Grammar & Composition: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
metaphor
A figure of speech in which an implicit comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something in common.
A figure of speech in which an implicit comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something in common.
What Is a Metaphor?
: What Is a Metaphor? Some people think of metaphors as nothing more than the sweet stuff of songs and
: What Is a Metaphor? Some people think of metaphors as nothing more than the sweet stuff of songs and
simile
: A figure of speech in which two fundamentally unlike things are explicitly compared, usually in a phrase
: A figure of speech in which two fundamentally unlike things are explicitly compared, usually in a phrase
Top 20 Figures of Speech
Though there are hundreds of figures of speech (many of them included in our Tool Kit for Rhetorical Analysis), here we'll focus on just 20 of the most common figures.
Though there are hundreds of figures of speech (many of them included in our Tool Kit for Rhetorical Analysis), here we'll focus on just 20 of the most common figures.
400 Writing Topics
Coming up with a good topic can be one of the hardest parts of composing a paragraph or essay. These 400 topic suggestions should make that job a little easier.
Coming up with a good topic can be one of the hardest parts of composing a paragraph or essay. These 400 topic suggestions should make that job a little easier.
Writing Topics: Argument
These thirty statements may be either defended or attacked in an argument essay.
These thirty statements may be either defended or attacked in an argument essay.
irony
The use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; a statement or situation where the meaning is contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.
The use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; a statement or situation where the meaning is contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.
alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of an initial consonant sound.
Alliteration is the repetition of an initial consonant sound.
preposition
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.
Basic Sentence Structures
One of the keys to good writing is understanding the countless ways in which basic sentence structures can be combined and arranged. Let's begin, then, by identifying those basic sentence structures and considering how to use them effectively.
One of the keys to good writing is understanding the countless ways in which basic sentence structures can be combined and arranged. Let's begin, then, by identifying those basic sentence structures and considering how to use them effectively.
personification
A figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is endowed with human qualities or abilities.
A figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is endowed with human qualities or abilities.
parallelism
Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.
Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses.
assonance
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in neighboring words.
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in neighboring words.
Descriptive Paragraphs
The purpose of descriptive writing is to make our readers see, feel, and hear what we have seen, felt,
The purpose of descriptive writing is to make our readers see, feel, and hear what we have seen, felt,
syntax
(1) The study of the rules that govern the ways words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. (2) The arrangement of words in a sentence.
(1) The study of the rules that govern the ways words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. (2) The arrangement of words in a sentence.
oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which incongruous or contradictory terms appear side by side.
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which incongruous or contradictory terms appear side by side.
adverb
An adverb is the part of speech (or word class) primarily used to modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
An adverb is the part of speech (or word class) primarily used to modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
figures of speech
The various rhetorical uses of language that depart from customary construction, order, or significance.
The various rhetorical uses of language that depart from customary construction, order, or significance.
noun
The part of speech (or word class) that is used to name or identify a person, place, thing, quality, or action. Most nouns have both a singular and plural form, can be preceded by an article and/or one or more adjectives, and can serve as the head of a noun phrase.
The part of speech (or word class) that is used to name or identify a person, place, thing, quality, or action. Most nouns have both a singular and plural form, can be preceded by an article and/or one or more adjectives, and can serve as the head of a noun phrase.
Common Suffixes
Understanding the meanings of the common suffixes can help us to deduce the meanings of new words that we encounter.
Understanding the meanings of the common suffixes can help us to deduce the meanings of new words that we encounter.
imperative sentence
An imperative sentence is a sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command.
An imperative sentence is a sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command.
Using Apostrophes Correctly
The apostrophe may be the simplest and yet most frequently misused mark of punctuation in English. Here we'll review six guidelines for using the mark correctly.
The apostrophe may be the simplest and yet most frequently misused mark of punctuation in English. Here we'll review six guidelines for using the mark correctly.
allusion
A brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event--real or fictional.
A brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event--real or fictional.
onomatopoeia
The use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.
The use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.
clause
A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate. A clause is either independent or dependent.
A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate. A clause is either independent or dependent.
metonymy
: A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely
: A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely
Were, We're, and Where
is a contraction of we are . Where refers to a place. See also: Ware, Wear, and Where Examples: We were
is a contraction of we are . Where refers to a place. See also: Ware, Wear, and Where Examples: We were
Writing Topics: Narration
At least one of these 50 topic suggestions should remind you of a particular incident that you can relate in a clearly organized narrative essay.
At least one of these 50 topic suggestions should remind you of a particular incident that you can relate in a clearly organized narrative essay.
paradox
A figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself.
A figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself.
Present-Perfect Tense
Once you understand how to form the past tense of regular verbs , you shouldn't find it difficult to
Once you understand how to form the past tense of regular verbs , you shouldn't find it difficult to
independent clause
A group of words made up of a subject and a predicate.
A group of words made up of a subject and a predicate.
rhetorical question
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
thesis
The main idea of an essay, report, speech, or research paper, often written as a single declarative sentence.
The main idea of an essay, report, speech, or research paper, often written as a single declarative sentence.
participle
A verbal that functions as an adjective.
A verbal that functions as an adjective.
noun clause
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun (that is, as a subject, object, or complement).
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun (that is, as a subject, object, or complement).
Writing Topics: Comparison
To write an effective comparison and contrast, keep in mind that your subjects should be logically comparable and your composition should have a clear purpose. The 40 topic suggestions listed here are offered as starting points to help you discover some fresh ideas on your own.
To write an effective comparison and contrast, keep in mind that your subjects should be logically comparable and your composition should have a clear purpose. The 40 topic suggestions listed here are offered as starting points to help you discover some fresh ideas on your own.
adverb clause
A dependent clause used as an adverb within a sentence.
A dependent clause used as an adverb within a sentence.
hyperbole
A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; an extravagant statement.
A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; an extravagant statement.
third-person point of view
: The use of third-person pronouns such as he, she, and they to relate events in a work of fiction or
: The use of third-person pronouns such as he, she, and they to relate events in a work of fiction or
pun
A play on words, sometimes on different senses of the same word and sometimes on the similar sense or sound of different words.
A play on words, sometimes on different senses of the same word and sometimes on the similar sense or sound of different words.
dependent clause
A group of words that has both a subject and a verb but (unlike an independent clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence.
A group of words that has both a subject and a verb but (unlike an independent clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence.
compound sentence
A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses.
A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses.
adjective clause
A dependent clause used as an adjective within a sentence.
A dependent clause used as an adjective within a sentence.
predicate
One of the two main parts of a sentence or clause, modifying the subject and including the verb, objects, or phrases governed by the verb.
One of the two main parts of a sentence or clause, modifying the subject and including the verb, objects, or phrases governed by the verb.
anaphora (rhetoric)
Anaphora is a rhetorical term for the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
Anaphora is a rhetorical term for the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
English Contractions
In the table below you'll find some of the most frequently used contractions in English.
In the table below you'll find some of the most frequently used contractions in English.
cliché
A trite expression--often a figure of speech whose effectiveness has been worn out through overuse and excessive familiarity.
A trite expression--often a figure of speech whose effectiveness has been worn out through overuse and excessive familiarity.
consonant
A speech sound that's not a vowel; a letter of the alphabet that represents a speech sound produced by a partial or complete obstruction of the air stream by a constriction of the speech organs.
A speech sound that's not a vowel; a letter of the alphabet that represents a speech sound produced by a partial or complete obstruction of the air stream by a constriction of the speech organs.
consonance
Broadly, the repetition of consonant sounds; more specifically, the repetition of the final consonant sounds of accented syllables or important words.
Broadly, the repetition of consonant sounds; more specifically, the repetition of the final consonant sounds of accented syllables or important words.
Writing Topics: Cause & Effect
Some of the following topic suggestions emphasize causes; others focus on effects. But keep in mind that these two approaches are closely related and sometimes not easily separated.
Some of the following topic suggestions emphasize causes; others focus on effects. But keep in mind that these two approaches are closely related and sometimes not easily separated.
gerund
: A traditional grammatical term for a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun . Adjective:
: A traditional grammatical term for a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun . Adjective:
conjunction
A conjunction is the part of speech that serves to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
A conjunction is the part of speech that serves to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
Writing Topics: Description
Descriptive writing calls for close attention to details. To help you get started, here are some topic suggestions for a descriptive paragraph or essay.
Descriptive writing calls for close attention to details. To help you get started, here are some topic suggestions for a descriptive paragraph or essay.
Capitalizing Words in a Title
Style guides disagree on which words to capitalize in a title (of a book, article, essay, movie, song, or video game). Here's a basic guide to the two most common methods: sentence case and title case.
Style guides disagree on which words to capitalize in a title (of a book, article, essay, movie, song, or video game). Here's a basic guide to the two most common methods: sentence case and title case.
Ten Tips on Writing Email
Email is one of the most common forms of written communication in the business world--and the most commonly abused. Follow these ten tips to keep your messages clear, concise, professional, and polite.
Email is one of the most common forms of written communication in the business world--and the most commonly abused. Follow these ten tips to keep your messages clear, concise, professional, and polite.
imagery
Imagery is vivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste).
Imagery is vivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste).
declarative sentence
A sentence in the form of a statement (in contrast to a command, a question, or an exclamation).
A sentence in the form of a statement (in contrast to a command, a question, or an exclamation).
pronoun
A word that takes the place of a noun, noun phrase, or noun clause.
A word that takes the place of a noun, noun phrase, or noun clause.
parallel structure
Two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form.
Two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form.
participial phrase
A participial phrase is a word group consisting of a present or past participle and any modifiers, objects, and complements.
A participial phrase is a word group consisting of a present or past participle and any modifiers, objects, and complements.
extended metaphor
A comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.
A comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.
topic sentence
A sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea (or topic) of a passage.
A sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea (or topic) of a passage.
parts of speech
A traditional term for the categories into which words are classified according to their functions in sentences.
A traditional term for the categories into which words are classified according to their functions in sentences.
complex sentence
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
verb
The part of speech (or word class) that describes an action or occurrence or indicates a state of being.
The part of speech (or word class) that describes an action or occurrence or indicates a state of being.
synecdoche
A figure of speech is which a part is used to represent the whole or the whole for a part.
A figure of speech is which a part is used to represent the whole or the whole for a part.
adjective phrase
A word group with an adjective as its head. This adjective may be accompanied by modifiers, determiners, or qualifiers.
A word group with an adjective as its head. This adjective may be accompanied by modifiers, determiners, or qualifiers.
antithesis
In rhetoric, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
In rhetoric, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
appositive
An appositive is a noun, noun phrase, or series of nouns placed next to another word or phrase to identify or rename it.
An appositive is a noun, noun phrase, or series of nouns placed next to another word or phrase to identify or rename it.
allegory
The rhetorical strategy of extending a metaphor through an entire narrative so that objects, persons, and actions in the text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text.
The rhetorical strategy of extending a metaphor through an entire narrative so that objects, persons, and actions in the text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text.
adjective
An adjective is the part of speech that modifies a noun or a pronoun.
An adjective is the part of speech that modifies a noun or a pronoun.
euphemism
Substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit.
Substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit.
The Parts of Speech
One way to begin studying basic sentence structures is to consider the parts of speech. Here you will learn the names and basic functions of these sentence parts.
One way to begin studying basic sentence structures is to consider the parts of speech. Here you will learn the names and basic functions of these sentence parts.
connotation
The emotional implications and associations that a word may carry.
The emotional implications and associations that a word may carry.
subordinate clause
A group of words that has both a subject and a verb but (unlike an independent clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence.
A group of words that has both a subject and a verb but (unlike an independent clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Semicolons, Colons, and Dashes
No intestinal jokes here, please. We're talking about three much-abused marks of punctuation: semicolons, colons, and dashes.
No intestinal jokes here, please. We're talking about three much-abused marks of punctuation: semicolons, colons, and dashes.
Sometime, Some time, Sometimes
The adverb sometime (one word) means "at an indefinite or unstated time in the future." The phrase some
The adverb sometime (one word) means "at an indefinite or unstated time in the future." The phrase some
Punctuation Rules
Understanding the principles behind the common marks of punctuation should strengthen our understanding of grammar and help us to use the marks consistently in our own writing. Here we'll review the conventional uses of punctuation in American English.
Understanding the principles behind the common marks of punctuation should strengthen our understanding of grammar and help us to use the marks consistently in our own writing. Here we'll review the conventional uses of punctuation in American English.
adverb phrase
A word group with an adverb as its head. This adverb may be accompanied by modifiers or qualifiers.
A word group with an adverb as its head. This adverb may be accompanied by modifiers or qualifiers.
Subjects, Verbs, and Objects
Here you will learn how to identify and use subjects, verbs, and objects--which together form the basic sentence unit.
Here you will learn how to identify and use subjects, verbs, and objects--which together form the basic sentence unit.
percontation mark
A late-medieval mark of punctuation used to signal the close of a rhetorical question.
A late-medieval mark of punctuation used to signal the close of a rhetorical question.
What Is Grammar?
Grammar is the structural foundation of our ability to express ourselves. The more we are aware of how
Grammar is the structural foundation of our ability to express ourselves. The more we are aware of how
noun phrase
A noun phrase (NP) is a word group with a noun or pronoun as its head.
A noun phrase (NP) is a word group with a noun or pronoun as its head.
suffix
A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word or root, serving to form a new word or functioning as an inflectional ending.
A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word or root, serving to form a new word or functioning as an inflectional ending.
interrogative sentence
An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks a question.
An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks a question.
Punning Names
A liquor store named Boo's, a clothing shop named Knit Wit, and a portable-toilet rental service in Chicago named (get ready) Oui Oui Enterprises. Go ahead--roll your eyes and groan: these are the shamelessly punny (and often funny) names of shops and restaurants on the main streets and high streets of the English-speaking world.
A liquor store named Boo's, a clothing shop named Knit Wit, and a portable-toilet rental service in Chicago named (get ready) Oui Oui Enterprises. Go ahead--roll your eyes and groan: these are the shamelessly punny (and often funny) names of shops and restaurants on the main streets and high streets of the English-speaking world.
prepositional phrase
A prepositional phrase is a group of words made up of a preposition, its object, and any of the object's modifiers.
A prepositional phrase is a group of words made up of a preposition, its object, and any of the object's modifiers.
apostrophe (rhetoric)
A rhetorical term for breaking off discourse to address some absent person or thing.
A rhetorical term for breaking off discourse to address some absent person or thing.
simple sentence
A sentence with only one independent clause.
A sentence with only one independent clause.
helping verb
A verb that comes before the main verb in a sentence. Together the helping verb and the main verb form a verb phrase.
A verb that comes before the main verb in a sentence. Together the helping verb and the main verb form a verb phrase.
subordinating conjunction
A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
passive voice
A verb form in which the subject receives the verb's action.
A verb form in which the subject receives the verb's action.
What Is an Analogy?
: What Is an Analogy? "Analogies prove nothing, that is true" wrote Sigmund Freud, "but they can make
: What Is an Analogy? "Analogies prove nothing, that is true" wrote Sigmund Freud, "but they can make
Writing Topics: Process
You'll find that it's not too difficult to develop a paragraph or essay through process analysis if you've chosen a topic that you know quite well. These 50 prompts are meant to help you to discover that topic.
You'll find that it's not too difficult to develop a paragraph or essay through process analysis if you've chosen a topic that you know quite well. These 50 prompts are meant to help you to discover that topic.
Denotations and Connotations
Careful writers choose words both for what they mean (that is, their dictionary meanings, or denotations
Careful writers choose words both for what they mean (that is, their dictionary meanings, or denotations
Easily Confused Words
Homonyms, homophones, and homographs are words that are easily confused because they look alike or sound alike (or both) but have different meanings. These charts--which list some of the most common homonyms, homophones, and homographs--should help you to recognize the differences between many commonly confused words.
Homonyms, homophones, and homographs are words that are easily confused because they look alike or sound alike (or both) but have different meanings. These charts--which list some of the most common homonyms, homophones, and homographs--should help you to recognize the differences between many commonly confused words.
cause and effect
A method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer analyzes the reasons for (and/or the consequences of) an action, event or decision.
A method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer analyzes the reasons for (and/or the consequences of) an action, event or decision.
idiom
An idiom is an expression that means something other than the literal meanings of its individual words.
An idiom is an expression that means something other than the literal meanings of its individual words.
homonyms
Two or more words that have the same sound or spelling but differ in meaning.
Two or more words that have the same sound or spelling but differ in meaning.
correlative conjunction
A paired conjunction that links balanced words, phrases, and clauses.
A paired conjunction that links balanced words, phrases, and clauses.
Common Word Roots
Expand your vocabulary by studying this list of the most common Greek and Latin root words.
Expand your vocabulary by studying this list of the most common Greek and Latin root words.
foreshadowing
: The presentation of details, characters, or incidents in a narrative in such a way that later events
: The presentation of details, characters, or incidents in a narrative in such a way that later events
situational irony
An occasion in which the outcome is significantly different from what was expected or considered appropriate.
An occasion in which the outcome is significantly different from what was expected or considered appropriate.
repetition
In linguistics and rhetoric, repetition is an instance of using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage--dwelling on a point.
In linguistics and rhetoric, repetition is an instance of using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage--dwelling on a point.
ellipsis (grammar and rhetoric)
In grammar and rhetoric, ellipsis is the omission of one or more words, which must be supplied by the listener or reader.
In grammar and rhetoric, ellipsis is the omission of one or more words, which must be supplied by the listener or reader.
phrase
Any small group of words within a sentence or a clause.
Any small group of words within a sentence or a clause.
communication process
: The exchange of information (a message ) between two or more people. These are many different models
: The exchange of information (a message ) between two or more people. These are many different models
exclamatory sentence
An exclamatory sentence is a sentence that expresses strong feelings by making an exclamation.
An exclamatory sentence is a sentence that expresses strong feelings by making an exclamation.
past participle
: The third principal part of a verb , created by adding -ed, -d , or -t to the base form of a regular
: The third principal part of a verb , created by adding -ed, -d , or -t to the base form of a regular
Similes and Metaphors (Part 1)
Writers use similes and metaphors to explain things, to express emotion, and to make their writing more vivid and entertaining. Discovering fresh similes and metaphors to use in your own writing also means discovering new ways to look at your subjects.
Writers use similes and metaphors to explain things, to express emotion, and to make their writing more vivid and entertaining. Discovering fresh similes and metaphors to use in your own writing also means discovering new ways to look at your subjects.
auxiliary verb
A verb that determines the mood, tense, or aspect of another verb in a verb phrase.
A verb that determines the mood, tense, or aspect of another verb in a verb phrase.
sentence
A sentence is the largest independent unit of grammar: it begins with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
A sentence is the largest independent unit of grammar: it begins with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
compound-complex sentence
A sentence with two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
A sentence with two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Ten Types of Verbs
Generally, it makes more sense to define a verb by what it does rather than by what it is. Here, by identifying 10 types of verbs, we'll briefly consider some of their more common functions as well.
Generally, it makes more sense to define a verb by what it does rather than by what it is. Here, by identifying 10 types of verbs, we'll briefly consider some of their more common functions as well.
Common Prefixes
Understanding the meanings of the common prefixes can help us to deduce the meanings of new words that we encounter. The table on this page defines and illustrates 35 common prefixes.
Understanding the meanings of the common prefixes can help us to deduce the meanings of new words that we encounter. The table on this page defines and illustrates 35 common prefixes.
morpheme
A meaningful linguistic unit (a word or a word element) that cannot be divided into smaller meaningful parts.
A meaningful linguistic unit (a word or a word element) that cannot be divided into smaller meaningful parts.
subject
The subject is the part of a sentence or clause that commonly indicates (a) what it is about, or (b) who or what performs the action.
The subject is the part of a sentence or clause that commonly indicates (a) what it is about, or (b) who or what performs the action.
abstract noun
A noun that names an idea, event, quality, or concept.
A noun that names an idea, event, quality, or concept.
theme
(1) The main idea of a text, expressed directly or indirectly. (2) A short composition assigned as a writing exercise.
(1) The main idea of a text, expressed directly or indirectly. (2) A short composition assigned as a writing exercise.
paraphrase
A restatement of a text in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.
A restatement of a text in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.
relative pronoun
A pronoun that introduces an adjective clause.
A pronoun that introduces an adjective clause.
Commonly Misspelled Words (1)
A list of 200 of the most commonly misspelled words in English.
A list of 200 of the most commonly misspelled words in English.
Capital and Capitol
Capit al has multiple meanings: (1) a city that serves as the seat of government; (2) wealth in the form
Capit al has multiple meanings: (1) a city that serves as the seat of government; (2) wealth in the form
absolute phrase
A group of words that modifies an independent clause as a whole.
A group of words that modifies an independent clause as a whole.
Fitzgerald's New York City
Nick Carraway, the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby , is the anonymous observer
Nick Carraway, the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby , is the anonymous observer
understatement
A figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.
A figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.
syllogism
In logic, a syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
In logic, a syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
second-person point of view
: Use of the imperative mood and the pronouns you, your , and yours to address a reader or listener directly.
: Use of the imperative mood and the pronouns you, your , and yours to address a reader or listener directly.
chiasmus
A verbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed.
A verbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed.
litotes
A figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite.
A figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite.
parsing
Linguistic definitions of parsing with examples and discussions.
Linguistic definitions of parsing with examples and discussions.
Word of the Day Sites
Here are three of our favorite word-of-the-day sites: all are free and available through e-mail subscriptions.
Here are three of our favorite word-of-the-day sites: all are free and available through e-mail subscriptions.
exophora
The use of a pronoun or other word or phrase to refer to someone or something outside the text.
The use of a pronoun or other word or phrase to refer to someone or something outside the text.
Sentence Combining #2
from "New York Is a City of Things Unnoticed" by Gay Talese Here, along with two alternate versions,
from "New York Is a City of Things Unnoticed" by Gay Talese Here, along with two alternate versions,
Composing a Description
In this project, you will begin by selecting one of your belongings and then drafting a list of details that describe it. Next, you will put these details into sentences and organize the sentences into a paragraph. Finally, you will revise the paragraph to make sure that it is unified and clearly organized.
In this project, you will begin by selecting one of your belongings and then drafting a list of details that describe it. Next, you will put these details into sentences and organize the sentences into a paragraph. Finally, you will revise the paragraph to make sure that it is unified and clearly organized.
analogy (rhetoric)
In rhetoric, reasoning or explaining from parallel cases.
In rhetoric, reasoning or explaining from parallel cases.
prefix
A letter or group of letters attached to the beginning of a word that partly indicates its meaning.
A letter or group of letters attached to the beginning of a word that partly indicates its meaning.
modifier
A word, phrase, or clause that functions as an adjective or adverb to limit or qualify the meaning of another word or word group.
A word, phrase, or clause that functions as an adjective or adverb to limit or qualify the meaning of another word or word group.
anecdote
A short account of an interesting or humorous incident, intended to illustrate or support some point.
A short account of an interesting or humorous incident, intended to illustrate or support some point.
compound noun
Two or more nouns combined to form a single noun.
Two or more nouns combined to form a single noun.
narrative
An account of a sequence of events, usually in chronological order.
An account of a sequence of events, usually in chronological order.
100 Sweet Similes
Although students should have no trouble understanding most of these traditional similes for sweetness, they may find them a bit old-fashioned. If so, encourage them to create some sweet similes of their own using more contemporary subjects for comparison.
Although students should have no trouble understanding most of these traditional similes for sweetness, they may find them a bit old-fashioned. If so, encourage them to create some sweet similes of their own using more contemporary subjects for comparison.
denotation
The direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings.
The direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings.
grammar
The systematic study and description of a language.
The systematic study and description of a language.
symbol
A person, place, action, word, or thing that (by association, resemblance, or convention) represents something other than itself.
A person, place, action, word, or thing that (by association, resemblance, or convention) represents something other than itself.
99 Love Metaphors
As this rich collection of 99 metaphors demonstrates, love has been compared to everything from a jewel and a fevered dream to a snowmobile and an exploding cigar. Alongside quotations from Plato, Ovid, and Shakespeare you'll find fresh figures from the likes of Tom Robbins, Eminem, and Rita Mae Brown.
As this rich collection of 99 metaphors demonstrates, love has been compared to everything from a jewel and a fevered dream to a snowmobile and an exploding cigar. Alongside quotations from Plato, Ovid, and Shakespeare you'll find fresh figures from the likes of Tom Robbins, Eminem, and Rita Mae Brown.
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks, sometimes referred to as quotes or inverted commas, are punctuation marks used in pairs to set off a quotation or a piece of dialogue. Here are five guidelines for using quotation marks effectively.
Quotation marks, sometimes referred to as quotes or inverted commas, are punctuation marks used in pairs to set off a quotation or a piece of dialogue. Here are five guidelines for using quotation marks effectively.
active voice
The verb form in which the subject of the sentence performs or causes the action expressed by the verb.
The verb form in which the subject of the sentence performs or causes the action expressed by the verb.
article (grammar)
: In grammar , a type of determiner that precedes a noun . Basically, there are two types of articles
: In grammar , a type of determiner that precedes a noun . Basically, there are two types of articles