Subsystems of Language

Question 1

Lexicology

Answer 1

The study of words, their form, meaning and how they behave

Question 2

Syntax

Answer 2

Phrases and sentences, set of rules for writing them to make sense

Question 3

Pronoun type - Subject

Answer 3

Replaces a noun or noun phrase that is in the subject position in a sentence

Question 4

Pronoun type - Object

Answer 4

Replaces a noun or noun phrase that is in the object position in a sentence

Question 5

Pronoun type - Reflexive

Answer 5

Contains the suffix ‘-self’ or ‘-selves’; used to refer to another noun or pronoun in the same sentence. Can demonstrate that someone is doing something alone, without any assistance from others, and can be used as an intensive pronoun (a pronoun that emphasizes the subject of a sentence)

Question 6

Pronoun type - Possessive

Answer 6

Indicates possession or ownership. Unlike a possessive determiner (e.g. ‘his dog,’ ‘my pencil’), it stands on its own within a sentence and does not modify another word.

Question 7

Pronoun type - Interrogative

Answer 7

Used to introduce a question, Interrogative pronouns include ‘what’, ‘which’, ‘who’, ‘whom’ and ‘whose’.

Question 8

Modal auxiliary verbs (mod)

Answer 8

Often called ‘modals’ for short, model auxiliary verbs express the possibility, ability, intent, obligation or necessity of an action occurring. They modify verbs to change their mode - the state in which they exist.

Can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must, ought

Question 9

High modality

Answer 9

A high degree of certainty

Question 10

Low Modality

Answer 10

A low degree of certainty