Main clause

The label main clause refers to a clause which is capable of making a meaningful sentence by itself. A sentence will always have at least one main clause. For example, in the sentence ‘John finished his work’, the whole sentence is the main clause.

Finite

The term finite is a label applied to a verb-form which is marked for tense. In the present tense, only the third person singular has the marking for tense: the ending –s.

Ellipsis

The omission of a word or phrase which is logically required to complete the structure of a sentence.

Example:
Seen him? (‘Have you seen him?’)
Seems we have a problem. (‘It seems we have a problem.’)

Direct Object

The grammatical term which usually represents the person or thing receiving the action of the verb. In the following examples the nouns given in bold text are examples of direct objects.

Correlative

The term correlative refers to a pair of items which work together to connect things in a sentence. Examples are: both…and, not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor and so…that.

Concessive clause

A concessive clause is an adverbial clause which expresses the sense of although. The first clauses in the following sentences are examples of concessive clauses.
Although he was not feeling well, he kept working.
Although she is qualified, Susie didn’t get the job.

Collective noun
A collective noun denotes a collection of individual persons or objects. Examples are: jury, army, committee, team, herd etc.
In British English a collective noun may be treated either as singular or as plural. In American English a collective noun is always treated as singular.