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sentences to teach grammar
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Simple Definition: a sentence consisting of only one clause, with a
Sentence single subject and predicate
Example: I cannot drink hot coffee.
Compound Definition: a sentence with more than one subject or
Sentence predicate.
Example: I am counting my calories, yet I really want
dessert.
Complex Definition: a sentence containing a subordinate clause or
Sentence clauses
Example: Though he was very rich, he was still very unhappy
Compound- Definition: a sentence having two or more coordinate
Complex independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
Sentence Example: I will get to watch television, but first, I have to
clean up the dishes after we finish eating.
Declarative Definition: The most common type of sentence, makes a
Sentence statement, and always ends with a period.
Example: Mrs. Cahill is my English teacher.
Imperative Definition: A request or command; always ends with a
Sentence period.
Example: Go wash the dishes.
Exclamatory Definition: A more forceful version of a declarative
Sentence sentence; ends with an exclamation point.
Example: You were supposed to be home 4 hours ago!
Interrogative Definition: A sentence that asks a question; always ends
Sentence with a question mark.
Example: When are you going to Starbucks?
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
noun Definition: Identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.
Example: Elaina was late for class again.
Pronoun Definition: A word that takes the place of a noun.
Example: She couldn’t wait to go shopping at Target.
verb Definition: A words that shows an action.
Example: Emma was running after the bus yesterday.
adverb Definition: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. (Modify
means to change the meaning of a word). Often end in –ly
Example: He ran home very quickly.
adjective Definition: a word that describes, identifies or further defines a noun or
a pronoun.
Example: My grandmother is a very wise, kind, and funny woman.
Subject Definition: Tells what the sentence is about; a noun or pronoun.
Example: The boys went to the zoo.
predicate Definition: What the subject does; Contains the verb or verb phrase
Example: The boys went to the zoo.
Preposition Definition: A word that connects a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun
to another word, especially to a verb
Example: We jumped in the lake.
Conjunction Definition: A word that joins words or groups of words.
Example: The treasure was hidden in the cave or in the museum.
Interjection Definition: An abrupt remark, made especially as an aside or
interruption
Example: Oh dear! I don’t know what to do about this mess.
Article Definition: A word used to modify a noun, which is a person, place,
object, or idea
Example: It was an important event in history. ©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Parts of speech Definitions and examples of
Definitions grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
Clause Definition: a group of words having its own subject and predicate
Example: When it rained, they went inside.
Clause 1 Clause 2
Subordinate Definition: Will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun
clause and will contain both a subject and a verb.
(dependent Example: Because I forgot my homework, I got sent home.
clause) Dependent clause Independent clause
Independent Definition: A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.
Clause Example: Because I forgot my homework, I got sent home.
Dependent clause Independent clause
Subordinate Definition: a word that connects a main clause to a subordinate clause.
conjunction
Example: Because I forgot my homework, I got sent home.
Coordinating Definition: A conjunction that connects two or more words, phrases, or
conjunction clauses.
Example: The bowl of squid eyeball stew is hot and delicious.
Misplaced Definition: a phrase or clause placed awkwardly in a sentence so that it
modifier appears to modify or refer to an unintended word.
Example: He bought a horse for his sister they call Prince.
Correction: He bought a horse, they call Prince, for his sister.
Nuances Definition: A subtle difference in expression, meaning, or response.
Example: Light lime green and lime green.
Helping verbs Definition: Help the main verb in a sentence by extending the meaning of
the verb.
Example: It was raining when we got to Portland.
Linking verbs Definition: a verb that connects a subject with a noun or adjective that is
the subject.
Example: They are cold.
Coordinating Definition: a group of words having its own subject and predicate
Adjectives Example: When it rained, they went inside.
Clause 1 Clause 2 ©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
punctuation Definitions and examples of
Definitions grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
Period Definition: Punctuation at the end of a declaration or imperative
sentence; also used at the end of abbreviations.
Example: Mr., Mrs., misc., etc.
Comma Definition: Punctuation used for indicating a division in a
sentence, especially when such a division is accompanied by a
slight pause.
Example: Although she was late, she was an excellent addition.
exclamation Definition: Punctuation used especially after an interjection
or exclamation to indicate forceful utterance or strong feeling
point
Example: Hurry up or we’re going to be late!
Question Definition: Punctuation used to ask a question
mark Example: Where are you going?
Parentheses Definition: Information in parentheses is not essential to the
meaning of the original sentence. It is given as additional, or
extra, information.
Example: The president (and his assistant) traveled by private jet.
Incorrect: The president (and his assistant) were arriving at 10:00
a.m.
quotation Definition: Punctuation marks used to begin or end a quotation.
Titles of things go in quotations if it is a small piece of something
marks larger.
Example: Mrs. Cahill repeatedly says, “Joseph and Chris sit
down.”
Example 2: My favorite episode of The Big Bang Theory is “The
Cognition Regeneration.”
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
punctuation Definitions and examples of
Definitions grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
Colon Definition: A punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a description, an
explanation, or a list.
Example: The little boy announced that he wanted the following for his
birthday: two sweaters, a new tent, and three toy cars.
semi-colon Definition: The punctuation mark (;) used to indicate a major division in
a sentence where a more distinct separation is felt between clauses or
items on a list than is indicated by a comma; between the two clauses
of a compound sentence.
Example: Dad is going bald; his hair is getting thinner and thinner.
Apostrophe Definition: a punctuation mark ( ’ ) used to indicate either
possession or the omission of letters or numbers (i.e. contractions).
Example: Harry's book ; boys' coats; can’t
Ellipses Definition: a literary device that is used in narratives to omit some
parts of a sentence or event, which gives the reader a chance
to fill the gaps while acting or reading it out
Example: So…what happened?
Dash Definition: is a mark of punctuation used to set off a word or
phrase after an independent clause or to set off a parenthetical
remark
Example: By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity—
another man's, I mean.
Hyphen Definition: the sign -, used to join words to indicate that they
have a combined meaning or that they are linked in the
grammar of a sentence
Example: She hyphenates her first name, Anne-Marie.
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Figurative language
Simile Definition: Compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Myra's head is as empty as a flower pot.”
Metaphor Definition: Comparing two things that are not alike to suggest they
have something in common.
Example: “It was said that Green Lake was ”Heaven on earth" and Miss
Katherine's peaches were "food for the angels.”
Hyperboles Definition: an exaggeration that can’t possibly be true.
Example: “Mama was crying, and the rain made it seem as if the whole
world was crying.”
Alliterations Definition: The repetition of beginning consonant sounds in two or more
neighboring words or syllables.
Example: Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Pepper.
Onomatopoeia Definition: Naming a thing or an action by imitating the sound
associated with it.
Example: ”Boom” or “buzz.”
Personification Definition: Giving something unhuman, actual human qualities.
Example: “The plane went into a glide, a very fast glide that ate
altitude, and suddenly there weren't any lakes.”
Idioms Definition: An expression of two or more words that means something
other than the actual or literal meaning.
Example: "I go, 'You must have ants in your pants,' and he gets this
funny look.
Allusion Definition: An allusion is a figure of speech that makes a reference to a
place, person, or event.
Example: “Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.” – “Romeo” is a
reference to Shakespeare’s Romeo.
Adage Definition: a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
Example: "Slow and steady wins the race."
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Homophones Definition: two or more words having the same pronunciation but
different meanings, origins, or spelling.
Example: new and knew.
homonyms Definition: two or more words having the same spelling but different
meanings and origins.
Example: “Pen.” This can mean both a holding area for animals and
a writing instrument
homographs Definition: two or more words spelled the same but not necessarily
pronounced the same and having different meanings and origins.
Example: wind: The wind blew the sign over. She bought him a wind
up toy.
synonyms Definition: a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same
as another word or phrase in the same language
Example: Shut and close
antonyms Definition: A word opposite in meaning to another.
Example: Bad and good
Denotations Definition: The literal dictionary definition of a word
Example: Chick-literally means a "baby bird," but is often used as a
somewhat derogatory term for a woman.
Connotation Definition: an idea or feeling that a word invokes
Example: Mule-literally a mix between a donkey and a horse. Used
to refer to a stubborn person.
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Indicative Definition: used to make factual statements, ask questions, or
express opinions as if they were facts
Mood verb
Example: Colin sings us a song.
Imperative Definition: forms commands or requests, including the giving of
prohibition or permission
mood verb
Example: Sing us a song.
Interrogative Definition: Asks a question
Mood verb Example: Do you think Colin will sing us a song?
Conditional Definition: shows under what conditions something might
happen
Mood verb
Example: I might be able to reach him if I call his cell phone
Subjunctive Definition: expresses a condition which is doubtful or not
factual.
Mood verb
Example: If I were President, I wouldn’t put up with it.
Gerund Definition: A gerund is a type of verbal that ends in -ing and is
used like a noun
verbal Example: Jumping is fun.
Participle Defintion: a verb that ends in -ing (present participle) or -ed, -d,
-t, -en, -n (past participle). Participles may function as
verbal adjectives, describing or modifying nouns.
Example: The dancing parrots entertained the crowd.
Infinitive Definition: the base form of a verb with to. Usually it functions as
a noun, although it can also function as an adjective or
Verbal adverb
Example: To jump is fun.
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Simple Definition: a sentence consisting of only one clause, with a
Sentence single subject and predicate
Example: I cannot drink hot coffee.
Compound Definition: a sentence with more than one subject or
Sentence predicate.
Example: I am counting my calories, yet I really want
dessert.
Complex Definition: a sentence containing a subordinate clause or
Sentence clauses
Example: Though he was very rich, he was still very unhappy
Compound- Definition: a sentence having two or more coordinate
Complex independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
Sentence Example: I will get to watch television, but first, I have to
clean up the dishes after we finish eating.
Declarative Definition: The most common type of sentence, makes a
Sentence statement, and always ends with a period.
Example: Mrs. Cahill is my English teacher.
Imperative Definition: A request or command; always ends with a
Sentence period.
Example: Go wash the dishes.
Exclamatory Definition: A more forceful version of a declarative
Sentence sentence; ends with an exclamation point.
Example: You were supposed to be home 4 hours ago!
Interrogative Definition: A sentence that asks a question; always ends
Sentence with a question mark.
Example: When are you going to Starbucks?
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
noun Definition: Identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.
Example: Elaina was late for class again.
Pronoun Definition: A word that takes the place of a noun.
Example: She couldn’t wait to go shopping at Target.
verb Definition: A words that shows an action.
Example: Emma was running after the bus yesterday.
adverb Definition: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. (Modify
means to change the meaning of a word). Often end in –ly
Example: He ran home very quickly.
adjective Definition: a word that describes, identifies or further defines a noun or
a pronoun.
Example: My grandmother is a very wise, kind, and funny woman.
Subject Definition: Tells what the sentence is about; a noun or pronoun.
Example: The boys went to the zoo.
predicate Definition: What the subject does; Contains the verb or verb phrase
Example: The boys went to the zoo.
Preposition Definition: A word that connects a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun
to another word, especially to a verb
Example: We jumped in the lake.
Conjunction Definition: A word that joins words or groups of words.
Example: The treasure was hidden in the cave or in the museum.
Interjection Definition: An abrupt remark, made especially as an aside or
interruption
Example: Oh dear! I don’t know what to do about this mess.
Article Definition: A word used to modify a noun, which is a person, place,
object, or idea
Example: It was an important event in history. ©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Parts of speech Definitions and examples of
Definitions grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
Clause Definition: a group of words having its own subject and predicate
Example: When it rained, they went inside.
Clause 1 Clause 2
Subordinate Definition: Will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun
clause and will contain both a subject and a verb.
(dependent Example: Because I forgot my homework, I got sent home.
clause) Dependent clause Independent clause
Independent Definition: A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.
Clause Example: Because I forgot my homework, I got sent home.
Dependent clause Independent clause
Subordinate Definition: a word that connects a main clause to a subordinate clause.
conjunction
Example: Because I forgot my homework, I got sent home.
Coordinating Definition: A conjunction that connects two or more words, phrases, or
conjunction clauses.
Example: The bowl of squid eyeball stew is hot and delicious.
Misplaced Definition: a phrase or clause placed awkwardly in a sentence so that it
modifier appears to modify or refer to an unintended word.
Example: He bought a horse for his sister they call Prince.
Correction: He bought a horse, they call Prince, for his sister.
Nuances Definition: A subtle difference in expression, meaning, or response.
Example: Light lime green and lime green.
Helping verbs Definition: Help the main verb in a sentence by extending the meaning of
the verb.
Example: It was raining when we got to Portland.
Linking verbs Definition: a verb that connects a subject with a noun or adjective that is
the subject.
Example: They are cold.
Coordinating Definition: a group of words having its own subject and predicate
Adjectives Example: When it rained, they went inside.
Clause 1 Clause 2 ©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
punctuation Definitions and examples of
Definitions grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
Period Definition: Punctuation at the end of a declaration or imperative
sentence; also used at the end of abbreviations.
Example: Mr., Mrs., misc., etc.
Comma Definition: Punctuation used for indicating a division in a
sentence, especially when such a division is accompanied by a
slight pause.
Example: Although she was late, she was an excellent addition.
exclamation Definition: Punctuation used especially after an interjection
or exclamation to indicate forceful utterance or strong feeling
point
Example: Hurry up or we’re going to be late!
Question Definition: Punctuation used to ask a question
mark Example: Where are you going?
Parentheses Definition: Information in parentheses is not essential to the
meaning of the original sentence. It is given as additional, or
extra, information.
Example: The president (and his assistant) traveled by private jet.
Incorrect: The president (and his assistant) were arriving at 10:00
a.m.
quotation Definition: Punctuation marks used to begin or end a quotation.
Titles of things go in quotations if it is a small piece of something
marks larger.
Example: Mrs. Cahill repeatedly says, “Joseph and Chris sit
down.”
Example 2: My favorite episode of The Big Bang Theory is “The
Cognition Regeneration.”
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
punctuation Definitions and examples of
Definitions grammar terms, language terms,
& parts of speech
Colon Definition: A punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a description, an
explanation, or a list.
Example: The little boy announced that he wanted the following for his
birthday: two sweaters, a new tent, and three toy cars.
semi-colon Definition: The punctuation mark (;) used to indicate a major division in
a sentence where a more distinct separation is felt between clauses or
items on a list than is indicated by a comma; between the two clauses
of a compound sentence.
Example: Dad is going bald; his hair is getting thinner and thinner.
Apostrophe Definition: a punctuation mark ( ’ ) used to indicate either
possession or the omission of letters or numbers (i.e. contractions).
Example: Harry's book ; boys' coats; can’t
Ellipses Definition: a literary device that is used in narratives to omit some
parts of a sentence or event, which gives the reader a chance
to fill the gaps while acting or reading it out
Example: So…what happened?
Dash Definition: is a mark of punctuation used to set off a word or
phrase after an independent clause or to set off a parenthetical
remark
Example: By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity—
another man's, I mean.
Hyphen Definition: the sign -, used to join words to indicate that they
have a combined meaning or that they are linked in the
grammar of a sentence
Example: She hyphenates her first name, Anne-Marie.
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Figurative language
Simile Definition: Compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Myra's head is as empty as a flower pot.”
Metaphor Definition: Comparing two things that are not alike to suggest they
have something in common.
Example: “It was said that Green Lake was ”Heaven on earth" and Miss
Katherine's peaches were "food for the angels.”
Hyperboles Definition: an exaggeration that can’t possibly be true.
Example: “Mama was crying, and the rain made it seem as if the whole
world was crying.”
Alliterations Definition: The repetition of beginning consonant sounds in two or more
neighboring words or syllables.
Example: Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Pepper.
Onomatopoeia Definition: Naming a thing or an action by imitating the sound
associated with it.
Example: ”Boom” or “buzz.”
Personification Definition: Giving something unhuman, actual human qualities.
Example: “The plane went into a glide, a very fast glide that ate
altitude, and suddenly there weren't any lakes.”
Idioms Definition: An expression of two or more words that means something
other than the actual or literal meaning.
Example: "I go, 'You must have ants in your pants,' and he gets this
funny look.
Allusion Definition: An allusion is a figure of speech that makes a reference to a
place, person, or event.
Example: “Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.” – “Romeo” is a
reference to Shakespeare’s Romeo.
Adage Definition: a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
Example: "Slow and steady wins the race."
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Homophones Definition: two or more words having the same pronunciation but
different meanings, origins, or spelling.
Example: new and knew.
homonyms Definition: two or more words having the same spelling but different
meanings and origins.
Example: “Pen.” This can mean both a holding area for animals and
a writing instrument
homographs Definition: two or more words spelled the same but not necessarily
pronounced the same and having different meanings and origins.
Example: wind: The wind blew the sign over. She bought him a wind
up toy.
synonyms Definition: a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same
as another word or phrase in the same language
Example: Shut and close
antonyms Definition: A word opposite in meaning to another.
Example: Bad and good
Denotations Definition: The literal dictionary definition of a word
Example: Chick-literally means a "baby bird," but is often used as a
somewhat derogatory term for a woman.
Connotation Definition: an idea or feeling that a word invokes
Example: Mule-literally a mix between a donkey and a horse. Used
to refer to a stubborn person.
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
Definitions and examples of
grammar terms, language
terms, & parts of speech
Indicative Definition: used to make factual statements, ask questions, or
Mood verb express opinions as if they were facts
Example: Colin sings us a song.
Imperative Definition: forms commands or requests, including the giving of
mood verb prohibition or permission
Example: Sing us a song.
Interrogative Definition: Asks a question
Mood verb
Example: Do you think Colin will sing us a song?
Conditional Definition: shows under what conditions something might
Mood verb happen
Example: I might be able to reach him if I call his cell phone
Subjunctive Definition: expresses a condition which is doubtful or not
Mood verb factual.
Example: If I were President, I wouldn’t put up with it.
Gerund Definition: A gerund is a type of verbal that ends in -ing and is
verbal used like a noun
Example: Jumping is fun.
Participle Defintion: a verb that ends in -ing (present participle) or -ed, -d,
verbal -t, -en, -n (past participle). Participles may function as
adjectives, describing or modifying nouns.
Example: The dancing parrots entertained the crowd.
Infinitive Definition: the base form of a verb with to. Usually it functions as
Verbal a noun, although it can also function as an adjective or
adverb
Example: To jump is fun.
©martina cahill-the hungry teacher
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