The origin of the word patsy, like the origin of many English words and phrases, is not clear.
What is a simple sentence?
100
Begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.
What is a prepositional phrase?
100
Punctuation that separates two independent clauses.
What is a semi-colon (;)
200
Contains two or more simple sentences joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
What is a compound sentence?
200
Most dictionaries list the source of patsy as "origin unknown"; it comes from the Italian word pazzo, or "fool."
What is a compound sentence?
200
A group of words that includes a participle and other words that complete its meaning.
What is a participial phrase?
200
Takes the place of a noun.
What is a pronoun?
300
Has one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.
What is a complex sentence?
300
The term slapstick comes from slapsticks, which were two sticks that could create a loud noise.
What is a complex sentence?
300
A group of words formed with the word "to" and the base form of a verb.
What is an infinitive phrase?
300
Begins a subordinate clause.
What is a subordinate conjunction?
400
Has two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.
What is a compound-complex sentence?
400
Hubbard Keary invented the word smog, which is a blend of smoke and fog, during a winter of pollution in Des Moines, and it first appeared in a newspaper headline.
What is a compound-complex sentence.
400
This two letter word can function as both a preposition and an infinitive.
What is the word "to"?
400
A group of words that has a subject and a predicate.
What is a clause?
500
Also know as a dependent clause.
What is a subordinate clause?
500
The first blazers belonged to some Cambridge students in England in the nineteenth century and were of a bright, blazing red color.
What is a simple sentence?
500
A noun that is placed next to another noun to identify it or add information about it.
What is an appositive?
500
A verb form used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.