Grammar Flashcards
Writing conventions
Basic rules of written language (grammar, spelling, etc)
Pronoun
Replaces a noun - she, he, it
Complex sentence
Independent clause + dependent clause.
Ex. Since you’re going to the store, can you buy some milk
Compound sentence
2 independent clauses joined by a comma and conjunction.
Ex. Dogs are mammals, but lizards are reptiles.
Verb
Action word
Compound-complex sentence
2 independent clauses & at least one dependent clause
Noun
Person place or thing
Simple sentence
Contains one subject one verb or one independent clause.
Ex. The water is blue.
Syntax
Rules of words to make phrases clauses or sentences
Subordinating conjunction
Connection used at the beginning of a subordinating clause.
Because, although etc
Preposition
Shows location
Ex. Above, behind
Conjunction
Connects two clauses
Ex. And, but, so, because
Modal
Verb to indicate modality (the degree to which an observation is possible):
Ability, likelihood, permission, can, could, may, should, might, must, have, to
Adverb
Describes a verb
Interjection
Conveys strong emotion
Ex.
Wow!
Adjective
Describes a noun
Relative clause
Attached to antecedent by a relative pronoun (who, which, that)
It modifies, adapts, or describes nouns/pronouns
Always dependent
Adverb clause
A dependent clause that functions as an adverb
The entire clause modifies the verb
My sister, when she is angry, will turn red in the face.
Adverb clause: when she is angry
Noun clause
A dependent clause that acts as a noun
Contain a subject and a verb
Verb clause
Independent clause that performs a verbal function.
Contains a subject and predicate
Adjectival clause
Also called a relative clause.
An adjective clause (also called relative clause) is a dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It tells which one or what kind. Adjective clauses almost always come right after the nouns they modify.
Split infinitives
Happen when you put an adverb between to and a verb
Ex. You have to really watch him.
Misplaced modifier
word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word it modifies / describes.
separation causes sentences with this error often sound awkward, ridiculous, or confusing.
Ex. On the way home Jan found a gold mans watch.
Gold is misplaced
On the way home Jan found a mans gold watch.
Gold modifies watch
Parallel structure
repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction.
We wanted to cook and to go swimming. (Not parallel)
We wanted to cook and to swim. (Parallel)
Subordinate clause
A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Compliments the main clauSe.
Has a subject and a verb.
Ex. If you win the award. (Subj. = you, verb = win)
Independent clause
Can stand on its own as a simple sentence.
Contains subject and predicate, makes sense alone.
Ex. I enjoy sitting by the fireplace and reading.
