English BASIS 8 : PreComp

Run-On Sentence

A grammatical error where two or more independent clauses are incorrectly combined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

Comma Splice

A specific type of run-on sentence that joins two independent clauses with a comma instead of a conjunction.

Sentence Fragment

An incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a predicate, or both.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The rule that subjects must agree in number with the verbs that express their actions.

Collective Nouns

Nouns that refer to a group as a single entity, requiring a singular verb when acting as one, and a plural verb when referring to individual members.

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

The requirement that pronouns must clearly refer back to a specific noun and agree in gender, number, and person.

Misplaced Modifiers

Modifiers that are placed too far from the word they are intended to modify, causing confusion.

Dangling Modifiers

Modifiers that do not sensibly attach to any word in the sentence, thus lacking something to modify.

Comma Rules

Guidelines for using commas to separate main clauses, series, coordinate modifiers, and certain clauses.

Semi-Colon Rules

Guidelines for using semi-colons to separate independent clauses not joined by conjunctions or when clauses contain internal punctuation.

Apostrophe Rules

Guidelines for using apostrophes to indicate possession.

Active Voice

A sentence structure where the subject performs the action, making sentences clear and direct.

Passive Voice

A sentence structure where the action is performed upon the subject, often making sentences wordier.

Prepositional Phrase

A phrase that begins with a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun, functioning in the sentence as a single part of speech.

Participial Phrase

A phrase that contains a participle functioning as an adjective, modifying a noun in the sentence.

Appositive Phrase

A noun or pronoun plus modifiers that identifies or adds information to another noun or pronoun.

Essential Clauses/Phrases

Clauses or phrases that are necessary for the sentence's meaning and should not be set off by commas.

Nonessential Clauses/Phrases

Clauses or phrases that can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning and should be set off by commas.

Absolute Phrases

Groups of words that modify or add information to a sentence but are grammatically independent from the main clause.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Simile

A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'.

Personification

Giving human traits or emotions to non-human entities or ideas.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

Understatement

A statement that deliberately makes a situation seem less important than it is, often with ironic intent.

Idiom

A figurative saying specific to a culture or language, whose meaning is not directly derived from the individual words.

Imagery

Use of figurative language to create sensory experiences or visuals for the reader.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts in literature.

Motif

A recurring element that has a symbolic significance in a story.

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and detail.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere or feeling that a piece of literature evokes in the reader.

Theme

The central idea or underlying message of a literary work.

Verbal Irony

When a speaker says one thing but means another, often characterized by sarcasm.

Situational Irony

A situation that ends up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience is aware of something that the characters are not.

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in writing.

Elevated Diction

Sophisticated, formal language that follows correct grammar and style.

Colloquial Diction

Informal language used in everyday conversation.

Archaic Diction

Outdated language that is no longer in common use.

Exposition

The introductory section of a story where background information is provided.

Inciting Incident

The event that sets the plot in motion and leads to the rising action.

Rising Action

The series of events that create suspense and lead to the climax.

Climax

The most intense, exciting, or important point of the story, usually the turning point.

Falling Action

The part of the story where the conflict decreases and the story begins to wind down.

Resolution (Denouement)

The conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved and loose ends are tied up.

Third Person Omniscient

A narrative perspective in which the narrator knows all characters' thoughts and feelings.

Third Person Limited

A narrative perspective that provides the thoughts and feelings of only one character.

Third Person Objective

A narrative perspective that does not reveal any character's thoughts or feelings.

Using Apostrophes with Singular Nouns

To show possession for singular nouns, add an apostrophe followed by 's' (e.g., the dog's leash).

Using Apostrophes with Plural Nouns

For plural nouns that do not end in 's', add an apostrophe followed by 's' (e.g., the children's toys). For plural nouns that do end in 's', add only an apostrophe (e.g., the dogs' park).

Using Apostrophes with Compound Nouns

When indicating possession for compound nouns, add an apostrophe to the last word (e.g., my mother-in-law's recipe).

Using Apostrophes with Joint Possession

When two or more people own something jointly, add an apostrophe to the last name only (e.g., Tom and Jerry's restaurant).

Using Apostrophes with Individual Possession

When indicating individual possession, add an apostrophe to each name (e.g., Tom's and Jerry's cars).