3 Core Grammar and Usage Free Online FlashCards

How does a verb agree with its subject?

A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb.

What verb number does a subject joined by “and” usually take?

A compound subject joined by “and” is usually plural, so it generally takes a plural verb.

How are “everyone,” “each,” and “someone” usually treated in standard usage?

Indefinite pronouns such as “everyone,” “each,” and “someone” are usually singular in standard usage.

When is singular “they” widely used?

Singular “they” is widely used in a later reference to a person whose gender is unknown or not specified.

When is a verb tense shift appropriate?

Keep tense consistent for actions in the same time frame, but change tense when the timeline changes.

What is a pronoun’s antecedent?

An antecedent is the noun that a pronoun replaces or refers to.

When should you use subject versus object pronoun forms?

Use subject forms such as “I” and “they” for subjects, and object forms such as “me” and “them” for objects.

Where should a modifier usually appear?

Place a modifier close to the word or phrase it describes so its meaning is clear.

What makes an introductory modifier dangle?

A dangling modifier occurs when the sentence does not name the person or thing performing the action the modifier describes.

What does parallel structure require for ideas of equal importance?

Use the same grammatical form for ideas of equal importance in lists, comparisons, or constructions joined by “and,” “or,” or “but.”

How should the parts of a paired construction such as “both…and” relate?

Keep paired constructions grammatically balanced; for example, use “both reading novels and writing stories.”

How should you handle an interrupting phrase when checking agreement?

Identify the main subject and verb, and ignore interrupting phrases such as “of supplies” when checking agreement.