Glossary / 435compound verb two or more simple predicates. Example: The canoe rolled on
its side and dumped us in the water. [Compare with compound predicate. See also
verb.]
compound word a word made from joining two or more words: sister-in-law;
household.
computer catalog in a library, a computerized file that lists books by title,
author, and key word. The computer display describes the book, gives publication
information, and may show library location and availability.
conclusion a final statement that either summarizes or ties together the main
points of a composition. May include a restatement of the topic or thesis sen-
tence; may also include a clincher.
concrete designating a thing or class of things that are real or exist in material
form; not abstract. Tree is a concrete noun. [Compare with abstract.]
conflict the fight, struggle, disagreement, or opposition on which a plot is based.
conjunction, coordinating a word used to show relationships between or
among ideas of equal rank. Examples of coordinating conjunctions include and,
but, or, nor, for, and sometimes yet and so. Used to join compound sentences and
compound parts. [See Chapter 45, Punctuation, for correct use of commas or semi-
colons with coordinating conjunctions.]
conjunction, correlative a pair of words used to express mutual relation:
neither... nor, either... or, both... and, not only... but also, whether... or.
conjunctive adverb an adverb functioning as a conjunction that introduces an
adverb clause: accordingly, again, also, besides, consequently, finally, for example,
furthermore, however, in addition, indeed, moreover, nevertheless, on the other
hand, otherwise, then, therefore, thus. [See also Chapter 44, Phrases and Clauses.]
connotation any idea suggested by or associated with a word or phrase, in addi-
tion to its basic or literal meaning, or denotation.
consistency agreement, following the same format or form.
consonant any letter of the alphabet not a vowel.
contraction a shortened word: shouldn’t, couldn’t, can’t, won’t, weren’t, wasn’t,
and so on. Note: Formal writing usually omits contractions.
contrast a method of development that shows how seemingly similar subjects are,
in fact, different. [See Chapter 8, Comparison and Contrast, for an explanation and
examples.]
coordinate of equal order, rank, or importance, such as the coordinate main
clauses in a compound sentence.
correlative expressing mutual relation; used in pairs such as neither... nor;
correlative conjunctions.