Highlights key ideas; creates emphasis. Example: Fear is a powerful motivator.

Creates rhythm and emphasizes equal importance. Example: We came, we saw, we conquered.

Shows understanding of nuanced ideas; adds sophistication.

Subject performs the action; creates stronger writing.

Subject receives the action; can sound weak.

Using sophisticated language; creates a formal tone.

Using everyday language; creates a casual tone.

Repeating a word or phrase; emphasizes the repeated element and creates rhythm.

Using precise terms; makes arguments clear and convincing.

Engages the audience and prompts reflection without seeking a direct answer.

One independent clause.

Two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

One independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

Two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank (FANBOYS).

A clause that can stand alone as a sentence.

Modify or describe nouns.

Modify or describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

The verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.

A group of related words that does not contain a subject and a verb.

The arrangement of words, phrases, and clauses to build sentences.

Word choice; it shapes the tone and atmosphere of writing.

Subject performs the action (e.g., The cat chased the mouse).

Subject receives the action (e.g., The mouse was chased by the cat).

Using the same pattern of words to show equal importance.

Repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of clauses or sentences.

A question asked for effect, not an answer.

The feeling a word evokes.

A word's literal meaning.

A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence; it depends on the main clause.