Syntax Flashcards
Phrases
Clusters of words that form a grammatical unit but are smaller than clauses.
Clause
A structural unit that is larger than a phrase and may constitute a simple sentence or a part of a complex sentence.
Independent Clause
A clause that stands on its own. Also called a coordinate clause.
Dependent Clause
Don’t stand on their own. Also called a subordinate clause.
Sentence
A set of related words that stands on its own and consists of at least a subject and a predicate.
Subject
Who or what is doing, being or having the verb in the sentence
Predicate
The verb and object in the sentence.
Simple sentence
Contains a single independent clause e.g I like butter
Compound sentence
Contains two or more independent clauses, often using a coordinating conjunction. e..g I like butter and he likes margarine.
Complex sentence
Contains an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. e.g I like butter spread on my toast.
Compound-complex sentences
Contains two or more independent clauses and a dependant clause. e.g I like butter because it tastes good spread on my toast.
Elipsis
The omission of elements in a sentence because they either appear elsewhere or can be understood from the context.
Coordination
The combination of two or more elements - words phrases or clauses. Equal in status and function. Usually linked by coordinating conjunctions and punctuation.
Subordination
The combination of clauses or elements that are syntactically not equivalent.
Object
What is being acted upon by the subject of the sentence.
