Untitled Flashcards Set

Loose sentence

A sentence type that begins with a main clause and is followed by successive dependent clauses, phrases, modifiers, etc. 

• The balloon floated up, dancing between trees and shimmying between clouds.

Periodic sentence

A complex sentence that places the main clause at the end. The beginning contains phrases and clauses. This creates suspense and adds a dramatic effect. 

• Running down the steps, stepping over the sleeping cat, and hoping I was not too late, I swung open the front door

Elliptical construction

A sentence that omits one or more words to make it more concise. 

• The juniors eat in the cafeteria; the seniors in the lounge.

antecedent

a word, clause, phrase, or sentence to which another word (especially a following relative pronoun) refers.

• Susan was excited to learn her paper earned an A+. (Susan is the antecedent of her).

gerund

A verb that functions as a noun

• Traveling brings a sense of adventure and relaxation.

Participial phrase

A participial phrase is a group of words consisting of a participle* and other words which function to describe a noun or pronoun in a sentence. 

(* a participle is a verb used as an adjective)

Prepositional phrase

A phrase that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun/pronoun.

litotes

Understatement; states a negative or contrary of an affirmative statement 

verisimilitude

Something which appears true, faithfully depicts the “real world” 

didactic

Intending to teach/relaly information 

motif

Recurring image, theme, or symbol in an artistic or literary composition 

euphony

Pleasant sounding or harmonious combinations of sounds, letters, or words