sentence types: people on a rope bridge traversing a ravine

Sentence Types

Sentence Types in English are Declarative Imperative Interrogative Exclamatory. Sentence Types categorize sentences by their function—i.e., by what the sentence is doing Declarative declare something! Imperative make requests, give orders Interrogative ask questions Exclamatory give emphasis and an excited tone! Examples of Sentence Types 1. Declarative Sentences Declarative Sentences literally declare something.   Ex: Today is ...

Independent Clauses, Dependent Clauses & Phrases

What are Clauses & Phrases? Clauses & Phrases are the building blocks of a sentence in Standard Written English. Related Concepts: Modifiers, Modification Clauses A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb. Clauses are divided into Independent Clauses Dependent Clauses. Independent Clauses An independent clause has a subject and ...

Homonym

Homonyms are words that are pronounced similarly but mean different things words that are spelled the same words that are pronounced similarly. Accede—verb—to agree or consentEx: I accede to your request for help. Exceed—verb—to go over an expected limitEx: If you exceed the speed limit, you may get a speeding ticket. Accept—verb—to receiveEx: I would ...

Simile

A simile is a particular type of metaphor that compares two objects that are essentially not like one another. A simile, unlike a metaphor, introduces this comparison with the words “like” or “as.” My essay’s introduction is like the first sip of a fine wine—that is a simile; My essay’s introduction is the first sip ...

Personification

Personification is the act of giving animals, inanimate objects, and ideas human form, personality, or emotion. Though you would not want to employ personification too much in an essay (just as you also have to be careful about the frequency of your similes and metaphors—too many can make your writing tedious or pretentious), one or ...

Metaphor

Metaphor is a figure of speech that identifies one thing with another. Metaphors do not use “like” or “as” but equate the two terms you are comparing. Effective metaphors capture your reader’s attention, and by creating strong, clear, interesting images, help the reader better understand and remember your point. Examples: The financial crisis in America ...

Unity

What is Unity (in Writing)? Unity refers to Related Concepts: Felt Sense; Gestalt; Organization; Thesis. FAQs What’s the difference between unity and coherence? Unity refers to a writer’s effort to make sure every bit of discourse — every word, phrase, clause, sentence, and paragraph — directly contributes to the main narrative or thesis. For instance, ...

simplicity in writing: waterfall flowing into sea

Simplicity

Definition Simplicity is Simplicity in style doesn’t necessarily mean simplicity in content. Simplicity does not imply a diminution of complexity or richness in thought. Invariably, some writing projects are incredibly complex and decipherable only by other experts. Thus, texts that users describe as “simple” can be incredibly complex! What sets these sorts of highly prized ...

Professional Writing – How to Write for the Professional World

What is Professional Writing? Professional writing refers to writing that helps get work done in business, industry, government, non-profit, and civic settings. Whether it’s a brief office memo or a complex technical report, professional writing is action-oriented and aims to solve problems within or between organizations and publics. While some professional writing is performed by ...

Writing Styles

Summary Writing Styles refers to Synonymous Terms Writing Styles may also be called Related Concepts: Audience – Audience Awareness; Genre; Rhetorical Stance; Persona; Purpose; Register; The Elements of Style; Tone; Voice. Guide to Writing Styles In life, writers and speakers face innumerable exigencies–calls to write and speak. Each of those circumstances challenge writers (and speakers) ...