Grammatical Structures Flashcards
Coordinating Conjunctions
Connect simple sentences/independent clauses
Ex. and, or, but, nor, for, yet, and so
Subordinating Conjunctions
Connect simple sentences to create a complex sentence with a dependent clause.
Ex. Although, as, as if, because, before, even though, if, since, unless, when, whenever, until, while
Clausal Modifier
Clause that acts like an adverb or adjective and adds detail to a sentence
Adverb Clause
Phrase that begins with a subordinating conjunction and modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb
Ex. The ballerina left the stage before the performance ended. Modifies the verb “left”
Adjective Clause
Clause that modifies a noun, pronoun, or other adjective
Ex. Raymond, who sang for us yesterday, got a part in the school musical. Adjective modifies the noun “Raymond”
Phrasal Modifier
A phrase that functions as an adjective or adverb in a sentence.
Ex. The sweet potatoes in the bin are no longer fresh. Modifies “potatoes”
Appositional Phrase
Identifies, describes, or renames a nearby noun. It can be embedded in the sentence.
Ex. Patrick, my favorite basketball player,….
Count Nouns
Refer to things that can be divided up into smaller units that are separate from one another: chair, word, plate. They can be preceded in indefinite constructions by modifiers such as “a” or “one.”
Noncount Nouns
Refers to things that cannot be counted because they refer to abstractions and may have a collective meaning: furniture, weather, and progress. In indefinite constructions, nouncount nouns are preceded by modifying words such as “much” or “some”
Determiner System
Made up of modifying words called determiners that are always followed by a noun. Categories:
Articles- a, an, the
Possessive Nouns- Susan’s, my uncle’s
Possessive Pronouns- your, my, his, whose
Numbers- one, two
Indefinite Pronouns- few, more, every, each, all, both, some, any
Some have difficulties with choosing correct determiner, especially if their native language has no articles
Noun Phrase
Functions as a noun in a sentence.
Ex. To reach the finals of the competition is quite an accomplishment.
Word Transformations
An exercise in altering the syntax ofa sentence yet employing or retaining a key word and the basic sentence meaning
Ex. The most beautiful statue I’ve ever seen.
I saw the most beautiful statue.
Modal (Modal Auxiliary Verbs)
Set of English verbs that are used with other verbs to express capability, possibility, willingness, suggestion, or something similar.
Ex. can, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, will, would
Ability = I can play chess Permission = Can I join the chess club? Request = Can you give me a ride? Offer = I can loan you my chess set. Suggestion = Can we play chess this afternoon? Possibility = The competition can get heated at the club.
Verb Complement
The arrangement of one verb as the object of another verb. 3 ways to construct this:
- With Infinitives:
I told him to begin - With Gerunds:
Patrick considered starting a new job - With Noun Clause:
Our boss requested that we meet today
Verbal phrase
Made up of a verbal (a verb that also functions as another part of speech) and all of its modifiers and objects. 3 ways:
- Participial Phrase:
* Watching his favorite television show*, Patrick pooped. (functions as adjective) - Gerund Phrase
* Watching television* is Patrick’s favorite form of relaxation. (functions as a noun) - Patrick loves to watch her favorite television show. (functions as a direct object)
