this and decided to psych him up by telling him what a great match he palyed last week.'
Prepositions Indicating Direction (5)
to, onto, into, on, in
wordiness
too many words so that what the author is saying is not clear or is repetitive
True or False Coordinating Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses.
true
When deciding between WHO and WHOM...
try substituting HE for WHO and HIM for whom
The best place to use "however" is...
tucked in the middle of a sentence with commas on both sides (Payne 85-86).
Coordinate Clauses
two clauses that have equal importance. ex. the ice melted. the sun came out. "the ice melted and the sun came out."
Compound Sentence
two or more independent clauses
Compound sentence
two or more main clauses (simple sentences) joined together with a conjunction or separated by a semi-colon. They give us more information than a simple sentence by developing a basic idea e.g. 'The student asked a question and the teacher answered it.'
Compound-complex sentence
two or more main clauses linked to one or more subordinate clauses e.g. 'The student asked a question and the teacher answered it because the teacher knew the student needed help.'
Parallel Structure
two or more sentence elements have the same relationship with one another in the sentence. ie: IBM employs project managers, system analysts, and network administrators. Not Parallel: IBM employs project managers, system analysts, and people who manage hardware.
Run-On Sentence
two or more sentences joined without adequate punctuation or connecting words
GUIDE 19: Verb Usage with Compound subjects joined by and
two or more singular nouns or pronouns are joined by the conjunction and. When this occurs, the subject is considered to be plural and a plural verb must be used.
run ons
two sentences joined without punctuation or a connecting word
Sentence
Before I leave the house in the mornings, I have to get my little brothers ready for school.
her
Neither of my sisters remembered to purchase (her, their) tickets.
his
Neither of the actors could remember (his, their) lines correctly.
mnemosyne
greek goddess of time, remembrance, etc
trojan horse
greeks used this to sneak into sparta (gave it as a gift- had soldiers inside)
The only requirement for choosing a subject for an essay is...
know enough to arrive at an opinion (Payne 13-16).
"Whenever you create sound with an active verb, you are taking advantage of...
"'audio active' verbs" (Payne 98).
An example of substitute second person is:
"A person..." (Payne 63).
The two commandments of style in writing (until you are more experienced) are:
"Do not use first person" and "Do not use 'there'--ever" (Payne 61).
An example of first person is:
"I..." (Payne 63).
The rule to remember in terms of voice and creating vivid images in the reader's mind is:
"Make your subject do something" (Payne 99).
An example of substitute first person is:
"One..." (Payne 63).
Missuse of P. Marks
"What?,no !"
An example of second person is:
"You..." (Payne 63).
The basic structure of an essay is...
"an introduction, a body, and a conclusion...a beginning, a middle, and an end" (Payne 40).
epimetheus
"backwards thinking"
prometheus
"fore sight" knew what side would win (sided with gods) later punished for giving men fire
"The one thing you can borrow from if your written words are ever to achieve an air of naturalness is..."
"the rhythm of speech" (Payne 106).
"The first principle of rhythm in writing, to capture the basic rhythm of speech, is..."
"variation of sentence length" (Payne 107-108).
It's
(It's, Its) been a good day today.
negation
(logic) a proposition that is true if and only if another proposition is false
narration
(rhetoric) the second section of an oration in which the facts are set forth
Simile
A phrase that compares two things using like or as. They are used by writers and poets to help us picture in our minds what they are writing about. They add colour and vitality to writing e.g. 'My brother John eats like a pig.'
linking verb
A predicate nominative follows a(n) __________________.
subject, predicate and complete thought.
A sentence is a group of related words with a ___________, ______________ and ____________ _______________.
Interrogative Sentence
A sentence that asks a question
complex sentence
A sentence that has an independent clause and a subordinate clause.
epic simile
A simile developed over several lines of verse, esp. one used in an epic poem.
Adjective Clause
A subordinate clause that act like an ajective
Sentence
Because the game was cancelled, it was rescheduled on my birthday, so I had to postpone my party.
action verb
An indirect object follows a(n) ________________.
split infinitive
An instance in which the words that make up an infinitive are separated by one or more words. (Ex: to boldly go)
subjunctive
An uncommon construction used to express with exactitude how a verb usage is to be interpreted.
GUIDE 29: Commas used with independent clauses
Another frequent use of a comma is to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. (FANBOYS)
all ready
Are you (already, all ready) for the test?
Arguing with me takes much of my brother's time.
Arguing with me-S
Sentence
As Craig walked out of the room, Tim made a rude comment.
Sentence
As soon as the bell rang, I walked quickly to the bathroom because I was about to wet my pants.
Bad vs Badly
BAD is an adjective used after sentence verbs (look, smells, tastes, etc) or linking verbs (is, am, are, was, were) I feel BAD about the delay BADLY is an adverb It doesn't her very BADLY
Bird watching with binoculars is a popular pastime.
Bird watching with binoculars-S
WHILE refer to time and should not be used as a substitute for ALTHOUGH, AND, or BUT INCORRECT: While I'm usually interested in Fellini movies, I'd rather not go tonight.
CORRECT: Although I'm usually interested in Fellini movies, I'd rather not go tonight.
Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses connected by a conjunctive adverb. INCORRECT: He took great care with his work, therefore, he was very successful.
CORRECT: He took great care with his work; therefore, he was very successful.
After words like REASON and EXPLANATION, use THAT not BECAUSE. INCORRECT: His explanation for his tardiness was because his alarm did not go off.
CORRECT: His explanation for his tardiness was that his alarm did not go off.
DO NOT use a colon after a preposition INCORRECT: I enjoy different ethnic foods such as: Greek, Chinese, and Italian.
CORRECT: I enjoy different ethnic foods such as Greek, Chinese, and Italian.
It is not necessary to use a comma with a short sentence INCORRECT: In January, she will go to Switzerland.
CORRECT: In January she will go to Switzerland.
Incorrect Because Friday was a holiday the students had an extra day to study.
Correct Because Friday was a holiday, the students had an extra day to study.
Incorrect George will start his new job on Tuesday May 31, 2012 after the Memorial Day week-end.
Correct George will start his new job on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, after the Memorial Day week-end.
Incorrect He wanted to make the college track team, consequently he practiced every day.
Correct He wanted to make the college track team; consequently, he practiced every day.
Incorrect Karen Potter C.P.A. completed the tax return.
Correct Karen Potter, C.P.A., completed the tax return.
Incorrect Send the completed form to Sam Jones, 215 W. Pine St., Long Beach CA 90814 as soon as possible.
Correct Send the completed form to Sam Jones, 215 W. Pine St., Long Beach, CA 90814, as soon as possible.
Incorrect Stephanie and Candice who work in the accounting field are members of the advisory board.
Correct Stephanie and Candice, who work in the accounting field, are members of the advisory board.
Incorrect The report outline is due tomorrow, the completed report is due in two weeks.
Correct The report outline is due tomorrow; the completed report is due in two weeks.
Incorrect Tim moved from Phoenix, Arizona to San Diego, California in February.
Correct Tim moved from Phoenix, Arizona, to San Diego, California, in February.
Incorrect My bosses two sons were promoted.
Correct My boss's two sons were promoted.
Incorrect We meet at James house on Thursday evenings.
Correct We meet at James' house on Thursday evenings.
Incorrect Susan talking during the movie was annoying.
Correct Susan's talking during the movie was annoying.
Is this sentence correct?: This bowl of oatmeal is warm and delicious.
Correct: The coordinating conjunction is not separating two complete sentences. Therefore, a comma is not necessary.
Example of a Run-On
Jimmy and I went to the mall to buy some matching hats after we bought the hats we went to the food court to get some pizza.
Keeping a light on in the house helps discourage robbers.
Keeping a light on in the house-SUB
Sentence
Kimmi was furious and upset after she lost the tennis match.
participial phrase
Knowing this, the freshman class planned a carwash for last Saturday. - "Knowing this" is a ____________.
simple subject
Knowing this, the freshman class planned a carwash for last Saturday. - "class" is a(n) ____________.
adverbial prepositional phrase
Knowing this, the freshman class planned a carwash for last Saturday. - "for last Saturday" is a(n) ____________.
action verb
Knowing this, the freshman class planned a carwash for last Saturday. - "planned" is a(n) ____________.
direct object
Knowing this, the freshman class planned a carwash for last Saturday. -"carwash" is a(n) ____________.
its
Late in the evening, the jury finally reached (its, their) verdict.
Capitalize geological periods
Neolithic age Cenozic era late Pleistocence times (*notice only the main period is capitalized NOT the other descriptor)
When a conjunction connects two pronouns or a pronoun and a noun, remove the "and" and the other pronoun or noun to determine the correct pronoun form.
Mom gave Tom and myself a piece of cake. Mom gave Tom and I a piece of cake. Mom gave Tom and me a piece of cake. CORRECT: Mom gave Tom and me a piece of cake.
climax
Most exciting moment of the story; turning point
RO
My favorite Thanksgiving dishes are yams, stuffing, and homemade rolls my grandma makes the best rolls you've ever had.
Sentence
My favorite Thanksgiving dishes are yams, stuffing, and homemade rolls; my grandma makes the best rolls you've ever had.
phrase
My older sister, who is on the basketball team, practices after school everyday. - "after school everyday" is an independent clause, a subordinate clause or a phrase?
Capitalize Equatorial Current
NOT equator
GUIDE 35: Semicolon joining closely related independent clauses
One use of a semicolon is to separate two closely related independent clauses. If the clauses are too long, or if the two ideas are not related, two separate sentences may be needed. Many times the second independent clause starts with a conjunctive adverb like however, consequently, or furthermore.
Sentence
Outside the rain fell softly; it was a very cool fall day.
Use ACTIVE voice when writing
PASSIVE: The winning field goal was kicked by her. (Stressed the action) ACTIVE: She kicked the winning field goal. (Stresses the actor)
linking verb
Parents are examples for their children. - "are" is a(n) ________________.
predicate nominative
Parents are examples for their children. - "examples" is a(n) ________________.
adjective propositional phrase
Parents are examples for their children. - "for their children" is a(n) ________________.
"_______ voice is indirect, limp, weak" (Payne 95).
Passive
Participial Phrase
Play the part of adjective
Redundant Expressions
Redundant actual truth alter or change basic fundamentals each and every end result final outcome last and final past history true facts unexpected surprise write this truth alter fundamentals each result outcome final history facts surprise
Colloquial language
Relaxed and informal language that is used in common conversation. It is used be the writer to give a passage a relaxed tone and to appeal to a particular target audience e.g. 'Buzz off!'
Capitalize personifications
Reliable Nature brought her promised Spring. Bring on Melancholy in his sad might. She believed that Love was the answer to all her problems.
RO
Run-on Sentences are can be difficult to understand so it takes a lot of practice to do well with them.
Sentence
Run-on Sentences are can be difficult to understand, so it takes a lot of practice to do well with them.
Rushing through your chores will get you nowhere.
Rushing through your chores-S
2. A delivery truck blocked the way.
Sentence
Answer the phone.
Sentence
Brenda argued with the mechanic.
Sentence
Dr. Pearl Kendrick developed a whopping cough vaccine.
Sentence
Mr. Simmons, an accountant, audited the records.
Sentence
Ms. Parks had a determined look.
Sentence
Put the letters into the mailbox.
Sentence
Sally toasted the whole wheat bread.
Sentence
The banana bread sold quickly.
Sentence
The basketball player lunged for the ball.
Sentence
The phonograph needs a new needle.
Sentence
The radiator overheated.
Sentence
The student from Mexico spoke about her country.
Sentence
The water heather runs on gas.
Sentence
This book describes life in the future.
Sentence
Tina made vegetable soup for dinner.
Sentence
Toni explained her decision.
Sentence
Tracy wore hair braids.
Sentence
Vic turned on the radio.
Sentence
Warren strung a clothesline on the porch.
Sentence
Watch for the warning signs.
Sentence
Your argument influenced the panel.
Sentence
Imperative Sentences
Sentences that make a command or request
Run on
Some gardeners raise only flowers others raise only vegetables.
Standing during a two-hour train trip is not my idea of fun.
Standing during a two-hour train trip-S
subordinate clause
The CD that I wanted to buy was out of stock. - "that I wanted to buy" is an independent clause, a subordinate clause or a phrase?
their
The captains of both teams forgot the words of wisdom that (his, his or her, their) coaches had given the night before the championship.
passive voice
The coffee was made by Louise.- is this sentence written in active voice or passive voice
indicative mood
The indicative mood is used to make a statement or ask a question. Most sentences are in the indicative mood. -Do you like to play baseball? -I learned to play last year. -Baseball is my favorite game.
theme
The main idea of the story
RO
The new typist was very good she could type 75 wpm with ease.
prepositional phrase
a modifier consisting of a preposition together with its object and any modifiers
misplaced modifier
a modifier that is not placed near near the word it modifies.
Noun
a naming word. It refers to a thing, person, animal, substance, quality, or place e.g. coat, girl, cat, happiness, youth etc.
Gerund
a noun formed from a verb (such as the '-ing' form of an English verb when used as a noun)
countable noun
a noun that can be maid plural via changing the ending, usually by adding "s"
noncountable noun
a noun that cannot be made plural by changing the ending, usually by adding "s". (Ex: milk, juice, music, art, love, happiness, furniture, luggage, rice, sugar, electricity)
concrete noun
a noun that names a member of a class; a group of people, places, or things that is physical, visible, and tangible
demonstrative pronoun
a noun that points out a specific person, place, or thing without naming it (Ex: this, that, these, those)
Subjective-Case Pronouns
am, is, are, was, were, be, being, and been. ie: Incorrect: Her and I went to the dance. Correct: She and I went to the dance.
idiom
an , an expression having a special meaning different from the usual meanings of the words (example - "hit the road")
Dependent Clause
does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence
the muses
goddesses of the arts
falling action
events after the climax, leading to the resolution
rising action
events leading up to the climax
Present Perfect Tense
for an action that began in the past but continues into the future. (Ex: I HAVE LIVED here all my life.)
Present Participle
for an action that occurs at the same time as the verb. (Ex: SPEEDING down the interstate, I saw a cop's flashing lights.
Future Perfect Tense
for an action that will have been completed at a specific future time (Ex: By May, I SHALL HAVE GRADUATED.)
Past Perfect Tense
for an earlier action that is mentioned in a later action. (Ex: Cindy ate the apple that she HAD PICKED. - First she picked it, then she ate it.)
Use objective case for
for the object of a preposition (Just between you and ME, I'm bored.) for the appositive of a direct object (The committee elected two delegates, Barbara and ME.)
fragment
from the very first step of the dance.
apollo
god of sun
poseidon
god of the sea
hades
god of underworld
dionysus
god of wine
demeter
goddess of agriculture
aphrodite
goddess of beauty and love
hestia
goddess of chasity
artemis
goddess of moon
athena
goddess of war and wisdom
Prepositions Indicating Place or Location
in, inside, on, at, over, above, beneath, underneath, below, near, next to, by, between, among, opposite etc
fragment
incomplete sentence which may be a phrase or dependent clause. Tip: Often dependent clauses begin with words such as although, as, because, even, except, for example, if, since, that, which, and when.
number
is the form of a noun tha indicates whether it is singular or plural.
nominative case
is the person or thing talked about in a sentence
Your PRO list is longer, because ...
it "is the main body of your argument" (Payne 38).
1st person narrative point of view
it is told from the point of view of the writer. It closely involves the reader with the text and establishes a strong sense of immediacy e.g. 'I didn't feel like going to football practice but I felt a lot more enthusiastic after Mum reminded me of the great game I had last week.'
2nd person narrative point of view
it is written as if the reader was the character in the text. Very rarely used, but a good example is the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books e.g. 'You don't feel like going to football practice but you feel a lot more enthusiastic after your Mum reminded you of the great game you had last week.'
Comma splice
joins (or splices) main clauses only with a comma, not with a coordinating conjunction as well
fused sentence/run-on sentence
joins main clauses with no punctuation at all
Semicolons
joins two indepedent clauses,follows conjunctive adverbs, to seperate groups already with commas
midas
king who had an unhealthy love for gold
daedalus
king whose daughter was locked into a tower (atheseis)
minos
king whose wife ended up falling in love with bull because of his disloyalty to gods
Sentence fragment
part of a sentence that is set off as if it were a whole sentence by an initial capital letter and a final period or other end punctuation
allusion
passing reference or indirect mention
When the subject is having something done to it or it is "being acted upon", the sentence is demonstrating ______ voice (Payne 95).
passive
Active / Passive Voice
passive: The letter was mailed by Julie. Active Voice: Julie mailed the letter.
WHO refers to WHICH and THAT refer to WHERE refers
people things and places places
The goal of an argument/essay is to...
persuade (Payne 34).
participial phrase
phrase that contains a participle and its modifiers and functions as an adjective to modify a noun or pronoun, (Ex: They arrested the man DRIVING THE CAR.)
transition
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
predicate
the action of the sentence or what is being said about the subject
Subject
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
typhon
ulaea created this monster to defeat zeus for confining the titans (he was pinned under mt.etha)
Quotation Marks
use to show what someone is saying
"Your opening statement will relate to your thesis but...
will not take a position on it" (Payne 45).
satire
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
arachne
woman turned into spider by athena
