Glossary

We’ve curated a glossary of terms regarding all things writing and publishing related. From commonly-used terms to abbreviations, our glossary will guide writers and people starting out in publishing, to cut through the jargon and gain a better understanding. 

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Indirect object
Noun or pronoun in a predicate that is the usually the recipient or the beneficiary of the action of the verb, such as Mum in We gave Mum a bouquet for her birthday..   A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Infinitive
The basic, uninflected form of a verb that has no markers as to number, tense or person. Many infinitive constructions in English are accompanied by modal verbs, as in You must go, or by the preposition to, as in I’m dying to see you.   A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Inflection
Form of a word that is derived, usually in a predictable way, from the main form, such as the past tense of a verb, the comparative of an adjective, or the plural of a noun.   A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Intransitive verb
Verb that cannot take a direct object, such as abound, cling, hanker and skateboard.   A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Juxtaposition
Where two things are placed together to create a contrast or invite comparison.   A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021