English
Writing, grammar, vocabulary and figurative language.
Study guides
- Essay Structure BasicsCornerstone guide
- Writing a Strong Thesis StatementSupporting explainer
- Commonly Confused WordsVocabulary reference
- Metaphor vs SimileVocabulary reference
Key vocabulary
- Affect vs effectAffect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning a result.
- ArgumentA claim supported by reasons and evidence.
- Its vs it'sIts shows possession; it's means it is or it has.
- MetaphorA figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another, without like or as.
- SimileA figure of speech that compares two things using like or as.
- Their, there, they'reTheir shows possession, there shows place or existence, and they're means they are.
- Then vs thanThen refers to time or sequence; than is used in comparisons.
- Thesis statementA sentence that states the central, arguable claim of an essay.
- Topic sentenceA sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph.