Language Flashcards
Grammar
The set of rules for language
Usage
Using the correct word when there is a choice
Participle
A verb that functions as an adjective
Gerund
A verb that functions as a noun
Infinitive
A phrase that consists of “to” + a verb. It can serve as a noun, adjective, or adverb
Active Voice
When the subject performs the action/ Who did what?
Passive Voice
When the subject receives the action/ What was done by whom?
Indicative Verb Mood
states a fact or opinion
Imperative Verb Mood
gives a command
Interrogative Verb Mood
asks a question
Conditional Verb Mood
when a situation is dependent on a particular condition (if…then statements)
Subjunctive Verb Mood
shows something that is contrary to fact (wishes, hopes, suggestions, recommendations, advice, “If I were…”)
Punctuation
Writing marks that help separate and clarify ideas. End marks, commas, colons, semi-colons, ellipses, dashes, apostrophes
Context Clues
Words and phrases that surround another word to help explain its meaning.
Root
The foundation or base of a word.
Affix
Letters that are added to a root word to change its meaning (prefixes and suffixes)
Glossary
An alphabetical list of words and their meanings; often found at the end of a book.
Verbal Irony
An expression that means the opposite of what is actually said (sarcasm)
Dramatic Irony
When the reader knows something that the character does not
Situational Irony
when a character’s actions have an opposite effect of what was planned
Pun
a word phrase with more than one meaning that is used in a funny way
Denotation
the actual definition of a word found in the dictionary
Connotation
an implied meaning or the meaning that a writer intends (“polite” is positive while “diplomatic” connotes a respectful behavior that could have other intentions)
