08 English Grammar and Mechanics Free Online FlashCards

How do independent and dependent clauses differ?

A clause contains a subject and a verb. An independent clause expresses a complete thought; a dependent clause does not.

What makes a sentence fragment?

A fragment is missing a necessary part or consists only of a dependent clause, so it does not express a complete sentence.

What is a comma splice, and how can you fix it?

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma. Use a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction instead.

What are three correct ways to join independent clauses?

Join independent clauses with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction such as “but” or “so.”

How should a verb agree with its subject?

A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Identify the true subject rather than a distracting word between subject and verb.

How does a verb generally agree in an either…or construction?

With either…or and neither…nor, the verb generally agrees with the nearer subject.

What makes a pronoun reference clear?

A pronoun should refer clearly to its antecedent and agree with it in number. Unclear reference can leave readers unsure which person or thing the pronoun means.

When should you use “I” rather than “me”?

Use subject forms such as “I” for subjects, and object forms such as “me” for objects of verbs or prepositions.

What is a dangling modifier?

A dangling modifier has no clear word to describe. Place the modifier near the word it modifies and make that word the one performing the action when appropriate.

What does parallel structure require in a list?

Items in a list or comparison should use matching grammatical forms, such as nouns with nouns or parallel verb forms with verb forms.

Where does a comma go after an introductory dependent clause?

Use a comma after most introductory dependent clauses. Do not put a comma between a subject and its verb.

When should you use a semicolon rather than a colon?

Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses. Use a colon after a complete clause to introduce an explanation or list.