Grammar Flashcards
What are the three fundamental building blocks of a sentence?
Subject
Verb
Complements
What does a sentence need in order to not be considered a fragment?
Both a subject and a verb (It needs to be more than a phrase)
What is the difference between a clause and a phrase?
Clauses contain subjects and verbs. Phrases are lacking subjects-verb combinations
What is the difference between a dependent and independent clause?
Dependent clauses require extra information to complete the idea of the sentence. Independent clauses can stand alone.
How do dependent (Subordinate) clauses often start?
When, if, because, since (These are subordinating conjunctions)
What are some examples of weak subjects?
It, there
What is nominalization?
Turning a verb into a noun by adding ‘-tion’ to it
What is a misplaced modifier?
A phrase involving an adjective or adverb that is not directly followed by the subject being described.
Where should adverbs be placed?
Next to the verb they are describing
What can be used instead of adverbs?
A stronger verb
Who does the action in a sentence?
Subjects
Who receives the action in a sentence?
Objects
What are the three main types of pronouns?
Subjective (e.g. I, you, she, we, they)
Objective (e.g. me, you, her, us, them)
Possessive (e.g. mine, yours, hers, ours, theirs)
When are reflexive pronouns used (3 situations)?
- When the subject and object are the same (e.g., The president’s advisor humiliated herself in front of the national media.)
- When the object of a preposition refers to the subject (e.g., The interns went out to dinner by themselves.)
- For emphasis or intensification (e.g., If marketing won’t conduct the end-user study, we’ll do it ourselves. OR I gave the report to Robert himself.)
‘Who’ and ‘whoever’ are what form of the word who?
Subjective
‘Whom’ and ‘whomever’ are what form of the word who?
Objective
Give your most charming sales pitch to _________ (whoever or whomever) answers the phone.
Use whoever
If who(m)ever ever arises as both the subject and object, use the subjective whoever.
If gender is unspecified, which pronoun should be used?
Make the subject plural so that a gender-neutral pronoun can be used.
Which one?
The bonus went to the team whoachieved its target.
The bonus went to the team that achieved its target.
The bonus went to the team that achieved its target.
Which one?
Travelers that want reimbursement should submit their receipts.
Travelers who want reimbursement should submit their receipts.
Travelers who want reimbursement should submit their receipts.
When using pronouns, what must always be remembered?
They must clearly and unambiguously refer to only one antecedent.
What is the difference between adverse and averse?
Adverse is something harmful (e.g. adverse consequences). Averse is a feeling of dislike (e.g. some are averse to change).
What is the difference between fewer and less?
Fewer is only to be used when discussing countable things, while less is used for singular mass nouns. For example, you can have fewer ingredients, dollars, people, or puppies, but less salt, money, honesty, or love. If you can count it, go for fewer.
What is the difference between number and amount?
Amount should be used with nouns that cannot be counted individually.
Number is the opposite
What is the difference between counselor and councilor?
Counselors give advice.
Councilors sit on a council.
What separates independent and dependent clauses?
Commas
How do we nominalize verbs?
Typically by adding ‘-ation’ or ‘ion’ to the end (e.g. evaluate becomes evaluation).
How do we avoid dangling modifiers?
Keep modifying phrases, adjectives, or adverbs close to the words they describe
How can we get rid of adverbs altogether?
Use stronger verbs
What are the different types of pronouns?
Subjective (E.g. I, we)
Objective (E.g. me, us)
Possessive (E.g. mine, our)
Reflexive (E.g. myself, ourselves)
How are companies addressed using pronouns?
Companies are singular entities, not people (I.e. do not use ‘they’ to describe a company
What is the parallel connective that matches with ‘either?’
Or
What is the parallel connective that matches with ‘neither?’
Nor
What is the parallel connective that matches with ‘not only?’
But also
What is the parallel connective that matches with ‘both?’
And
What is the parallel connective that matches with ‘rather?’
Or
What are some commonly confused homophones and other tricky words?
stationary / stationery
ensure / insure
sale / sell
adverse / averse
appraise / apprise
its / it’s
compliment / complement
accept / except
can / may
further / farther
number / amount
aid / aide
choose / chose
principal / principle
affect / effect
lead / led
cite / site / sight
counselor / councilor
advice / advise
allot / a lot
everyday / every day
then / than
whether / if
fewer / less
many / much
What is the difference between further and farther?
Further (Metaphysical differences) / farther (Physical differences)
What is the process in assessing parallel connectives?
- Make sure the chosen connectives align (E.g. either and or)
- Check to make sure the formatting of both connected phrases matches up
When are commas appropriate in clarifying a sentence’s meaning?
Commas should show non-essential information in the sentence.
Ex. Our engineers have, without a doubt, worked tirelessly on this upcoming release.
Which of these sentences portrays the name Wayne as essential information, and which sentence portrays the name as non-essential information?
SENTENCE 1: My son, Wayne, majored in economics.
SENTENCE 2: My son Wayne majored in economics.
Both are correct. However, sentence 1 uses commas to show that Wayne is the only son and his name is extraneous to the conversation.
Sentence 2 uses no commas and shows that Wayne is one of multiple sons and so his name is essential information.
When should ‘which’ and ‘that’ be used?
‘Which’ is often used to give additional non-essential (Non-restrictive) information (And so commas are used).
Ex. Lobsters, which are crustaceans, are trendy pets.
‘That’ is often used to give essential (Restrictive) information (And so commas are not used).
Ex. Interns that arrive early will receive free breakfast.
Do introductory words, phrases, and clauses need commas after them?
Yes, they do.
If it is an introductory element, you should insert a comma.
(See what I did there?)
What is the exception to the rule that commas should separate clauses from each other?
If the first clause is independent and shorter than five words, then the comma is optional.
Ex. I will go and she will stay at home.
Should Oxford commas always be used (Regardless of whether it is a strict rule)?
Yes, they clarify the meaning of a list.
What are the coordinating conjunctions?
What is the acronym?
FANBOYS
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
When are semicolons used?
To connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction; also, they may be used if a coordinating adverb is in place.
There is another situation; i.e. if i.e. or e.g. are used after the first independent clause.
Also, semicolons can be used as super-commas when other commas are present in a list.
Ex. Fidelity Investments builds operations centers in out-of-the-way places like Merrimack, New Hampshire; Smithfield, Rhode Island; Westlake, Texas; Covington, Kentucky; and Greenwood Village, Colorado.
What are some methods for inserting i.e. or e.g. into a sentence?
Semicolons and Commas
We have received approval for the new position; i.e., we can hire either one full-time employee or two part-time employees.
(Two independent clauses –> A semicolon is used)
This year, let’s focus on our greatest strength, i.e., our after-sales support.
(Only one independent clause. No semicolon needed)
Parentheses
We have received approval for the new position (i.e., we can hire either one full-time employee or two part-time employees).
This year, let’s focus on our greatest strength (i.e., our after-sales support).
When are colons used?
If a list follows a complete sentence.
Ex. I want to do the following three activities: make a sandwich, go for a run, and call my grandma.
Ex. The Volunteer Services intern will do the following three tasks:
1. Help the National Volunteer Services team to increase capabilities.
2. Develop strategies to enhance organizational volunteer engagement capability.
3. Research and make recommendations for expanding volunteer use.
What three punctuation marks come in pairs and allow for the addition of nonessential information?
Commas, parentheses, and dashes
What are hyphens used for?
Compound adjectives that come before a noun
Ex. We received first-rate service.
Ex. The service was first rate.
What is a floating hyphen?
Incorrect: The company offers either a one-hour or two-hour orientation session.
(OK, but why repeat the word “hour”?)
Correct: The company offers either a one- or two-hour orientation session.
How are titles of books, movies, and works of art capitalized?
Capitalize the first and last words, and all verbs, adverbs, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns, regardless of the length of the word. For all other words – mainly articles and prepositions – capitalize only those that are more than four letters long.
Ex. The Call of the Wild
Ex. How I Met Your Mother
Ex. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
Are compass points capitalized?
Only if they refer to a specific region.
Ex. Head five blocks east, and then take a right.
Ex. He lived in the South for years.
Which numbers should be written out and which should be expressed as numerals?
Zero - nine written out (Unless included as a percentage or in page numbers)
10 - infinity as numerals (Unless the number begins a sentence. Then, it should be written out)
Should percentages be rounded?
Yes, to the nearest tenth
Which is preferable, written fractions or numeric decimals?
Decimals > fractions
What is the most important numbers rule?
Consistency
What is one way to make verb usage clearer?
Keep the verb and subject close together
Which one?
SENTENCE 1: Only one of the company executives is fully insured.
SENTENCE 2: Only one of the company executives are fully insured.
SENTENCE 1: Only one of the company executives is fully insured.
REVISED SENTENCE 1: Of the company executives, only one is fully insured.
What are some indefinite pronouns that are always singular?
Anyone
Either*
Everything
Nothing
Anybody
Every
Many a
Someone
Anything
Everyone
Neither*
Somebody
Each
Everybody
Nobody
Something
What are some indefinite pronouns that are always plural?
Both
Few
Several
Many
Are singular or plural verb forms used in parallel connectives (E.g. Either/or; neither/nor; not only/but also)?
The subject closer to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural. If both subjects are singular, so is the verb.
Neither the consultants nor the regulator is knowledgeable about the industry.
Either the coach or the players are not working hard enough.
When are “All, Most, Any, None, More, Some” accompanied by a singular or plural verb?
If the quantity is countable, then the indefinite pronoun takes a plural verb; if you can’t count it, then use the singular verb.
Some managers prefer face-to-face performance reviews.
None of the coupons were redeemed.
All of the work is finished.
Some patience is required to complete this task.
What makes a verb tense perfect (Past, present, or future)?
Using the verb has with the verb
I had been sick for three days.
I have been sick for three days.
I will have been sick three days.
Permanent truths or conditions should be expressed in what tense?
Present.
What did you say your name is?
NOT: What did you say your name was?
Clean or flawed? I would have liked to have seen the movie.
Flawed. I would have liked to see the movie.
Which is preferable, active or passive voice?
Active voice > passive voice
When is passive voice preferred?
In order to tactfully minimize a negative situation, and to spotlight a person’s achievements.
What are the three most common moods our sentences express?
Indicative (Statements)
Imperative (Orders)
Subjunctive (Uncertainty) (Possibility, hope, hypothetical)
What form of the verb to be should be used in the hypothetical of the subjunctive mood?
Were
Ex. If I were in charge, I’d make some changes.
When are commas appropriate in clarifying a sentence’s meaning?
Commas should show non-essential information in the sentence.
Ex. Our engineers have, without a doubt, worked tirelessly on this upcoming release.
Which of these sentences portrays the name Wayne as essential information, and which sentence portrays the name as non-essential information?
SENTENCE 1: My son, Wayne, majored in economics.
SENTENCE 2: My son Wayne majored in economics.
Both are correct. However, sentence 1 uses commas to show that Wayne is the only son and his name is extraneous to the conversation.
Sentence 2 uses no commas and shows that Wayne is one of multiple sons and so his name is essential information.
When should ‘which’ and ‘that’ be used?
‘Which’ is often used to give additional non-essential (Non-restrictive) information (And so commas are used).
Ex. Lobsters, which are crustaceans, are trendy pets.
‘That’ is often used to give essential (Restrictive) information (And so commas are not used).
Ex. Interns that arrive early will receive free breakfast.
Do introductory words, phrases, and clauses need commas after them?
Yes, they do.
If it is an introductory element, you should insert a comma.
(See what I did there?)
What is the exception to the rule that commas should separate clauses from each other?
If the first clause is independent and shorter than five words, then the comma is optional.
Ex. I will go and she will stay at home.
Should Oxford commas always be used (Regardless of whether it is a strict rule)?
Yes, they clarify the meaning of a list.
What are the coordinating conjunctions?
What is the acronym?
FANBOYS
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
When are semicolons used?
To connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction; also, they may be used if a coordinating adverb is in place.
There is another situation; i.e. if i.e. or e.g. are used after the first independent clause.
Also, semicolons can be used as super-commas when other commas are present in a list.
Ex. Fidelity Investments builds operations centers in out-of-the-way places like Merrimack, New Hampshire; Smithfield, Rhode Island; Westlake, Texas; Covington, Kentucky; and Greenwood Village, Colorado.
What are some methods for inserting i.e. or e.g. into a sentence?
Semicolons and Commas
We have received approval for the new position; i.e., we can hire either one full-time employee or two part-time employees.
(Two independent clauses –> A semicolon is used)
This year, let’s focus on our greatest strength, i.e., our after-sales support.
(Only one independent clause. No semicolon needed)
Parentheses
We have received approval for the new position (i.e., we can hire either one full-time employee or two part-time employees).
This year, let’s focus on our greatest strength (i.e., our after-sales support).
When are colons used?
If a list follows a complete sentence.
Ex. I want to do the following three activities: make a sandwich, go for a run, and call my grandma.
Ex. The Volunteer Services intern will do the following three tasks:
1. Help the National Volunteer Services team to increase capabilities.
2. Develop strategies to enhance organizational volunteer engagement capability.
3. Research and make recommendations for expanding volunteer use.
What three punctuation marks come in pairs and allow for the addition of nonessential information?
Commas, parentheses, and dashes
What are hyphens used for?
Compound adjectives that come before a noun
Ex. We received first-rate service.
Ex. The service was first rate.
What is a floating hyphen?
Incorrect: The company offers either a one-hour or two-hour orientation session.
(OK, but why repeat the word “hour”?)
Correct: The company offers either a one- or two-hour orientation session.
How are titles of books, movies, and works of art capitalized?
Capitalize the first and last words, and all verbs, adverbs, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns, regardless of the length of the word. For all other words – mainly articles and prepositions – capitalize only those that are more than four letters long.
Ex. The Call of the Wild
Ex. How I Met Your Mother
Ex. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
Are compass points capitalized?
Only if they refer to a specific region.
Ex. Head five blocks east, and then take a right.
Ex. He lived in the South for years.
Which numbers should be written out and which should be expressed as numerals?
Zero - nine written out (Unless included as a percentage or in page numbers)
10 - infinity as numerals (Unless the number begins a sentence. Then, it should be written out)
Should percentages be rounded?
Yes, to the nearest tenth
Which is preferable, written fractions or numeric decimals?
Decimals > fractions
What is the most important rule in formatting numbers?
Consistency
