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Academic Writing > Deviant Usage > Flashcards

Deviant Usage Flashcards

1
Q

What is deviant usage in grammar?

A

The use of words and expressions that depart from accepted practice, leading to poor writing quality.

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2
Q

What are misplaced modifiers?

A

A word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word it modifies or describes.

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3
Q

How can you correct a misplaced modifier?

A

Move the modifier to a more appropriate place in the sentence.

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4
Q

What is an example of a misplaced adjective?

A

Kweku ate a cold dish of cereal for breakfast.

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5
Q

How is a misplaced adjective corrected?

A

Place the adjective next to the noun it modifies.

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6
Q

What is a dangling modifier?

A

A modifier that occurs without the item it modifies.

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7
Q

How can dangling modifiers be corrected?

A

Change the main part of the sentence to begin with the term actually modified or convert the dangling phrase into a subordinate clause.

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8
Q

What is a comma splice?

A

Two sentences or independent clauses incorrectly joined by a comma.

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9
Q

Name one way to correct a comma splice.

A

Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

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10
Q

What is a split infinitive?

A

A grammatical construction where a word or phrase divides ‘to’ and the bare infinitive verb.

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11
Q

How can split infinitives be corrected?

A

Move the offending word so it comes either before or after the infinitive.

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12
Q

What is clear pronoun reference?

A

A pronoun should refer clearly to one unmistakable noun coming before it.

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13
Q

What are the three major pronoun reference errors?

A

Too many antecedents, hidden antecedents, no antecedent at all.

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14
Q

What is a rambling sentence?

A

A sentence that contains several clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions, making it excessively long.

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15
Q

How can rambling sentences be corrected?

A

Remove coordinating conjunctions and replace them with periods.

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16
Q

What are double subjects?

A

Sentences that contain two subjects, which is incorrect.

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17
Q

What is a sentence fragment?

A

A group of words that looks like a sentence but lacks an independent clause.

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18
Q

What is subject-verb agreement?

A

The rule that subjects and verbs must agree in number.

19
Q

What happens when a singular subject is used?

A

It always takes a singular verb.

20
Q

What is an example of subject-verb agreement with a plural subject?

A

The dogs play in the yard.

21
Q

What should you do when a compound subject conveys a singular idea?

A

Use a singular verb.

22
Q

What is a common error related to ambiguous pronouns?

A

Using a pronoun when the antecedent is unclear.

23
Q

Fill in the blank: A ________ is a group of words that looks like a sentence, but is not.

A

sentence fragment

24
Q

True or False: A misplaced modifier can lead to confusion.

A

True

25
Q

What is the rule for subject-verb agreement when using ‘or’, ‘nor’, ‘neither…nor’, etc.?

A

Make the verb agree in number and in person with the nearer subject

Example: Neither the windows nor the door needs to be painted.

26
Q

What is subject-verb agreement?

A

Verbs always agree with the subject in the sentence even if there is a phrase or clause between them

Example: The trees as well as the shrubbery are losing their leaves.

27
Q

When should a singular verb be used with collective nouns?

A

Use a singular verb when referring to the group as a unit

Example: The congregation is made up of Christians.

28
Q

What is an exception to the rule regarding collective nouns?

A

Scissors and trousers take a plural verb except when preceded by ‘pair’

Example: The pair of scissors is blunt.

29
Q

What type of verbs should be used with indefinite pronouns?

A

Use singular verbs

Examples of indefinite pronouns include: anybody, anyone, each, either, everybody, everyone, neither, somebody.

30
Q

What is parallel structure?

A

The balance of two or more elements in a sentence

Elements are parallel when one construction matches another: a phrase and a phrase, a clause and a clause.

31
Q

What is a common mistake in parallel constructions with coordinating conjunctions?

A

Non-parallel structures occur when different parts of speech are used

Example: At University of Ghana, cheating can result in suspension or even be expelled from school.

32
Q

What are correlative conjunctions?

A

Pairs of conjunctions that work together, such as either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also

Example of non-parallel: Selasi is not only very beautiful but also is very intelligent.

33
Q

How can you achieve parallel construction in a series?

A

Ensure all items in the series are the same part of speech

Example of parallel: The two girls enjoyed dancing, swimming and shopping.

34
Q

What is the first step in the three-step method to achieve parallelism?

A

Identify the part of speech being used

This could be a noun, verb, or phrase.

35
Q

What is the difference between ‘accept’ and ‘except’?

A

‘Accept’ means to receive; ‘except’ denotes exclusion

Example: I accept your invitation except for the date.

36
Q

What does ‘affect’ mean?

A

‘Affect’ is a verb that means to influence

Example: The weather can affect your mood.

37
Q

What does ‘effect’ mean?

A

‘Effect’ is a noun meaning result or a verb meaning to bring about

Example: The effect of the new law was immediate.

38
Q

What is the difference between ‘farther’ and ‘further’?

A

‘Farther’ describes physical distance; ‘further’ suggests quantity or degree

Example: I can run farther than you can swim.

39
Q

What is the difference between ‘fewer’ and ‘less’?

A

‘Fewer’ refers to countable items; ‘less’ refers to uncountable items

Example: There are fewer apples in the basket than before.

40
Q

What is the difference between ‘who’s’ and ‘whose’?

A

‘Who’s’ is a contraction of ‘who is’; ‘whose’ is a possessive pronoun

Example: Who’s coming to the party? Whose jacket is this?

41
Q

What does ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ mean?

A

‘Your’ is possessive; ‘you’re’ is a contraction of ‘you are’

Example: Your dog is friendly. You’re going to love it.

42
Q

What does ‘loose’ mean?

A

‘Loose’ is an adjective meaning ‘not secure’

Example: The loose screw needs to be tightened.

43
Q

What does ‘lose’ mean?

A

‘Lose’ is a verb meaning the opposite of win or to misplace

Example: I tend to lose my keys often.

Academic Writing (1 decks)

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