English concepts, explained
- When do you use who versus whom?
Learn the simple trick to decide between who and whom by replacing them with he and him to find the sentence's subject or object.
- What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement means that a sentence's subject and verb must match in number, ensuring singular subjects pair with singular verbs.
- How Do You Fix a Run-On Sentence?
Learn how to identify and fix run-on sentences using periods, semicolons, commas with conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions.
- When do you use a semicolon?
Learn how to use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses and separate complex lists, with simple examples and rules to avoid common mistakes.
- What is the difference between its and it's?
Learn the simple rule to tell the difference between 'its' (possessive) and 'it's' (contraction of it is) so you never mix them up again.
- What is characterisation?
Characterisation is the process an author uses to reveal a character's personality, either directly through telling or indirectly through showing.
- How do you spot foreshadowing?
Foreshadowing is a literary device where the author drops subtle hints about what will happen later in the story, building suspense and preparing the reader.
- What is symbolism in literature?
Symbolism is a literary device where physical objects, colors, or characters represent larger abstract ideas, adding layers of deeper meaning to a story.
- What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as', while a metaphor states that one thing is directly another thing.
- What is irony, with examples?
Irony is a literary device where the expected outcome differs sharply from reality, creating humor, suspense, or deeper meaning.
- What is the difference between tone and mood?
Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject, while mood is the emotional atmosphere that the reader experiences.
- How do you identify the narrator's point of view?
Learn how to identify the narrator's point of view by looking at pronouns, knowledge limits, and the narrator's role in the story.
- How do you find the theme of a story?
Learn how to uncover a story's theme by analyzing characters, conflicts, and resolutions to find the author's hidden message about life.