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.
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.
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.
assonance
Identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words.
Identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words.
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.
simile
A figure of speech in which two fundamentally unlike things are explicitly compared, usually in a phrase introduced by "like" or "as."
A figure of speech in which two fundamentally unlike things are explicitly compared, usually in a phrase introduced by "like" or "as."
Descriptive Paragraphs
These four paragraphs--three by students, one by a professional writer--respond to the guidelines in the project "How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph."
These four paragraphs--three by students, one by a professional writer--respond to the guidelines in the project "How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph."
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.
analogy
Reasoning or explaining from parallel cases.
Reasoning or explaining from parallel cases.
What Is a Metaphor?
Some metaphors--such as the comparison of life to a journey--are so common (or "conventional") that we may overlook the fact that they are metaphors. Here we look at some of the different kinds of metaphors, with examples drawn from poems, essays, songs, speeches, and advertisements.
Some metaphors--such as the comparison of life to a journey--are so common (or "conventional") that we may overlook the fact that they are metaphors. Here we look at some of the different kinds of metaphors, with examples drawn from poems, essays, songs, speeches, and advertisements.
paradox
A statement that appears to contradict itself.
A statement that appears to contradict itself.
metonymy
A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated (such as "crown" for "royalty").
A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated (such as "crown" for "royalty").
euphemism
Substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit.
Substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit.
preposition
A word that indicates the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.
A word that indicates the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.
onomatopoeia
The formation or use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.
The formation or use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.
alliteration
The repetition of an initial consonant sound.
The repetition of an initial consonant sound.
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.
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.
antithesis
The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
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.
imperative sentence
A sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command.
A sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command.
300 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.
oxymoron
A figure of speech in which incongruous or contradictory terms appear side by side.
A figure of speech in which incongruous or contradictory terms appear side by side.
synecdoche
A figure of speech is which a part is used to represent the whole, the whole for a part, the specific for the general, the general for the specific, or the material for the thing made from it.
A figure of speech is which a part is used to represent the whole, the whole for a part, the specific for the general, the general for the specific, or the material for the thing made from it.
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.
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.
anaphora (rhetoric)
A rhetorical term for the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
A rhetorical term for the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
connotation
The emotional implications and associations that a word may carry.
The emotional implications and associations that a word may carry.
Glossary of Usage
"Advice" or "advise"? "Farther" or "further"? "Principal" or "principle"? It's easy to confuse words that are similar in sound, spelling, or meaning. But with a bit of review it's also easy to clear up such confusions. Here in our Glossary of Usage you will find more than 150 sets of commonly confused words--with links to definitions, examples, and practice exercises that should help you keep these words straight.
"Advice" or "advise"? "Farther" or "further"? "Principal" or "principle"? It's easy to confuse words that are similar in sound, spelling, or meaning. But with a bit of review it's also easy to clear up such confusions. Here in our Glossary of Usage you will find more than 150 sets of commonly confused words--with links to definitions, examples, and practice exercises that should help you keep these words straight.
homonyms
Words that sound alike but have different meanings and/or spellings.
Words that sound alike but have different meanings and/or spellings.
topic sentence
The sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea.
The sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea.
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.
apostrophe
(1) Mark of punctuation used to indicate possessive case or omission of a letter. (2) Rhetorical term for breaking off discourse to address some absent person or thing.
(1) Mark of punctuation used to indicate possessive case or omission of a letter. (2) Rhetorical term for breaking off discourse to address some absent person or thing.
compound sentence
A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses.
A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses.
rhetorical question
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
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.
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.
Sentence Combining #1
Sentence combining calls on you to experiment with different methods of putting words together. Because there are countless ways to build sentences, your goal is not to find the one "correct" combination but to consider different arrangements before you decide which one is the most effective.
Sentence combining calls on you to experiment with different methods of putting words together. Because there are countless ways to build sentences, your goal is not to find the one "correct" combination but to consider different arrangements before you decide which one is the most effective.
What Is an Analogy?
"Analogies prove nothing, that is true" wrote Sigmund Freud, "but they can make one feel more at home." In this article, we examine the characteristics of effective analogies and consider the value of using analogies in our writing.
"Analogies prove nothing, that is true" wrote Sigmund Freud, "but they can make one feel more at home." In this article, we examine the characteristics of effective analogies and consider the value of using analogies in our writing.
parts of speech
Traditional term for the categories into which words are classified according to their functions in sentences.
Traditional term for the categories into which words are classified according to their functions in sentences.
Good Writing
Good writing is much more than just correct writing: it's writing that responds directly to the interests and needs of our readers.
Good writing is much more than just correct writing: it's writing that responds directly to the interests and needs of our readers.
noun
The part of speech used to name a person, place, thing, quality, or action.
The part of speech used to name a person, place, thing, quality, or action.
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.
thesis
The main idea of an essay or report, often written as a single declarative sentence.
The main idea of an essay or report, often written as a single declarative sentence.
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.
adverb
The part of speech that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
The part of speech that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
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.
syntax
(1) The study of the rules that govern the way 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 way words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. (2) The arrangement of words in a sentence.
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.
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.
Denotations and Connotations
Careful writers choose words both for what they mean (that is, their "denotations") and for what they suggest (their "connotations").
Careful writers choose words both for what they mean (that is, their "denotations") and for what they suggest (their "connotations").
complex sentence
A sentence that contains at least one independent clause and one dependent clause.
A sentence that contains at least one independent clause and one dependent clause.
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.
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.
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.
allegory
Extending a metaphor so that objects, persons, and actions in a text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text.
Extending a metaphor so that objects, persons, and actions in a text are equated with meanings that lie outside the text.
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.
aphorism
1. A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion. 2. A brief statement of a principle.
1. A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion. 2. A brief statement of a principle.
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.
proper noun
A noun belonging to the class of words used as names for unique individuals, events, or places.
A noun belonging to the class of words used as names for unique individuals, events, or places.
Present-Perfect Tense
Once you understand how to form the past tense of regular verbs, you shouldn't find it difficult to use verbs in the present-perfect tense. All you'll need to add is an auxiliary verb--"has" or "have."
Once you understand how to form the past tense of regular verbs, you shouldn't find it difficult to use verbs in the present-perfect tense. All you'll need to add is an auxiliary verb--"has" or "have."
exclamatory sentence
A sentence that expresses strong feelings by making an exclamation.
A sentence that expresses strong feelings by making an exclamation.
idiom
An expression that means something other than the literal meanings of its individual words.
An expression that means something other than the literal meanings of its individual words.
correlative conjunction
A paired conjunction that links balanced words, phrases, and clauses.
A paired conjunction that links balanced words, phrases, and clauses.
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.
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.
What Is Personification?
In essays and advertisements, poems and stories, personification is used to convey attitudes, promote products, and illustrate ideas. Here we define the figure of personification and look at examples of its use in advertising and literature.
In essays and advertisements, poems and stories, personification is used to convey attitudes, promote products, and illustrate ideas. Here we define the figure of personification and look at examples of its use in advertising and literature.
What Is Grammar?
"Descriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as it is actually used by speakers and writers. "Prescriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as certain people think it should be used. About Grammar & Composition attempts to integrate these two approaches to grammar--or, at the least, present them side by side.
"Descriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as it is actually used by speakers and writers. "Prescriptive grammar" refers to the structure of a language as certain people think it should be used. About Grammar & Composition attempts to integrate these two approaches to grammar--or, at the least, present them side by side.
pronoun
A word that takes the place of a noun.
A word that takes the place of a noun.
prepositional phrase
A group of words made up of a preposition, its object, and any of the object's modifiers.
A group of words made up of a preposition, its object, and any of the object's modifiers.
narrative
A rhetorical strategy that recounts a sequence of events, usually in chronological order.
A rhetorical strategy that recounts a sequence of events, usually in chronological order.
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.
verb
The part of speech that describes an action or occurrence or indicates a state of being.
The part of speech that describes an action or occurrence or indicates a state of being.
adjective
The part of speech that modifies a noun or a pronoun.
The part of speech that modifies a noun or a pronoun.
conjunction
The part of speech that serves to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
The part of speech that serves to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
Subjects, Verbs, & 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.
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.
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.
Appositives
An appositive is a word or group of words that identifies or renames another word in a sentence. Appositive constructions offer concise ways of describing or defining a person, place, or thing.
An appositive is a word or group of words that identifies or renames another word in a sentence. Appositive constructions offer concise ways of describing or defining a person, place, or thing.
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.
Supporting a Topic Sentence
A topic sentence contains the main idea upon which a paragraph is developed. What follows a topic sentence are a number of supporting sentences that develop the main idea with specific details. This exercise offers practice in selecting appropriate supporting details in a descriptive paragraph.
A topic sentence contains the main idea upon which a paragraph is developed. What follows a topic sentence are a number of supporting sentences that develop the main idea with specific details. This exercise offers practice in selecting appropriate supporting details in a descriptive paragraph.
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.
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).
Practice: Topic Sentences
This exercise will give you practice in expressing a main idea in a topic sentence that attracts the interest of your readers.
This exercise will give you practice in expressing a main idea in a topic sentence that attracts the interest of your readers.
gerund
A verbal that ends in "-ing" and functions in a sentence as a noun.
A verbal that ends in "-ing" and functions in a sentence as a noun.
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.
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.
Adding Prepositional Phrases
Acting like adjectives and adverbs, prepositional phrases add meaning to the nouns and verbs in a sentence.
Acting like adjectives and adverbs, prepositional phrases add meaning to the nouns and verbs in a sentence.
ethos
Persuasive appeal based on the projected character of the speaker or narrator.
Persuasive appeal based on the projected character of the speaker or narrator.
Past Tense of Regular Verbs
Because all regular verbs in the past tense have the same ending, these verb forms are the easiest to remember.
Because all regular verbs in the past tense have the same ending, these verb forms are the easiest to remember.
asyndeton
A writing style that omits conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses (opposite of "polysyndeton").
A writing style that omits conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses (opposite of "polysyndeton").
interrogative sentence
A sentence that asks a question.
A sentence that asks a question.
sentence
The largest independent unit of grammar: it begins with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
The largest independent unit of grammar: it begins with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
satire
A text or performance that uses irony, derision, or wit to expose or attack human vice, foolishness, or stupidity.
A text or performance that uses irony, derision, or wit to expose or attack human vice, foolishness, or stupidity.
syllogism
A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.
figurative language
Language in which figures of speech (such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole) freely occur.
Language in which figures of speech (such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole) freely occur.
ellipsis
1. One of three equally spaced points used to indicate the omission of words. 2. The omission of one or more words.
1. One of three equally spaced points used to indicate the omission of words. 2. The omission of one or more words.
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.
appositive
A noun, noun phrase, or series of nouns used to identify or rename another noun, noun phrase, or pronoun.
A noun, noun phrase, or series of nouns used to identify or rename another noun, noun phrase, or pronoun.
Participial Phrases
Participles can add vigor to our writing as they add information to our sentences. Here we will practice creating and arranging participial phrases.
Participles can add vigor to our writing as they add information to our sentences. Here we will practice creating and arranging participial phrases.
dependent clause
A group of words that begins with a relative pronoun or a subordinating conjunction.
A group of words that begins with a relative pronoun or a subordinating conjunction.
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.
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.
participle
A verbal that functions as an adjective.
A verbal that functions as an adjective.
classification
A method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer arranges people, objects, or ideas with shared characteristics into classes or groups.
A method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer arranges people, objects, or ideas with shared characteristics into classes or groups.
simple sentence
A sentence with only one independent clause.
A sentence with only one independent 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.
How It Feels
"A genius of the South, novelist, folklorist, anthropologist"--those are the words that Alice Walker had inscribed on the tombstone of Zora Neale Hurston. In this essay, Hurston introduces herself.
"A genius of the South, novelist, folklorist, anthropologist"--those are the words that Alice Walker had inscribed on the tombstone of Zora Neale Hurston. In this essay, Hurston introduces herself.
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.
Proofreading: Verb Tense
After you have reviewed our pages on regular and irregular verbs, give these five proofreading exercises a try.
After you have reviewed our pages on regular and irregular verbs, give these five proofreading exercises a try.
suffix
A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word or stem, 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 stem, serving to form a new word or functioning as an inflectional ending.
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.
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.
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.
Narrative Essay
This assignment will give you practice in composing a narrative essay based on personal experience--sometimes called a personal statement.
This assignment will give you practice in composing a narrative essay based on personal experience--sometimes called a personal statement.
abstract noun
A noun that names an idea, event, quality, or concept.
A noun that names an idea, event, quality, or concept.
Quiz on 20 Figures
This quiz should help you to understand and remember the terms and concepts introduced in our page on the Top 20 Figures of Speech.
This quiz should help you to understand and remember the terms and concepts introduced in our page on the Top 20 Figures of Speech.
Rhetorical Terms by Type
These lists are intended to help you identify figures, tropes, and other rhetorical strategies and devices.
These lists are intended to help you identify figures, tropes, and other rhetorical strategies and devices.
parody
A text that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule.
A text that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule.
24 Grammatical Terms
If you're in the mood to brush up on your grammar, this page is for you: brief definitions and examples of the two dozen most common grammatical terms.
If you're in the mood to brush up on your grammar, this page is for you: brief definitions and examples of the two dozen most common grammatical terms.
diction
(1) Choice and use of words in speech or writing. (2) A way of speaking, usually assessed in terms of prevailing standards of pronunciation and elocution.
(1) Choice and use of words in speech or writing. (2) A way of speaking, usually assessed in terms of prevailing standards of pronunciation and elocution.
polysyndeton
A sentence style that employs many conjunctions (opposite of "asyndeton").
A sentence style that employs many conjunctions (opposite of "asyndeton").
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.
The Writing Process
No single method of writing is followed by all writers in all circumstances. Each of us must discover the approach that works best on any particular occasion. We can, however, identify four basic steps that most successful writers follow in one way or another.
No single method of writing is followed by all writers in all circumstances. Each of us must discover the approach that works best on any particular occasion. We can, however, identify four basic steps that most successful writers follow in one way or another.
logos
In classical rhetoric, the means of persuasion by demonstration of the truth, real or apparent.
In classical rhetoric, the means of persuasion by demonstration of the truth, real or apparent.
epithet
Using an appropriate adjective (often habitually) to characterize a person or thing.
Using an appropriate adjective (often habitually) to characterize a person or thing.
Punctuation Exercise
It's time to find out how well you can apply the guidelines for using punctuation marks correctly and effectively.
It's time to find out how well you can apply the guidelines for using punctuation marks correctly and effectively.
zeugma
Use of a word to modify or govern two or more words although its use may be grammatically or logically correct with only one.
Use of a word to modify or govern two or more words although its use may be grammatically or logically correct with only one.
periodic sentence
Long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually with an emphatic climax.
Long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually with an emphatic climax.
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.
Draft a Descriptive Paragraph
Once you have settled on a topic for your descriptive paragraph and collected some details, you're ready to assemble those details in a rough draft. Here's a basic model you can follow when organizing a descriptive paragraph.
Once you have settled on a topic for your descriptive paragraph and collected some details, you're ready to assemble those details in a rough draft. Here's a basic model you can follow when organizing a descriptive paragraph.
jargon
The specialized language of a professional, occupational, or other group, often meaningless to outsiders.
The specialized language of a professional, occupational, or other group, often meaningless to outsiders.
Transitional Words and Phrases
Transitional words and phrases show the direction of our thought as we move from one sentence to the next. Here you'll find a list of the common transitional words and phrases, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.
Transitional words and phrases show the direction of our thought as we move from one sentence to the next. Here you'll find a list of the common transitional words and phrases, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.
fable
A short narrative meant to teach a moral lesson.
A short narrative meant to teach a moral lesson.
regular verb
A verb that forms its past tense and past participle by adding "d" or "ed" (or in some cases "t") to the base form.
A verb that forms its past tense and past participle by adding "d" or "ed" (or in some cases "t") to the base form.
process analysis
A method of paragraph or essay development by which a writer explains step by step how something is done or how to do something.
A method of paragraph or essay development by which a writer explains step by step how something is done or how to do something.
synonym
A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
antonym
A word having a meaning opposite to that of another word.
A word having a meaning opposite to that of another word.
Writing Topics: Classification
Many subjects can be explored through classification. These 50 topic suggestions should help you discover a subject that particularly interests you.
Many subjects can be explored through classification. These 50 topic suggestions should help you discover a subject that particularly interests you.
subordinating conjunction
A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
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.
rhetorical situation
The context of a rhetorical act; minimally, made up of a rhetor, an issue, and an audience.
The context of a rhetorical act; minimally, made up of a rhetor, an issue, and an audience.
homophones
Two or more words (such as "knew" and "new") that are pronounced the same but differ in meaning, origin, and sometimes spelling.
Two or more words (such as "knew" and "new") that are pronounced the same but differ in meaning, origin, and sometimes spelling.
Etymology: Word Histories
The etymology of a word refers to its origin and historical development: that is, its earliest known use, its transmission from one language to another, and its changes in form and meaning.
The etymology of a word refers to its origin and historical development: that is, its earliest known use, its transmission from one language to another, and its changes in form and meaning.
Spelling Rules
Spelling rules are a bit like weather forecasts: we may use them, but we really can't depend on them to be right 100% of the time. In fact, the only fool-proof rule is that all spelling rules in English have exceptions. Nevertheless, many writers find that certain rules help them to remember how to spell particular types of words, especially those formed by adding suffixes (or endings). Here we'll look at the four spelling rules that should be most helpful to you.
Spelling rules are a bit like weather forecasts: we may use them, but we really can't depend on them to be right 100% of the time. In fact, the only fool-proof rule is that all spelling rules in English have exceptions. Nevertheless, many writers find that certain rules help them to remember how to spell particular types of words, especially those formed by adding suffixes (or endings). Here we'll look at the four spelling rules that should be most helpful to you.
Draft Classification Essay
After reading this draft of a student's classification essay, respond to the discussion questions at the end. Then compare "Types of Shoppers" to the student's revised version of the essay, "Shopping at the Pig."
After reading this draft of a student's classification essay, respond to the discussion questions at the end. Then compare "Types of Shoppers" to the student's revised version of the essay, "Shopping at the Pig."
ambiguity
The presence of two or more possible meanings in any passage.
The presence of two or more possible meanings in any passage.
pathos
In classical rhetoric, the means of persuasion that appeals to the audience's emotions.
In classical rhetoric, the means of persuasion that appeals to the audience's emotions.
Semicolons, Colons, and Dashes
No intestinal jokes here, please. We're talking about three much-abused marks of punctuation.
No intestinal jokes here, please. We're talking about three much-abused marks of punctuation.
etymology
(1) The origin or derivation of a word. (2) The branch of linguistics concerned with the history of the forms and meanings of words.
(1) The origin or derivation of a word. (2) The branch of linguistics concerned with the history of the forms and meanings of words.