2.4 Syntax

Question 1

Syntax

Answer 1

Syntax is the set of rules that govern the grammatical construction of a sentence in a language.

Question 2

Clausal Sentence (simple sentence)

Answer 2

A clausal sentence is a simple sentence that only contains one clause or one complete proposition (subject & predicate). e.g. ‘John went home’ = subject is ‘John’ and predicate is ‘went home’.

Question 3

Compound sentences

Answer 3

A compound sentence consists of more than one clause (often called ‘coordinating clauses’). e.g. ‘Mia went to the shops and brought milk.’

Question 4

Noun

Answer 4

A noun is a word that describes a person, place, thing or idea.

Question 5

Adjective

Answer 5

An adjective is a word that modifies a noun.

Question 6

Verb

Answer 6

A verb is a word that describes an action or a state of being.

Question 7

Adverb

Answer 7

An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Question 8

Preposition

Answer 8

A preposition is a word that describes the relationship between a verb and its object. e.g. ‘Lei quickly ran DOWN the dark street TO find and catch his dog.’

Question 9

Pronoun

Answer 9

A pronoun is a more general word that takes the place of a specific noun.

Question 10

Conjunction

Answer 10

A conjunction is a word that links two coordinating clauses.

Question 11

Rule 1: a sentence must include…

Answer 11

A sentence needs at least a subject and a predicate.

Question 12

Rule 2: consistency

Answer 12

There must be consistency with plurals (verb and subject agree), and in regards to tenses.

Question 13

Rule 3: teach in which voice?

Answer 13

Teach sentences in the active voice, not the passive voice, to ensure grammatical accuracy. e.g. ‘Nifemi threw the ball to Temi’ (active), not ‘The ball was thrown to Temi by Nifemi’ (passive).