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Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS): Grammar Toolkit/Glossary

Proof Reading for Grammar Toolkit

Contents

TOOLKIT CONTENTS

TO ACCESS TOOLKIT PAGES, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW:

Sentence basics

1. Is this a sentence? The basic structure of an English sentence

2. Should I start a new sentence? Common errors with sentence structure

Verbs

1. Is the tense correct? Verb tenses and their uses in academic writing

2. Agree with or agree on-is this the right preposition? Verbs followed by prepositions

Nouns

1. How many are there? Singular, plural and uncountable nouns

2. A/an, the or no article? Choosing the right article

Punctuation

Using punctuation marks

Academic Style

1. Not using I: Passive and active voice in academic writing

2. Expressing opinions: Tentativeness and certainty

Proof Reading for Grammar Activity

Glossary

If you prefer to consult the Proof Reading for Grammar Guide in a printable format, use the links below:

Glossary

GLOSSARY

Active In an active sentence, the subject does the action of the verb.
Auxiliary verb

A helper verb. It has abstract meaning (e.g. time, who does something), not related to an action or event.
Causation The relation of cause to effect. (This will happen as a result of this).
Countable Nouns that need to be grammatically singular or plural.
Grammar A system of providing abstract meaning (e.g. time, who does something, how it is done) in writing.
Passive The subject is the recipient of the verb action, not the person/thing doing the action.
Plural More than one of something.
Proof reading Noticing and correcting grammar mistakes in a text.
Sentence One complete idea that can stand alone, optionally with additional information of less importance.
Singular Exactly one of something.
Tense The time of an event or action.
Tentativeness/caution How certain the author presents the factuality of a statement.
Uncountable Things that cannot be grammatically counted.