English Language and Usage

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What is the role of tone in writing?

Tone reflects the author's attitude toward the subject and audience, influencing how the message is perceived.

How does diction influence writing?

Diction involves word choice and style, impacting clarity, tone, and audience reception.

What is syntax in the context of language?

Syntax refers to sentence structure and word order, influencing meaning and style.

Why is context important in language?

Context helps determine word meanings and how messages are understood, influenced by surrounding text and environment.

What are homophones and how can they affect writing?

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings, potentially causing confusion.

What distinguishes active from passive voice?

Active voice features the subject performing the action, while passive voice has the action performed on the subject.

When should direct quotations be used in writing?

Direct quotations should be used when the exact wording of a source is critical for authority or specificity.

What is the purpose of transitions in writing?

Transitions connect ideas, ensuring a smooth flow and logical progression in writing.

What is plagiarism and how can it be avoided?

Plagiarism is using someone else's work without credit, avoided by proper citation and paraphrasing.

Explain the concept of register in language.

Register refers to the level of formality in language use, adjusted according to audience and context.

What is an idiom and give an example.

An idiom is a phrase where the meaning isn't deducible from the literal words, like 'break the ice'.

How do prefixes and suffixes alter word meanings?

Prefixes and suffixes modify words to change their meaning or grammatical function.

What are euphemisms and why are they used?

Euphemisms are milder expressions replacing harsh or unpleasant language, often used to address sensitive topics tactfully.

What is the subjunctive mood in English?

The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, hypotheticals, or conditions contrary to fact.

How can clichés affect writing?

Clichés are overused phrases or ideas that can weaken writing by lacking originality and specificity.

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