Untitled Flashcard Set

Old English

The earliest form of English, heavily influenced by Germanic languages, difficult for modern readers to understand.

Middle English

English after the Norman Conquest, influenced by French and Latin with simplified grammar and expanded vocabulary.

Early Modern English

Period characterized by standardized spelling and grammar, expanded vocabulary, notably during Shakespeare's time.

Late Modern English

English with major global spread due to colonialism, science, and technology, representing the modern English we recognize today.

Graphology

The study of the visual aspects of language such as layout, font, spacing, and punctuation.

Orthography

The spelling system of a language, determining how letters and sounds correspond.

Pragmatics

The study of how context influences meaning in language, focusing on implied meanings and social cues.

Noun

A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.

Proper Noun

A specific name for a unique person, place, or organization, always capitalized.

Verb

A word that shows an action, state, or process.

Transitive Verb

A verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

Adjective

A word that describes a noun or pronoun.

Predicate Adjective

An adjective that comes after a linking verb and describes the subject.

Adverb

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs that tell how something is done.

Pronoun

A word that replaces a noun to avoid repetition.

Possessive Pronouns

Pronouns that show ownership.

Preposition

A word that shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another word in a sentence.

Spatial Prepositions

Prepositions that describe location in space.

Interjection

A short word/phrase that expresses sudden emotion or reaction.

Volitive Interjections

Interjections used to give commands, wishes, or requests.

Conjunction

A word that joins words, phrases, or clauses.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Conjunctions that introduce a dependent clause, showing cause, time, or condition.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Conjunctions that join two equal parts, e.g., FANBOYS.

Determiners

Words that introduce nouns and show quantity, definiteness, or possession.

Definite Article

The specific determiner 'the', used to refer to a particular noun.

Analogy

A comparison that highlights similarities between two things.

Audience

The intended reader or listener of a text, affecting word choice, tone, and style.