Syntax | | |
Term | Definition | Example |
Phrases | Words centred around a head word (with pre and post head dependents) | The blue cat with the bell |
Clauses | Words centred around a verb phrase Main clause (can stand alone) Subordinate clause (cannot stand alone) | If they can get here (subordinate clause), give them food (main clause) |
Sentences | Main clause (or combination of clauses) that is grammatically complete. | The chicken danced across the road. |
Syntax | | | |
Term | Definition | Possible Functions | Examples |
Sentence Fragment | Incomplete sentences | Portray emotion Can be accidental Informal | If I was late |
Simple | A single main clause | Informal Give directions / ask questions Statements | Elizabeth was crazy |
Compound | Multiple main clauses | Combine similar statements Compare Informal | We ate lots of food and we went on a walk. |
Complex | One main clause & subordinate clause(s) (no coordinating clauses) | Formal Combine concepts Elaboration | We are allowed to dance as long as we are quiet |
Compound-complex | 3+ clauses (both coordination & subordination) | ^ | It shows the differences between the past and the future as long as everything goes to plan. |
Elipsis | Omission of words/clauses/phrases that are inferred | Ease of communication | Jas danced and [Jas] went around the circle |
Nominalisation | Turning words into nouns (that can function as subject/object) | Convert a verb into a subject Formal | I danced around the tree. -> We participated in the dance around the tree |
Coordination | Two syntactic elements of equal weight | Shows equal importance | I went to pick up Ula but she wasn't there |
Subordination | Two syntactic elements of unequal weight | Shows unequal importance | I picked red because I don't like green |
Syntax | | | |
Term | Definition | Possible Functions | Examples |
Declarative | Subject/Verbal Element/Object | Statement | She wore pink. |
Imperative | Infinitive Verb/Second person subject | Directive | Pick an outfit |
Interrogative | Closed: Do/Subject inversion Open: Interrogative Pronoun/Subject auxiliary inversion | Question | Do you want to come with me? |
Exclamative | What-How .... | Expression | How cute! |
Nominalisation | turning words into nouns which can function as subjects and objects | | |
Syntax | | |
Term | Definition | Example |
Subject | Before the predicate Must be there Links to a verbal element | The boy liked the girl |
Complement | Required to be grammatically complete Dependent | The boy liked the girl |
Object | Follows the predicate Required for transitive verbs Can be at front if needed | The boy liked the girl |
Adverbial | Extra stuff Range of meaning | He went to the shop yesterday |
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