Grammar & Usage Flashcard

Front

What is the difference between 'to', 'too', and 'two'?

Back

'To' is a preposition, 'too' means also or excessively, and 'two' is the number 2.

Front

What is subject-verb agreement with 'either/or'?

Back

When using 'either/or', the verb should agree with the nearest subject. Example: 'Either the moldy banana or the sour milk triggers my gag reflex.'

Front

How should proper nouns be capitalized?

Back

Proper nouns should always be capitalized. Example: 'New York City'.

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses. Example: 'I love horror movies, but I also enjoy romantic comedies.'

Front

What is the correct usage of 'passed' vs. 'past'?

Back

'Passed' is the past tense of 'pass', while 'past' can refer to a time before now or a direction. Example: 'We passed the library just past the coffee shop.'

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or'.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Although it was raining...'

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon connects closely related independent clauses. Example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.'

Front

What is the function of an apostrophe?

Back

An apostrophe shows possession or indicates omitted letters in contractions. Example: 'Sarah's book' or 'don't'.