Observing Correct

Grammar in Making
Definitions (A)
Quick Review
Term Class

Carbohydrates are a food group including

sugars, starches, and cellulose.
Distinguishing
Characteristic
 What is Grammar?

• Grammar is a system of “rules” of

a language governing the sounds,
words, sentences, and other
elements, as well as their
combination and interpretation.
Example
rises
The sun rise in the east.
Singular Plural

Subject and verb agreement

Rule in Subject-Verb Agreement.

• Singular subject takes singular verb
• Plural subject takes plural verb
Guidelines in Writing Definition of
Terms
1.Use simple present tense of the verb after the term.

is
• Influenza was an acute highly contagious infection
of the respiratory tract, which occurs sporadically or
in epidemics and that lasts up to month.
Guidelines in Writing Definition of
Terms
2. The verb must agree in number with the subject (term
defined.)
Singular subject – singular verb
Plural subject – plural verb
are
• Binoculars is two telescopes mounted side-by-side and
aligned to point in the same direction, allowing the viewer
to use both eyes (binocular vison) when viewing distant
objects.
Guidelines in Writing Definition of
Terms
3. The class or category and the term being defined must
agree in number.
disorder
• Narcolepsy is a disorders characterized by uncontrollable
episodes of falling asleep during the day.
Guidelines in Writing Definition of
Terms
3. The class or category and the term being defined must
agree in number.
CORRECT!
• The arteries are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich
blood from the heart to the tissues of the body.
4. Be specific about the class.

VAGUE Courage is a thing that....

vs.
SPECIFIC Courage is the quality that...
 5. Use the Same part of speech for the
class being defined.
noun noun
SPECIFIC Microphone is a device used when

vs.
noun Verb(passive voice)
VAGUE Microphone is used when
6. Whenever possible, don’t use the same wordings for the term and
the class or distinguishing characteristics

disorder
Online education is a form of
education
Let’s practice
Directions: Read the following defi nitions carefully. Circle the term
defi ned, box the class, and underline the distinguishing characteristic.

1. Scurvy is a disease caused by severe and chronic Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

deficiency.
2. A sonnet is a lyric poem with fourteen iambic pentameter lines.
3. A polygon with three edges and three vertices is called triangle.
4. Economics is the branch of knowledge concerned with the production,
consumption, and transfer of wealth.
5. The ability to do as one pleases is liberty.
Assignment
Thank you for
listening!