GLOSSARY OF COMMON GRAMMATICAL AND WRITING TERMS

Grammar terminology is useful when we describe and correct problems with writing. Though we’ve tried to de-emphasize terminology and teach through examples throughout this book, sometimes you need a definition. We’ve tried to emphasize areas that are both commonly used and commonly misunderstood, such as the use of modal auxiliaries like can, could, shall, should, etc. Punctuation marks are not included in this list; they have a separate section in this Appendix.

“People who are experts in grammar don’t always write well, and many people who write well no longer think consciously about grammar … but when something goes wrong in a sentence, a knowledge of grammar helps in recognizing the problem and provides a language for discussing it.” — H. Ramsey Fowler

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The Tongue and Quill

a/an Active Voice Adjective

Use a before consonant sounds and an before vowel sounds Shows the subject as the actor. (pages 73-74). Describes or limits a noun or pronoun. It answers “Which one? What kind? or How many?” Modifies or limits a verb, adjective or another adverb and answers “When? Where? Why? How much? How far? To what degree?” Conjunctive or Connective Adverb—transition words that often appears to connect clauses.

Adverbs

Antecedent Appositive Article Bibliography

Noun, phrase or clause to which a pronoun refers or replaces. (pages 99100) Word, phrase or clause preceding or renaming a noun. Small set of words used with nouns to limit or give definiteness to the application. A list of books, articles and other works used in preparing a manuscript or other written product. (See “The Mechanics of Research,” pages 345347.) Any punctuation symbol used to emphasize specific items. (See “Display Dot” Punctuation Guidelines, pages 289-290.) Forms that nouns and pronouns take when they fit into