Ch 6 Grammar Flashcards
Morphology
The study of word formation
Syntax
The study of how words form larger structures such as phrases, clauses and sentences
Descriptive
Taking an approach to language study that focuses on how language is actually used
Prescriptive
Taking an approach to language study that focuses on rules and notions of correctness
Root
A morpheme that can stand on its own and can usually form a word in its own right
Suffix
A morpheme that comes after a root word to modify its meaning
Prefix
A morpheme that comes before a root word to modify its meaning
Affix
The overall term for an addition of a root to modify its meaning or create a new word
Inflectional function
The way that an affix shows a grammatical category such as a verb tense or a plural noun
Derivational function
The way an affix helps to form a new word by attaching itself to a root
Noun phrase
A group of words built around a noun
Verb phrase
A group of words built around a head verb
Head word
The main noun in the phrase
Pre-modifier
A word that goes before the head noun to add detail or clarify some aspect of it
Qualifier
An additional word of phrase that add some further detail to the noun
Post-modifier
A word that comes after the head noun to add detail or clarify some aspect of it
Primary auxiliary verb
An auxiliary very that joins with the main verb to show tense
Modal auxiliary verb
Joins with the main verb to show commitment towards an even or person that a speaker holds
Clause
A group of words centered around a verb phrase
Coordination
The joining of two clauses that gives them equal weighing
Subordination
The joining of two clauses that gives the main clause more weighing than another clause - or clauses
Adverbial clause
A subordinate clause that functions as an adverbial
Noun clause
A subordinate clause that functions as a subject, object or complement
Active voice
Agent in subject position for prominence; verb phrase is present or past tense
