English Language Keywords

What is a verb?

An action or state word. Example: “She RAN” uses the verb “ran” to show movement.

What is an adjective?

A word that describes a noun. Example: “The TERRIFYING noise” uses “terrifying” to create fear.

What is an adverb?

A word that modifies a verb, adjective or another adverb. Example: “He spoke QUIETLY” suggests secrecy.

What is a noun?

A word naming a person, place, thing or idea. Example: “Darkness” is a noun that can suggest fear or uncertainty.

What is a pronoun?

A word that replaces a noun. Example: “THEY” can refer to a group and create a sense of collective identity.

What is an imperative?

A command. Example: “Leave now!” creates authority or urgency.

What is a modal verb?

A verb showing possibility, obligation or certainty. Example: “MUST” suggests obligation or authority.

What is a semantic field?

A group of words connected by a common theme. Example: “Blood”, “weapon” and “murder” create a semantic field of violence.

What are connotations?

The ideas or associations a word suggests beyond its literal meaning. Example: “Home” can connote safety, comfort and belonging.

What is denotation?

The literal dictionary meaning of a word. Example: “Snake” denotes a reptile.

What is juxtaposition?

Placing contrasting ideas together to highlight their differences. Example: Placing images of wealth beside poverty highlights inequality.

What is contrast?

Highlighting differences between two things. Example: A peaceful opening followed by a violent event creates contrast.

What is repetition?

Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis. Example: Repeating “Never again” emphasises determination.

What is a tricolon?

A list of three words, phrases or clauses. Example: “He was cold, cruel and selfish” emphasises negative qualities.

What is a metaphor?

Describing something as something else. Example: “The classroom was a prison” suggests restriction.

What is a simile?

Comparing two things using “like” or “as”. Example: “He fought like a lion” suggests bravery.

What is personification?

Giving human qualities to something non-human. Example: “The wind screamed” creates an aggressive atmosphere.

What is hyperbole?

Deliberate exaggeration. Example: “I've told you a million times” emphasises frustration.

What is imagery?

Language that creates a mental picture or sensory impression. Example: “Golden sunlight flooded the room” creates a bright visual image.

What is symbolism?

When something represents a deeper idea. Example: A broken chain could symbolise freedom.

What is pathetic fallacy?

When weather reflects a character's mood or the atmosphere. Example: A storm during an argument reflects conflict.

What is alliteration?

Repetition of initial consonant sounds. Example: “Wild winds whipped” creates a forceful rhythm.

What is sibilance?

Repetition of “s” or “sh” sounds. Example: “The snake silently slid” creates a sinister effect.

What are plosive sounds?

Hard consonant sounds such as “b”, “p” and “t”. Example: “The bullets battered the building” creates a harsh sound.

What is a rhetorical question?

A question asked for effect rather than an actual answer. Example: “How can we accept this injustice?” encourages the audience to question society.

What is a euphemism?

Mild language used instead of something unpleasant. Example: “Passed away” replaces the word “died”.

What is irony?

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, or between what is said and what is meant. Example: Calling a disastrous event “wonderful” is verbal irony.