440 / Glossary
gerund a verbal noun ending in –ing used like a noun but capable of taking an
object or an adverbial modifier. Example: Playing golf is his only exercise. [See
Chapter 44, Phrases and Clauses.]
grammar a body of rules for speaking and writing a given language.
hyperbole exaggeration used for effect, not meant literally. Example: He’s as
strong as an ox.
hyphen a mark of punctuation ( - ) used between the parts of a compound word
(such as court-martial) or the syllables of a divided word, as at the end of a line.
imagery 1. mental images, as produced by memory or imagination. 2. descrip-
tions and figures of speech, as in the imagery of a poem. In writing, usually refer-
ring specifically to sensory images, that is, those created through the five senses.
imperative mood the mood of a verb that expresses a command or strong
request. Example: Open that window now.
imperative sentence a sentence expressing a command or strong request.
Example: Open that window now. Compare with declarative and interrogative
sentences. [See those entries in the Glossary.]
incomplete constructions [See elliptical clause.]
indefinite pronoun a pronoun that does not specify, such as any, someone, every-
one, and each. [See Chapter 43, Usage, for rules and examples for using indefinite
pronouns correctly.]
independent clause a clause that can stand alone; a sentence; also called a main
clause. [See Chapter 44, Phrases and Clauses.]
indicative mood designates that mood of a verb used to express an actual fact or
state, or asks a question of fact. Compare with imperative and subjunctive moods.
[See entries in the Glossary.]
indirect object the word or words identifying the person or thing that something
(the direct object) is given to or done for. Example: Sid passed Terry the ball. [See
Parts of the Sentence in Chapter 42, Classification of Words, for additional details.]
indirect question states a question but not the exact words. Example: He asked
if we were tired. [Compare with direct question.] Note: Do not use quotation marks
or a question mark with indirect questions.
indirect quotation reports the speaker’s or writer’s meaning without using his or
her exact words. Example: Professor Clough said that American literature merits
careful study. [Compare with direct quotation.]
infinitive a form of verb that expresses existence or action without reference to
person, number, or tense; usually following the marker to. Example: He likes to
work. [See Chapter 44, Phrases and Clauses, for details about infinitive phrases.]