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Singular Pronouns

Refer to one (he, she, it).

Plural Pronouns

Refer to more than one (they, we).

Pronoun Agreement

A pronoun must match the noun it replaces in number and gender.

Gender-Neutral Pronouns

Use (they/them) when gender is unknown or nonspecific.

Ambiguous Pronoun

A pronoun where it's unclear what it refers to.

Singular Verbs

End in -s (he walks).

Plural Verbs

Don't end in -s (they walk).

is/are, has/have, was/were

Use is/has/was for singular; use are/have/were for plural subjects.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural).

Compound Subject

Two or more subjects joined by 'and' (usually plural), or 'or/nor' (match closest subject).

Ideas as Nouns

They are singular (freedom is important).

Group Nouns

They are singular (e.g., team is winning).

Verbs Before Nouns

Subject-verb agreement still applies.

Prepositional Phrase

A phrase starting with a preposition and ending with a noun (e.g., 'on the table').

Parallel Pronouns

Pronouns that match in form when used together (e.g., to her and me).

Parallel Lists

Items in a list must be in the same form (e.g., swimming, biking, running).

Parallel Comparisons

Comparing things using matching grammatical forms.

Comma

Used for separating list items, after intro phrases, or around extra info.

Non-Essential Clause

Extra info set off by commas that isn't needed to identify the noun.

Introductory Clause

A phrase at the start of a sentence that leads into the main idea, usually followed by a comma.

Appositive

A noun or phrase that renames another noun and adds detail.

Conjunction

A word that connects words or sentences (e.g., and, but, or).

FANBOYS

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So — coordinating conjunctions.

Transition Words

Words that help to connect ideas in writing.

Words

Words that connect ideas between sentences or paragraphs (e.g., however, therefore).

However

To show contrast between two sentences; usually after a semicolon or period.

Run-On Sentence

Two or more full sentences incorrectly joined together.

Run-Ons and Semicolons

They separate two related full sentences.

Run-Ons and Conjunctions

Add a comma and a FANBOYS word between two full sentences.

Run-Ons and Transition Words

Use a semicolon + transition word + comma.

Run-Ons and Being Creative

Use periods, semicolons, conjunctions, or rewording.

Conjunctions and Commas

When joining two full sentences with a FANBOYS word.

Conjunction and Lists

Use a comma before the last item (Oxford comma is optional).

Multiple Adjectives

Use commas between equal adjectives (e.g., long, boring movie).

Colon

To introduce a list, explanation, or quote after a full sentence.

Dash

To add emphasis or extra info—like a dramatic comma.

Apostrophe

For contractions and showing possession.

Contraction

A shortened form using an apostrophe (e.g., don't, it's).

Possession

Add 's for singular (the cat's toy), or just an apostrophe for plural (the dogs' owner).

Quirky Apostrophes

Watch out for its vs. it's, and don't use apostrophes to make plurals.

Concision

Saying something in the shortest, clearest way possible.

Passive Voice

When the subject receives the action (e.g., The cake was eaten).

Redundancy

Repeating the same idea with extra or unnecessary words.

Double Negative

Using two negative words together (e.g., don't have no time).

Special Double Negatives

Words like hardly, barely, scarcely are already negative — don't pair them with another negative word.

Modifying Adjectives

Adjectives changed by words like very, more, less to describe nouns more precisely.

Double Comparative

Using two comparison forms (e.g., more better), which is incorrect.

Special Double Comparatives

Words like superior or closer are already comparative — don't add "more."