Grammar Terms Flashcards
Abbreviation
An abbreviation is a shortened version of a written word or phrase used to replace the original (e.g., ASAP, bldg., Mr., Mrs., AC). Abbreviations may be used wherever acceptable. The commonly used abbreviations vary by industry or field of study or endeavor.
Adjective
An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun (e.g., tall man). It is termed a modifier because it adds something to a noun (modifies the noun). An adjective can precede a noun (black cat) or follow it (The meal was delicious). An adjective is sometimes used to modify groups of words, such as noun phrases (the astonishing turn of events) or noun clauses (it appeared obcious that the contestant was drunk).
Adverb
An adverb is a word or clause that typically describes or modifies a verb (He ate noisily). It can also modify an adjective (She is extremely short) or another adverb (He sang exceptionally poorly). In fact, an adverb can be used to modify anything, except a noun. This includes phrases (almost out of sight), participles clauses (a well-earned vacation), an pronouns (nearly everyone).
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison of two things which are alike in some respects in order to explain or clarify an idea or object by showing how similar it is to something familiar. Although a simile and analogy are somewhat similar, a simile normally is more artistic, done for effect and emphasis. In contrast, the analogy serves more to explain a thought process or reasoning, or the abstract, in terms of the tangible.
Antecedent
An antecedent is the word, group of words, or clause to which a pronoun in a sentence refers. The antecedent may follow the pronoun, although it usually precedes it (e.g., William telephoned to say he would be late. They encountered Tom and said hello to him.)
Antonym
An antonym is a word that has the exact opposite meaning of another (e.g., slow is an antonym of fast; poor is an antonym of excellent).
Auxiliary Verb
An auxiliary verb is a verb that accompanies another verb in order to help to express the person, tense, mood, voice, or condition of the latter verb. The verbs to have, to be, to do, can, may, and shall are commonly used auxiliary verbs. An auxiliary verb is also termed a helping verb.
Clause
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb, but represents only part of a compound sentence or complex sentence. The other types of clauses are: independent clause and subordinate clause. The subordinate clauses are: adjective clause, adverb clause, and noun clause.
Independent Clause
An independent clause expresses a thought completely on its own (e.g., I run every morning). It contains both a subject and a predicate that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought. In contrast, the subordinate clause is incomplete and requires an independent clause to express the idea fully (e.g., I prefer French cuisine, although Italian food is fine). An independent clause is also termed a main clause.
Subordinate/Dependent Clause
A subordinate clause is a group of words containing both a subject and a predicate that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It requires an independent clause to express the idea fully. A subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun normally introduces the subordinate clause (e.g., I prefer French cuisine, although Italian food is fine).
Adjective Clause
An adjective clause modifies a noun or pronoun in the independent clause (e.g., The man, who was also a gambler, usually carried large amounts of cash). “man, who was also a gambler” is the adjective clause.
Adverb Clause
An adverb clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the independent clause (e.g., Shortly after the sun sets, twilight begins). “Shortly after the sun sets” is the adverb clause.
Noun Clause
A noun clause acts as a noun in an independent clause (e.g., whoever finishes first can take the rest of the day off). “whoever finishes first” is the noun clause.
Collective Noun
A collective noun is a noun that refers to individual persons or items as a group, such as number, total, audience, or clergy. A collective noun can be considered to be singular or plural (e.g., The number of rejects was extremely high. A number of attendees at the convention have already left). “number” and “number” in both instances are collective nouns.
Comma ,
A comma is equivalent of a brief pause. It is used to mark a division in a sentence, as may be cause by a word, phrase, or clause, particularly when accompanied by a pause. The comma also separates items in a list, designates thousands in numerals, and separates types of information in bibliographic and other data. Commas are used for clarity and to make sentences less unwieldy.
