Module 2 - Lesson 3 &4 Style and Conventions

The prefix inter– means “among” or “between”; the root word ject means “throw.”

Interjections are, in a sense, words that have been thrown among other words in sentences.

The sentences from “Who’s on First?” are interjections, or words that express strong emotion or feeling. Examples of common interjections such as yes, no, oh, well, wow, and ouch.

Examples of common interjections such as yes, no, oh, well, wow, and ouch.

A tag question appears at the end of a sentence and asks for confirmation of information. Example: “You’re coming with us, aren’t you?”

A tag question means “Isn’t that right?” or “Don’t you agree with me?”

A tag question is preceded by a comma and followed by a question mark.

Costello: That’s what I asked, isn’t it?

Abbott: You never pay attention, do you?

A noun of direct address is the name of the person who is being directly spoken to.

A noun of direct address may appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence.

A noun of direct address at the beginning or end of a sentence requires one comma. Example: “Doris, may I borrow your mirror?” or “May I borrow your mirror, Doris?”

A noun of direct address in the middle of a sentence requires two commas. Example: “I think, Jim, that you are mistaken.”

Costello: Abbott, who’s on first?

Abbott: Costello, Who is on first.