Grammar

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses, usually joined by a conjunction such as 'and', 'but', or 'or'. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

Front

What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?

Back

'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence something, while 'effect' is a noun that refers to the result of a change. Example: 'The weather can affect your mood.' vs. 'The effect of the weather on your mood can be significant.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. Example: 'Although it was raining...'

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I love to read, I have many books.' This should be corrected by using a conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list. Example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.'

Front

What is subject-verb agreement?

Back

Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. Example: 'She runs every day.' (singular) vs. 'They run every day.' (plural)

Front

What is an oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or'. Example: 'I love apples, bananas, and oranges.' It clarifies the separation of items.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Example: 'I love to travel I go to new places every year.' This can be corrected by adding a period or a conjunction.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

Front

What is the function of an apostrophe?

Back

An apostrophe is used to indicate possession or to form contractions. Example: 'Sarah's book' (possession) vs. 'can't' (contraction for cannot).