English Grammar and Social Context Review

A set of vocabulary and structural grammar flashcards based on lecture notes covering irregular verbs, verb patterns (infinitives and gerunds), and contextual concepts.

Patriarchy

A social system described as surviving not because it is strong, but because it has existed for so long that many people mistake it for something normal.

Meritocracy in an Unequal System

A concept from the notes demonstrating that admission to prestigious universities and social mobility are heavily influenced by access to quality schooling, English exposure, family income, and cultural capital rather than purely personal ability.

Retrospect

Looking back on past events; referenced in Anais Nin's quote: "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect."

Grind (Irregular Verb)

Simple Past: ground | Past Participle: ground

Shrink (Irregular Verb)

Simple Past: shrank | Past Participle: shrunk

Stride (Irregular Verb)

Simple Past: strode | Past Participle: stridden

Tread (Irregular Verb)

Simple Past: trod | Past Participle: trodden

Wring (Irregular Verb)

Simple Past: wrung | Past Participle: wrung

Slink (Irregular Verb)

Simple Past: slunk | Past Participle: slunk

Verbs + TO Infinitive

A category of verbs followed directly by "to + base verb", including afford, attempt, consent, decline, hesitate, neglect, refuse, and resolve.

Verbs + Object + TO Infinitive

A category of verbs requiring a direct object before the infinitive verb, including compel, convince, instruct, oblige, persuade, remind, and urge.

Verbs with Prepositional 'TO' + V-ing

Structures where "to" functions as a preposition requiring a gerund (-ing form), such as accustomed to, commit to, confess to, devote to, look forward to, object to, and resort to.

Idioms + V-ing (Gerund Expressions)

Fixed expressions that are followed by a gerund, including have trouble, have difficulty, have a hard time, spend time/money, waste time/money, and be done.

Adjectives + TO Infinitive

Adjectives that take an infinitive verb complement, such as able to, anxious to, certain to, likely to, pleased to, and welcome to.

Nouns + TO Infinitive

Nouns expressing capacity, desire, or effort that take an infinitive complement, such as ability to, ambition to, determination to, effort to, failure to, refusal to, and willingness to.