Chapter 1: Conventions of Standard Written English

What is a clause

a subject and a predicate grouped that can be classified as independent (if it can stand alone) or as dependent (if it cannot stand alone)

Simple sentence

consist of a subject and a predicate that can stand alone, i.e. an independent clause

Compound Sentences

two independent clauses joined together by a conjunction

Complex sentences

are made up of an independent clause with one or more dependent clause(s)

Compound-complex sentences

are made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clause(s) (sometimes combined with a conjunction)

Parallelism

when a word or phrase that is repeated in a sentence functions in the same way in another part of the sentence

Comma splice

occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without an appropriate conjunction.

Run on sentences

like comma splice with out comma just keeps running on

What is the difference between effect and affect?

"effect" is a noun meaning a result or outcome, while "affect" is a verb that means to influence or make a change.

What is the difference between farther and further?

"farther" refers to physical distance like farther down the road while "further" refers to figurative or abstract distance. Like further in the future.

What is the difference between than and then?

"than" is used for comparisons, (older than) while "then" refers to a time or sequence. (back then)

What is the difference between Who and Whom?

'Who' is used as the subject of a verb, while 'whom' is used as the object of a verb or preposition.

What’s the differences between There/Their/They’re

'There' indicates a place or location, 'their' is possessive and shows ownership, while 'they're' is a contraction for 'they are.'

What are the differences between Capitol/ Capital

'Capitol' refers to a building where a legislative assembly meets, while 'capital' can refer to a city that serves as a seat of government or wealth in the form of money or assets.

What is the difference between Accept and except?

'Accept' means to receive or agree to something, while 'except' indicates exclusion.

What is the difference between principal and principle?

'Principal' refers to the head of a school or organization, or the main sum of money in finance, while 'principle' refers to a fundamental truth or belief that guides behavior.

What is the difference between stationery and stationary?

'Stationery' refers to writing materials such as paper and envelopes, while 'stationary' means not moving or still.

Count nouns

Nouns that can be counted as individual items, such as 'apple' or 'dog,' one apple or one dog

Non-count nouns:

Nouns that cannot be counted individually, such as "dust" or "milk," you can’t say one dust or one milk it just doesn’t work

Floating Modifier

example:

Only I want to understand what she said

I only want to understand what she said

only in this case is a floating modifier it changes the sentence depending on where it is in the sentence

Idiom

an idiom is a set expression or phrase that has a figurative meaning and that is not interpreted literally. Some examples are: I’m all ears, call it a day, keep in touch, off the hook

What are semicolons used for?

to separate two independent clauses or to make lists of extended words: I cant do this any more; instead, we should share the cost

What are colons used for?

Colons are used to introduce a list, quotation or further explanation. explanations, quotations and lists

What are commas used for?

to separate clauses and to separate modifiers

Should greetings have commas?

yes hello in a formal email should look like this

Hello,

I would like more information about…..

or Drea Mrs. Al-Stayf,