Writing OGT Prep (Grammar) – Flashcards

Because a pronoun REFERS to a noun or TAKES THE PLACE OF that noun, you have to use the correct pronoun so that your reader clearly understands which noun your pronoun is referring to. INCORRECT: Although the motorcycle hit the tree, it was not damaged. (Is "it" the motorcycle or the tree?)

1. When the subject of a sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb. Ex: She and her friends are at the fair. 2. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by or or nor, use a singular verb. The book or the pen is in the drawer.

A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a concept. INCORRECT: After reading the original study, the article remains unconvincing. REVISED: After reading the original study, I find the article unconvincing.

Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling. Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.

A sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clauses. EX: My aunt enjoyed taking the hayride with you. EX: China's Han Dynasty marked an official recognition of Confucianism.

A sentence with multiple independent clauses but no dependent clauses. EX: The clown frightened the little girl, and she ran off screaming. EX: The Freedom Riders departed on May 4, 1961, and they were determined to travel through many southern states.

A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. EX: After Mary added up all the sales, she discovered that the lemonade stand was 32 cents short.

A sentence with multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Ex: Catch-22 is widely regarded as Joseph Heller's best novel, and because Heller served in World War II, which the novel satirizes, the zany but savage wit of the novel packs an extra punch.

An appositive is a noun or pronoun — often with modifiers — set beside another noun or pronoun to explain or identify it. EX: My brother's car, a sporty red convertible with bucket seats, is the envy of my friends. EX: The first state to ratify the U. S. Constitution, Delaware is rich in history

1. Agree in number - If the pronoun takes the place of a singular noun, you have to use a singular pronoun. EX (Correct): If a student parks a car on campus, he or she has to buy a parking sticker.

2. Agree in person - If you are writing in the first person (I), don't confuse your reader by switching to the second person (you) or third person (he, she, they, it, etc.). Similarly, if you are using the second person, don't switch to first or third. EX: When a person comes to class, he or she should have his or her homework ready.

Constructing sentences with a specific audience in mind; Consider your audience's level of knowledge when drafting sentences. Informed Audience: Use technical language, fewer explanations, and less additional information. Uniformed or General Audience: Error on the side of common academic language.