Syntax, Discourse and Semantics

Question 1

Phrases

Answer 1

Clusters of words that form a grammatical unit but are smaller than clauses.

Question 2

Clauses

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Sentence

Answer 3

A set of related words that stands on its own and consists of at least a subject and a predicate.

Question 4

Simple Sentence

Answer 4

Contains a single independent clause. eg: I like butter

Question 5

Compound Sentence

Answer 5

Contains two or more coordinated (independent clauses), often using a coordinating conjunction. eg: I like butter and he likes margarine.

Question 6

Complex Sentence

Answer 6

Contains an independent clause and one or more dependent or subordinate clauses. eg: I like butter spread on my toast.

Question 7

Compound-Complex Sentence

Answer 7

Contains two or more coordinated clauses and a subordinate clause. eg: I like butter because it tastes good spread on my toast.

Question 8

Ellipsis

Answer 8

The omission of elements in a sentence because they either appear elsewhere or can be understood from the context.

Question 9

Coordination

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Subordination

Answer 10

The combination of clauses or elements that are syntactically non-equivalent.

Question 11

Declarative

Answer 11

A sentence that makes a statement.

Question 12

Imperative

Answer 12

A sentence that commands, orders or issues a directive.

Question 13

Interrogative

Answer 13

A sentence that poses a question.

Question 14

Exclamative

Answer 14

Makes an exclamation or expresses emotion.

Question 15

Subject

Answer 15

Who or what is doing, being or having the verb in the sentence.

Question 16

Predicate

Answer 16

The verb and object in the sentence.

Question 17

Object

Answer 17

What is being acted up (the verb) by the subject of the sentence.

Question 18

Complement

Answer 18

Gives extra information about the subject, verb or object.

Question 19

Adverbial

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Discourse/Code Switching

Answer 20

The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects in conversation.

Question 21

Paralinguistic Features

Answer 21

Features used in spoken texts that are marginal to speech, for example facial expressions, body gestures, body language, eye gaze.

Question 22

Semantic Fields/Domain

Answer 22

An area of meaning that is identified by a set of related lexical items.

Question 23

Semantic Over-generalisation

Answer 23

Where children extend word meaning or grammatical rules beyond their normal use.

Question 24

Inference

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Etymology

Answer 25

The study of the history of words and word origins.

Question 26

Denotation

Answer 26

The agreed dictionary definition of a word.

Question 27

Connotation

Answer 27

The meanings associated with a word.

Question 28

Broadening

Answer 28

A type of semantic change whereby the contexts in which a word can appear are extended. eg: ‘grog’ used to mean a mixture of rum and water and now means all alcohol.

Question 29

Narrowing

Answer 29

A type of semantic change whereby the contexts in which a word can appear are reduced. eg: ‘liquor’ used to mean all liquid and now means alcoholic beverages.

Question 30

Elevation

Answer 30

A semantic shift whereby words change their emotive overtones to acquire favourable associations.

Question 31

Deterioration

Answer 31

A semantic shift whereby words change their emotive overtones to acquire negative associations.

Question 32

Shift

Answer 32

When a word changes in meaning over time.