ACCUPLACER ESL Sentence Meaning flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Main clause meaning

The clause containing the sentence's subject and main verb; it carries the central claim, while subordinate clauses add background, time, or conditions.

Restatement question

A question asking which option expresses the same meaning as the original sentence using different words, without adding new information or opinion.

Absolute words

Terms such as all, always, never, only, and every that leave no exceptions; answers containing them must be supported fully by the sentence.

Double negative meaning

Two negatives in one clause cancel to a positive, so 'not unusual' means fairly common and 'not impossible' means possible.

Pronoun reference

The noun a pronoun stands for; correct comprehension requires matching the pronoun in number and sense to the intended preceding noun.

Contrast clause signal

Words like although, while, and despite mark two opposing ideas; the main clause usually states the emphasized or unexpected fact.

Context clue types

Hints inside a sentence such as definitions, examples after 'such as,' and contrasts after 'but' that reveal an unfamiliar word's meaning.

Connotation

The positive, negative, or neutral feeling a word carries beyond its literal meaning, as with 'thrifty' versus 'stingy.'

Word form slot

The grammatical position a blank occupies, which determines whether a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb is required to complete the sentence.

Collocation

A habitual word partnership such as 'make a decision,' 'take a risk,' or 'heavy rain' that native usage requires regardless of synonym meaning.

Transition prediction

Using connecting words like 'because' or 'however' in a sentence to predict whether the missing word expresses cause, contrast, or addition.

Distractor reversal

An answer option that fits the grammar but reverses the sentence's logic, such as inserting 'rarely' where 'frequently' is meant.

Cause-effect connectors

Words such as because, since, therefore, consequently, and as a result that link a reason to its outcome within or across sentences.

Contrast connectors

Words such as but, yet, although, however, whereas, and unlike that signal the second idea opposes or qualifies the first.

Sequence connectors

Words such as first, then, next, before, after, finally, and meanwhile that establish the order of events in a sentence.

Because versus so

'Because' introduces the cause and 'so' introduces the effect; the same relationship can be stated from either direction.

Despite versus although

'Despite' and 'in spite of' take a noun or gerund, while 'although' and 'even though' take a full clause with subject and verb.

Unless condition

A word meaning 'if not'; 'unless it rains' means the event occurs only on the condition that rain does not happen.

Addition connectors

Words like also, moreover, furthermore, and in addition that show the second idea extends or supports the first rather than opposing it.

Subject-verb agreement

The rule that a verb matches its subject in number; interrupting phrases like 'of tools' do not change whether the subject is singular.

Indefinite pronoun agreement

Each, everyone, somebody, neither, and one take singular verbs and singular pronouns, while both and few take plural forms.

Run-on sentence

Two complete sentences joined only by a comma; repair with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction plus comma.

Sentence fragment

A group of words missing a subject, a complete verb, or an independent clause, so it cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Dangling modifier

An introductory phrase whose intended subject is not the sentence's subject, producing a mismatched or illogical meaning.

Parallel structure

Matching grammatical forms in a list or comparison, such as 'reading, writing, and speaking' instead of mixing gerunds with infinitives.

Comparative versus superlative

'-er' or 'more' compares exactly two items; '-est' or 'most' compares three or more; combining both forms is always incorrect.

Obligation words in notices

Terms like must, required, no later than, and only that state duties and deadlines in everyday instructions and announcements.

Hedging language

Cautious words such as may, tends to, often, and suggests that limit a claim; answers stating certainty misread hedged academic sentences.

Evidence-claim pattern

In academic text, findings are usually stated first and the writer's conclusion follows, often introduced by 'this suggests' or 'these results indicate.'

Association versus causation

'Is associated with' or 'is linked to' reports a correlation only, while 'causes' or 'leads to' asserts a direct causal relationship.

Deadline precision

Exact wording of times and limits in practical texts; 'by 5 p.m.' means no later than that time, while 'after 5 p.m.' means later than it.

Example versus summary signal

'For example' and 'such as' introduce supporting detail, while 'in summary' and 'in conclusion' introduce the main point restated.