TEAS English key terms

The grammar rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

The rule that a pronoun must match the noun it replaces in number and gender, and that the noun must be clear enough for readers to identify.

A punctuation error in which two complete sentences are joined by only a comma, with no coordinating conjunction or stronger mark between them.

Two or more independent clauses written together without correct punctuation or a conjunction, so the reader cannot easily see where one complete thought ends.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence that is missing a subject, a complete verb, or the ability to stand alone as a thought.

A descriptive word or phrase placed so that it seems to describe the wrong noun, usually because the noun it was meant to describe is absent.

A word or phrase positioned too far from the word it describes, so the sentence appears to say something the writer did not intend.

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or for ideas joined by a conjunction, which keeps the sentence balanced and easy to follow.

A punctuation mark that joins two closely related independent clauses, or separates items in a list when the items themselves already contain commas.

A punctuation mark that follows a complete sentence and introduces a list, an explanation, or a quotation that expands on what came before.

A clause that gives extra information about a noun but is not needed to identify it, so it is set off by commas.

A punctuation mark used to show possession or to stand in for missing letters in a contraction, as in the teacher's desk or don't.

Keeping verbs in the same time frame throughout a sentence or passage unless a genuine change in time requires a shift.

The level of formality a writer chooses, from casual conversation to formal academic prose, based on the audience and the purpose.

The attitude a writer reveals toward the subject and the reader, built from word choice, sentence length, and the details selected.

A word or phrase that signals how one sentence or paragraph relates to the next, such as however, therefore, or in addition.

Stating an idea in the fewest words that still carry the full meaning, cutting filler, empty phrases, and needless repetition.

Saying the same thing twice, or adding words that contribute no new meaning, which makes writing wordy and weakens its effect.

The quality that makes sentences in a paragraph hold together, created by clear pronoun reference, repeated key terms, and logical transitions.

The readers a piece of writing is intended for; their background and expectations shape how much explanation and what tone the writer uses.

Placing a less important idea in a dependent clause so the main idea stands out in the independent clause.

Joining short, choppy sentences into longer ones using coordination or subordination so the relationships among ideas become clear.

Hints in nearby words and sentences, such as definitions, examples, or contrasts, that help a reader infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

A word part attached to the front of a base word that changes its meaning, as un- changes happy to unhappy.

A word part attached to the end of a base word that changes its meaning or part of speech, as -ness turns kind into kindness.

The core part of a word that carries its basic meaning and to which prefixes and suffixes can be attached.

A word that means nearly the same as another word, though the two may differ in shade of meaning or level of formality.

A word whose meaning is the opposite of another word's, such as hot and cold; recognizing them helps readers use contrast clues.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, which stays the same regardless of the feelings or associations the word may carry.

The feelings, attitudes, or associations a word suggests beyond its dictionary meaning, such as the difference between thrifty and cheap.

One of two or more words that sound alike but are spelled differently and carry different meanings, such as their, there, and they're.

An expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as under the weather or break the ice.

A comparison that shows two pairs of words relate in the same way, often used to test vocabulary knowledge and logical reasoning.

Words and phrases specific to a subject area, such as hypothesis in science, that carry a precise meaning for people in that field.

Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create images or comparisons, including metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole; it strongly shapes tone.

A reference tool that lists synonyms and antonyms for words, helpful for finding a more exact term but risky when shades of meaning are ignored.