Grammar & Composition: Most Popular Articles
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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.
figures of speech
The various uses of language that depart from customary construction, order, or significance.
The various uses of language that depart from customary construction, order, or significance.
metaphor
An implied comparison between two unlike things that actually have something important in common.
An implied comparison between two unlike things that actually have something important in common.
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.
paradox
A statement that appears to contradict itself.
A statement that appears to contradict itself.
irony
Use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. A statement or situation where the meaning is directly contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.
Use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. A statement or situation where the meaning is directly contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.
euphemism
Substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit.
Substitution of an inoffensive term for one considered offensively explicit.
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").
hyperbole
An extravagant statement; the use of exaggerated terms for the purpose of emphasis or heightened effect.
An extravagant statement; the use of exaggerated terms for the purpose of emphasis or heightened effect.
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.
analogy
Reasoning or arguing from parallel cases.
Reasoning or arguing from parallel cases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
simile
A stated comparison (usually formed with "like" or "as") between two fundamentally dissimilar things that have certain qualities in common.
A stated comparison (usually formed with "like" or "as") between two fundamentally dissimilar things that have certain qualities in common.
abstract noun
A noun that names an idea, event, quality, or concept.
A noun that names an idea, event, quality, or concept.
The Parts of Speech
One way to begin studying basic sentence structures is to consider the nine 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 nine parts of speech. Here you will learn the names and basic functions of these sentence parts.
alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sound.
Repetition of initial consonant sound.
Descriptive Paragraphs
These four paragraphs respond to the guidelines in the project "How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph."
These four paragraphs respond to the guidelines in the project "How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph."
imperative sentence
A sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or a command.
A sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or a command.
assonance
Identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words.
Identity or similarity in sound between internal vowels in neighboring words.
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.
antithesis
Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
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.
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.
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.
homonyms
Words that sound alike but have different meanings and/or spellings.
Words that sound alike but have different meanings and/or spellings.
collective noun
A noun (such as "team" or "family") that refers to a collection of individuals.
A noun (such as "team" or "family") that refers to a collection of individuals.
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.
connotation
The emotional implications and associations that a word may carry.
The emotional implications and associations that a word may carry.
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).
What Is an Analogy?
An analogy is a comparison between two different things in order to highlight some point of similarity. In the following example, the Governor of the Bank of England turns to the world of professional soccer to explain monetary policy in the United Kingdom.
An analogy is a comparison between two different things in order to highlight some point of similarity. In the following example, the Governor of the Bank of England turns to the world of professional soccer to explain monetary policy in the United Kingdom.
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 some commonly confused words--with links to definitions, examples, and practice exercises that should help you to 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 some commonly confused words--with links to definitions, examples, and practice exercises that should help you to keep these words straight.
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.
exclamatory sentence
A sentence that expresses strong feelings by making an exclamation.
A sentence that expresses strong feelings by making an exclamation.
compound sentence
A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses.
A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses.
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.
fable
A short narrative meant to teach a moral lesson.
A short narrative meant to teach a moral lesson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Here we will practice applying one of the most basic and yet also most troublesome rules of grammar: in the present tense, a verb must agree with its subject.
Here we will practice applying one of the most basic and yet also most troublesome rules of grammar: in the present tense, a verb must agree with its subject.
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.
understatement
Figure of speech in which a writer deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.
Figure of speech in which a writer deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.
anaphora
Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
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").
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.
Correct Forms of the Verb "Be"
The irregular verb "be" is an important auxiliary verb (also known as a "helping verb"). In both the present tense and the past, "be" changes its form to agree with the subject.
The irregular verb "be" is an important auxiliary verb (also known as a "helping verb"). In both the present tense and the past, "be" changes its form to agree with the subject.
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.
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.
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.
Personal Experience Essay
This assignment will give you practice in composing a narrative essay based on personal experience.
This assignment will give you practice in composing a narrative essay based on personal experience.
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.
antonym
A word having a meaning opposite to that of another word.
A word having a meaning opposite to that of another word.
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.
rhetorical question
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
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.
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.
adjective
The part of speech that modifies a noun or a pronoun.
The part of speech that modifies a noun or a pronoun.
10 Tips to Improve Writing
Whether we're composing a blog or a business letter, an email or an essay, our goal should be to respond clearly and directly to the needs and interests of our readers. These ten tips should help us to improve our writing whenever we set out to inform or persuade.
Whether we're composing a blog or a business letter, an email or an essay, our goal should be to respond clearly and directly to the needs and interests of our readers. These ten tips should help us to improve our writing whenever we set out to inform or persuade.
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.
pronoun
A word that takes the place of a noun.
A word that takes the place of a noun.
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.
Guidelines for Using Commas
In his essay "In Praise of the Humble Comma," Pico Iyer compares the comma to "a flashing yellow light that asks us only to slow down." Here we'll consider four main guidelines for using commas effectively.
In his essay "In Praise of the Humble Comma," Pico Iyer compares the comma to "a flashing yellow light that asks us only to slow down." Here we'll consider four main guidelines for using commas effectively.
common noun
A noun that can be preceded by the definite article and that represents one or all of the members of a class.
A noun that can be preceded by the definite article and that represents one or all of the members of a class.
Identifying Verbals
Verbals--which include participles, gerunds, and infinitives--are the forms of a verb that function as other parts of speech.
Verbals--which include participles, gerunds, and infinitives--are the forms of a verb that function as other parts of speech.
mass noun
A noun that names things that cannot be counted. A mass noun (also known as a noncount noun) is used only in the singular.
A noun that names things that cannot be counted. A mass noun (also known as a noncount noun) is used only in the singular.
interrogative sentence
A sentence that asks a question.
A sentence that asks a question.
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.
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.
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.
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.
simple sentence
A sentence with only one independent clause.
A sentence with only one independent clause.
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.
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.
Commonly Misspelled Words (1)
A list of 200 of the most commonly misspelled words.
A list of 200 of the most commonly misspelled words.
Signal Words and Phrases
Signal words and phrases show the direction of our thought as we move from one sentence to the next. Here you will find a list of the common signal words and phrases, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.
Signal words and phrases show the direction of our thought as we move from one sentence to the next. Here you will find a list of the common signal words and phrases, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.
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.
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.
concrete noun
A noun (such as chicken or egg) that names a material or tangible object or phenomenon--something recognizable through the senses.
A noun (such as chicken or egg) that names a material or tangible object or phenomenon--something recognizable through the senses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emerson's "Self Reliance"
One of Emerson's central doctrines--"Trust thyself"--is the theme developed in his well-known essay on "Self-Reliance."
One of Emerson's central doctrines--"Trust thyself"--is the theme developed in his well-known essay on "Self-Reliance."
Paragraph Unity
Unity is the quality of sticking to one idea from start to finish, with every sentence in a paragraph contributing to the central purpose and main idea of that paragraph.
Unity is the quality of sticking to one idea from start to finish, with every sentence in a paragraph contributing to the central purpose and main idea of that paragraph.
E.B. White's New York
In the first paragraph, drawn from the opening of "Here Is New York," E.B. White approaches the city through a simple pattern of division. In the next two paragraphs, taken from the end of the essay, White anticipates the terror that would visit the city more than 50 years later.
In the first paragraph, drawn from the opening of "Here Is New York," E.B. White approaches the city through a simple pattern of division. In the next two paragraphs, taken from the end of the essay, White anticipates the terror that would visit the city more than 50 years later.
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.
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."
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.
sentence
A word or group of words that expresses a complete idea.
A word or group of words that expresses a complete idea.
coordinating conjunction
A conjunction that joins two similarly constructed and/or syntactically equal words or phrases or clauses.
A conjunction that joins two similarly constructed and/or syntactically equal words or phrases or clauses.
proverb
Short, pithy statement of a general truth, one that condenses common experience into memorable form.
Short, pithy statement of a general truth, one that condenses common experience into memorable form.
Adding Adjectives and Adverbs
A common way of expanding the basic sentence is with modifiers--words that add to the meanings of other words. The simplest modifiers are adjectives and adverbs.
A common way of expanding the basic sentence is with modifiers--words that add to the meanings of other words. The simplest modifiers are adjectives and adverbs.
Succeed in Freshman English
Welcome to English 101--sometimes called freshman English or college composition. It should be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding courses in your college life. But to succeed in anything, it helps to be prepared. So, as an old college English instructor, I'm going to let you in on seven secrets to success.
Welcome to English 101--sometimes called freshman English or college composition. It should be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding courses in your college life. But to succeed in anything, it helps to be prepared. So, as an old college English instructor, I'm going to let you in on seven secrets to success.
compound noun
Two or more nouns combined to form a single noun.
Two or more nouns combined to form a single noun.
Choosing the Correct Word
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.
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.
correlative conjunction
A paired conjunction that links balanced words, phrases, and clauses.
A paired conjunction that links balanced words, phrases, and clauses.
parable
A story, usually short and simple, that illustrates a lesson.
A story, usually short and simple, that illustrates a lesson.
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.
Of Studies
Francis Bacon, the first major English essayist, comments forcefully on the value of reading and learning.
Francis Bacon, the first major English essayist, comments forcefully on the value of reading and learning.
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.
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.
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.
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. The journey metaphor, for example, once served as an ad slogan for United Airlines: "Life is a journey, travel it well."
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. The journey metaphor, for example, once served as an ad slogan for United Airlines: "Life is a journey, travel it well."
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.
homographs
Words that have the same spelling but differ in origin, meaning, and sometimes pronunciation.
Words that have the same spelling but differ in origin, meaning, and sometimes pronunciation.
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.
Quiz on Confused Words
If you have studied our pages on "Choosing the Correct Word: Clearing Up Common Confusions," you should have no trouble completing this short review quiz.
If you have studied our pages on "Choosing the Correct Word: Clearing Up Common Confusions," you should have no trouble completing this short review quiz.
Tricky Cases of Agreement
Though the basic principle of subject-verb agreement is fairly simple, certain cases can trip up even the most experienced writers: (1) making subject and verb agree when words come between them; (2) reaching agreement when the subject is an indefinite pronoun; and (3) making the verbs "have," "do," and "be" agree with their subjects.
Though the basic principle of subject-verb agreement is fairly simple, certain cases can trip up even the most experienced writers: (1) making subject and verb agree when words come between them; (2) reaching agreement when the subject is an indefinite pronoun; and (3) making the verbs "have," "do," and "be" agree with their subjects.
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 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 prompts are meant to help you to discover that topic.
subordinating conjunction
A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
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.
Coordination
A common way to connect related words, phrases, and even entire clauses is to coordinate them--that is, connect them with a conjunction such as "and" or "but."
A common way to connect related words, phrases, and even entire clauses is to coordinate them--that is, connect them with a conjunction such as "and" or "but."
Review Exercises: Agreement
These review exercises will give you practice in applying the rules of subject-verb agreement. When you have completed the exercises, compare your responses with the answers at the bottom of the page.
These review exercises will give you practice in applying the rules of subject-verb agreement. When you have completed the exercises, compare your responses with the answers at the bottom of the page.
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.
End_ Marks
We begin our study of punctuation by focusing on the end marks: periods, question marks, and exclamation points.
We begin our study of punctuation by focusing on the end marks: periods, question marks, and exclamation points.
Choosing Correct Words (B-E)
Commonly Confused Words - B-E
Commonly Confused Words - B-E
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.
rhetoric
The study and practice of effective communication.
The study and practice of effective communication.
300 Writing Topics
Coming up with a good topic can be one of the hardest parts of composing a paragraph or essay. These 300 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 300 topic suggestions should make that job a little easier.
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.
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.
On the Choice of a Mistress
Franklin advises an acquaintance, "But if you will not take this counsel and persist in thinking a commerce with the sex inevitable, then I repeat my former advice, that in all your amours you should prefer old women to young ones."
Franklin advises an acquaintance, "But if you will not take this counsel and persist in thinking a commerce with the sex inevitable, then I repeat my former advice, that in all your amours you should prefer old women to young ones."
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.
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.
Identifying Subjects & Verbs
These exercises will give you practice in recognizing two key elements in a sentence: the subject and the verb.
These exercises will give you practice in recognizing two key elements in a sentence: the subject and the verb.
subordination
Words, phrases, and clauses that make one element of a sentence dependent on (or subordinate to) another.
Words, phrases, and clauses that make one element of a sentence dependent on (or subordinate to) another.
Twain's "Advice to Youth"
In "Advice to Youth," a talk he delivered to a group of young girls, Mark Twain turns the conventional moral lecture on its head.
In "Advice to Youth," a talk he delivered to a group of young girls, Mark Twain turns the conventional moral lecture on its head.
Building: Participial Phrases
These sentence-building exercises will give you a chance to apply the principles introduced in "Creating and Arranging Participial Phrases."
These sentence-building exercises will give you a chance to apply the principles introduced in "Creating and Arranging Participial Phrases."
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.
object of a preposition
A noun or a pronoun that follows a preposition and completes its meaning.
A noun or a pronoun that follows a preposition and completes its meaning.
Adjective Clauses (Part 1)
To show that one idea in a sentence is more important than another, we rely on subordination--that is, treating one word group as secondary (or subordinate) to another. One common form of subordination is the adjective clause--a word group that modifies a noun.
To show that one idea in a sentence is more important than another, we rely on subordination--that is, treating one word group as secondary (or subordinate) to another. One common form of subordination is the adjective clause--a word group that modifies a noun.
Contents of Essay Samplers
Here you will find the contents of our five Essay Samplers organized by title, author, and theme.
Here you will find the contents of our five Essay Samplers organized by title, author, and theme.
Building with Phrases
In this exercise you will continue to apply the basic strategies outlined in Introduction to Sentence Combining.
In this exercise you will continue to apply the basic strategies outlined in Introduction to Sentence Combining.
Model Place Descriptions
These four descriptive paragraphs respond to the guidelines in the project "How to Write a Place Description." As you read each paragraph, notice how place signals help to promote coherence, guiding the reader clearly from one detail to the next.
These four descriptive paragraphs respond to the guidelines in the project "How to Write a Place Description." As you read each paragraph, notice how place signals help to promote coherence, guiding the reader clearly from one detail to the next.
Latin Abbreviations
These days, a sound rule for using Latin abbreviations (such as "e.g.," "etc.," "et al.," and "i.e.") is not to use them at all. But if we must use Latin abbreviations, we should learn how to use them correctly.
These days, a sound rule for using Latin abbreviations (such as "e.g.," "etc.," "et al.," and "i.e.") is not to use them at all. But if we must use Latin abbreviations, we should learn how to use them correctly.
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.
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.
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."