Sentence Structure & Style Flashcard

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A sentence with one independent clause

Answer explanation

A simple sentence consists of one independent clause, which contains a subject and a predicate. The other options describe compound or complex sentences, making 'A sentence with one independent clause' the correct choice.

Front

Which sentence is a compound sentence? Options: She studied all night., She studied all night and took a long nap after., She studied all night, and she still felt tired., Although she studied, she failed.

Back

She studied all night, and she still felt tired.

Answer explanation

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. 'She studied all night, and she still felt tired.' has two clauses, making it a compound sentence. The other options are not compound.

Front

What makes a sentence complex?

Back

It includes both an independent and a dependent clause

Answer explanation

A complex sentence includes both an independent clause, which can stand alone, and a dependent clause, which cannot. This combination creates complexity, distinguishing it from simple sentences that have only one clause.

Front

Which sentence shows correct parallel structure?
Options: She likes hiking, to swim, and biking., She likes to hike, swimming, and bikes., She likes hiking, swimming, and biking., She likes to hike, swim, and biking.

Back

She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.' because it maintains parallel structure by using gerunds consistently. The other options mix different forms, disrupting the parallelism.

Front

"Mood" in grammar refers to:

Back

the attitude of the speaker

Answer explanation

In grammar, "mood" refers to the attitude of the speaker towards the action, such as indicative, imperative, or subjunctive. It expresses how the speaker feels about the action rather than when it occurs.

Front

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood?
Options: If I were taller, I would play basketball., I was taller last year., I am taller than my sister., If I am taller, I will dunk.

Back

If I were taller, I would play basketball.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'If I were taller, I would play basketball.' uses the subjunctive mood, indicating a hypothetical situation. The other sentences do not express such a condition.

Front

What does “tense” show in a sentence?

Back

The time an action happens (past, present, future)

Answer explanation

Tense indicates the time an action occurs, whether in the past, present, or future. This is crucial for understanding the timing of events in a sentence, making it the correct choice.

Front

What is “aspect” in grammar?

Back

The pace or duration of the action

Answer explanation

In grammar, 'aspect' refers to the pace or duration of the action in a verb. It indicates whether an action is completed, ongoing, or habitual, distinguishing it from tense, which relates to time.

Front

Why is sentence variation important in writing?

Back

To create rhythm and keep writing interesting

Answer explanation

Sentence variation is important in writing because it creates rhythm and keeps the writing interesting. This helps engage the reader and maintain their attention, making the text more enjoyable to read.

Front

What contributes to a sentence's rhythm?

Back

The pattern and length of sentences

Answer explanation

The rhythm of a sentence is primarily influenced by the pattern and length of sentences. Variations in these elements create a flow that affects how the sentence is perceived, making this choice the correct answer.