Syntax, Discourse and Semantics Flashcards
Phrases
Clusters of words that form a grammatical unit but are smaller than clauses.
Clauses
A structural unit that is larger than a phrase and may constitute a simple sentence or a part of a complex sentence. Independent clauses stand on their own as a simple sentence, dependent clauses don’t stand on their own.
Sentence
A set of related words that stands on its own and consists of at least a subject and a predicate.
Simple Sentence
Contains a single independent clause. eg: I like butter
Compound Sentence
Contains two or more coordinated (independent clauses), often using a coordinating conjunction. eg: I like butter and he likes margarine.
Complex Sentence
Contains an independent clause and one or more dependent or subordinate clauses. eg: I like butter spread on my toast.
Compound-Complex Sentence
Contains two or more coordinated clauses and a subordinate clause. eg: I like butter because it tastes good spread on my toast.
Ellipsis
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 - that are equal in status and function. Usually linked by coordinating conjunctions or punctuation.
Subordination
The combination of clauses or elements that are syntactically non-equivalent.
Declarative
A sentence that makes a statement.
Imperative
A sentence that commands, orders or issues a directive.
Interrogative
A sentence that poses a question.
Exclamative
Makes an exclamation or expresses emotion.
Subject
Who or what is doing, being or having the verb in the sentence.
Predicate
The verb and object in the sentence.
Object
What is being acted up (the verb) by the subject of the sentence.
Complement
Gives extra information about the subject, verb or object.
Adverbial
Words, phrases and clauses that function as adverbs - that is, give more information about the time, manner and place of the verb in the sentence.
Discourse/Code Switching
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects in conversation.
Paralinguistic Features
Features used in spoken texts that are marginal to speech, for example facial expressions, body gestures, body language, eye gaze.
Semantic Fields/Domain
An area of meaning that is identified by a set of related lexical items.
Semantic Over-generalisation
Where children extend word meaning or grammatical rules beyond their normal use.
Inference
The additional information assumed by hearer/readers in order to make a connection between between what has been said/written and what is meant. Speakers and writers imply and hearers/readers infer.
