Sentence Structure Flashcards
Give an example of a sentence with no structure or grammar but is understood
“Peter saw in the morning Mary”
Give three arguments for sentences having structure
1) We can comprehend sentences we have never heard before
2) Sentences can have one structure but multiple meanings
3) We can make sense of nonsense sentences based on their structure
Define competence
How we produce and understand language. We have a knowledge of language where the linguistic performance can be measured by output
Define performance
Our execution of language, we often have an imperfect use of English. Demonstrated through speech errors and a difficulty comprehending complex sentences
What is a phrase?
A group of words which, when combined, behave as one entity.
Give an example of a sentence where a phrase can be moved around in it.
“The very old man saw the policeman [in the morning].”
What is a noun phrase?
Begins with a noun, for example “the red house”.
What is a verb phrase?
Begins with a verb, for example “John slept”.
What is a prepositional phrase?
Headed by a preposition which is a word which expresses a link, for example “with the telescope”.
What is the subject of a sentence?
The word or phrase that the sentence is about.
How can you find the subject of a sentence?
Turn the phrase into a sentence that can be answered with a yes or no.
What is the direct object of a sentence?
The thing being acted upon. Usually found after the main verb, for example “the man ate THE PASTA”.
What is recursion?
The embedding of one sentence into another.
What is iteration?
It allows us to keep repeating the same rule within a sentence.
Give an example of recursion.
“The present, in the box, in the cupboard, under the stairs, was large.”
