Module 1: Grammar, Sentence Structure, and Punctuation

Flashcards defining key grammatical terms, sentence structures, and punctuation concepts practiced in the Module 1 assignment.

Subject

The noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that performs the action, experiences the state, or is described by the verb in a sentence (e.g., "you", "my inbox", "The sound", "a huge SUV", and "astronomy").

Verb

The word or verb phrase expressing an action, occurrence, or state of being (e.g., "did place", "was", "came", and "is").

Inverted Sentence Structure

A sentence arrangement where the verb precedes the subject, seen in sentences such as "From the back of the classroom came the sound…" and "Between my truck and my boyfriend’s car was a huge SUV."

Complete Sentence (C)

A grammatically complete unit of thought containing both a subject and a predicate verb, exemplified by "The loud explosion scared me." and "Spring is here."

Sentence Fragment (F)

An incomplete sentence lacking a main subject, a complete verb, or an independent thought, such as "Until the last day" or "In front of the last house."

Dependent Clause Fragment

A fragment introduced by a subordinating conjunction that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, such as "Because he heard the band playing."

Prepositional Phrase Fragment

A phrase beginning with a preposition that lacks an independent subject and verb, functioning only as a modifier and resulting in a fragment if punctuated alone (e.g., "In front of the last house.").

Comma Splice

A punctuation error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma, as in "Brazil has won several World Cut championships in soccer, they are always considered a good team."

Fused Sentence (Run-on)

A punctuation error occurring when two complete independent clauses are joined together with no punctuation between them, such as "I lost my train of thought did you find it?"

Conjunctive Adverb

A transitional word or phrase (such as "however", "consequently", or "as a result") used to connect independent clauses, requiring appropriate punctuation such as a semicolon or period rather than a simple comma.

Iowa Lakes Community College

The community college referenced in sentence 10 of the Module 1 punctuation exercise: "Iowa Lakes Community College is considered excellent, it attracts many students."