2 Writing Conventions Free Online FlashCards

How do their, there, and they’re differ?

Their shows possession, there refers to a place, and they’re means they are.

Which noun controls the verb in “The list of supplies is on the desk”?

The verb agrees with the sentence’s subject, not a nearby noun. In “The list of supplies is,” list is the subject.

What should you check to ensure a sentence is complete?

A complete sentence expresses a complete thought.

When should verb tense change within a passage?

Keep verb tense consistent unless the time being described changes.

How can you fix an unclear pronoun reference?

Make sure a pronoun clearly refers to the intended noun; otherwise, rewrite the sentence to identify who or what it means.

When do you usually use fewer rather than less?

Fewer usually refers to countable things; less usually refers to an amount. Context can affect usage.

Why can’t a comma alone join two complete sentences?

A comma alone should not join two complete sentences. Use a period, a semicolon, or a comma with a coordinating conjunction.

Should an apostrophe make an ordinary plural?

Use an apostrophe for possession or missing letters, not to make an ordinary plural: write “three books,” not “three book’s.”

When can a colon introduce a list or explanation?

A colon can introduce a list or explanation after a complete thought.

What kinds of words should always be capitalized?

Capitalize the first word of a sentence, the pronoun I, and proper nouns such as specific people, places, organizations, days, and months.

Which punctuation mark ends a direct question?

Use a question mark to end a direct question.

In standard U.S. usage, where do commas and periods go with closing quotation marks?

Quotation marks enclose direct speech or quoted words. In standard U.S. usage, commas and periods generally go inside the closing quotation mark.