Noun that denotes any or all of a class of things, such as dog or magazine. It is usually spelt in lowercase letters, unlike a proper noun, and can be preceded by an article.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Glossary
We’ve curated a glossary of terms regarding all things writing and publishing related. From commonly-used terms to abbreviations, our glossary will guide writers and people starting out in publishing, to cut through the jargon and gain a better understanding.
Filter by
Common noun
Comparative
The form of an adjective or adverb used in comparisons, ending in -er or formed by using more, for example fuller, more friendly.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Complement
Word or phrase coming after the verb in a sentence that completes the verb and describes the subject of the sentence. In, She was a good doctor, the complement is a good doctor.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Conjunction
Word such as and or because that links words, phrases or clauses and shows the relationship between them.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Continuous
The form of a verb denoting uninterrupted action, formed by be and the present participle: He was crying, He’s really enjoying it! Also called progressive.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021