Elements 1: Usage Flashcards
1-How do you form the possessive singular of nouns?
You form the possessive singular of nouns by adding ‘s
Follow rule whatever the final consonant e.g. Charles’s friend
Exceptions are ancient names ending in -es and -is e.g. Jesus’, Moses’
1-Do pronominal possessives have an apostrophe? What is a common error when writing pronominal possessives?
No, pronominal possessives have no apostrophe e.g. hers, its, theirs, yours
A common error is to write it’s for its, or vice versa. The first is a contraction, meaning “it is”. The second is a possessive. Example:
It’s a wise dog that scratches its own flees.
1-What is the difference between pronominal possessives and possessive adjectives?
Pronominal possessives (mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs) are standalone pronouns that replace both the noun and the possessive adjective, while possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, our, their) must accompany a noun. For example, “This is my book” (possessive adjective) becomes “This is mine” (pronominal possessive).
C1-1-Do indefinite pronouns use an apostrophe to show possession?
Yes e.g. one’s rights, somebody else’s umbrella
2-How should commas be used in a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction?
In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last.
Examples:
red, white, and blue
gold, silver, and copper
In the name of business firms the last comma is usually omited e.h. Little, Brown and Donald
C1-3-Should paranthetic expressions be enclosed between commas? What are examples of parenthetic expressions?
Yes. “Parenthetic” refers to a word, phrase, or clause that is inserted into a sentence to provide additional, non-essential information or commentary. Examples:
Nonrestrictive relative clause (usually introduced by which, when and where; a nonrestrictive clause is one that does not serve to identify or define the antecedent noun; example: In 1979, when Napolean was born, Corsica had but recently been acquired by France
A subordinate clause that precedes the main clause of a sentence e.g. Partly by diplomatic skill, they enlarged their dominions to the east
A name or title in direct address is paranthetic (Well, Susan, this is a fine mess you are in.)
Abbreviations etc., i.e. and e.g. and abbreviations for academic degrees, and titles that follow a name (Rachel Simonds, Attorney)
3-What does ‘Paranthetic’ mean? What is its opposite?
“Parenthetic” refers to a word, phrase, or clause that is inserted into a sentence to provide additional, non-essential information or commentary.
The opposite of paranthetic is restrictive.
C1-4-Is a comma placed before a conjunction introducing an independent clause?
Yes.
Example: the situation is perilous, but there is still one chance of escape.
If a dependent clause, or an introductory phrase requiring to be set off by a comma, precedes the second independent clause, no comma is needed after the conjunction.
4-If the subject is the same for both clauses, when can a comma be ommited before a conjunction?
If the conjuncion is ‘and’ and the relation between the two statements is close or immediate
C1-5-How should independent clauses be joined?
If not joined by conjunctions then independent clauses should be separated by either a period or a semi colon; example:
Mary’s works are entertaining; they are full of engaging ideas.
5-What are the advantages of a semi-colon in joining two independent clauses versus a period or a conjunction & comma?
It can be better than a period because it shows a close relationship between the two statements.
It is also briefer than using a conjunction which can make it more forcible.
5-If the second of two independent clauses is preceded by an adverb such as ‘accordingly, besides, then, therefore, thus’ (and not a conjunction), what should be used to seperate the clauses
A semi-colon
A comma can be appropriate if the clauses are very short and alike in form, example:
I hardly knew him, he was so changed
C1-6-When is it ok to use periods in the place of commonly used commas?
Generally, do not use periods for commas. However broken sentences can sometimes be used for emphasis, usually in dialogue:
Again and again he called out. No reply.
C1-7-When should a colon be used after an independent clause?
A colon is used after an independent clause to introduce a list of particulars, an appostitive, an amplification, or an illustrative quotation
But even so, there was a directness and dispatch about animal burrial: there was no stopover in the undertaker’s foul parlour, no wreath or spray.
The squalor of the streets reminded her of a line from Oscar Wilde: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
C1-8-When should a dash be used in a sentance?
To set off an abrupt break or interruption and to announce a long appostitive or summary.
Use a dash only when a more common mark of punctuation seems inadequate.
His first thought on getting out of bed – if he had any thought at all – was to get back in again.
