Wallwork Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is the sentence order in English?
Subject, verb, direct object, indirect object.
How should elements in a sentence be structured?
Words and phrases that are closely related to each other should appear next to each other within the sentence.
- Signal to the reader about what they can next expect.
What is a key rule for the placement of verbs and subjects?
Say what something is before you begin to describe it; the subject always comes before the verb.
When can a verb come before a noun?
If the verb is in the imperative, or if the sentence begins with there + to be. In addition, the verb in the infinitive (to X) is placed at the beginning of a phrase.
How can you reduce the problem of delaying the subject?
- Delete or reduce the part before the subject (e.g. change “it is interesting to note that x is equal to y” to “Interestingly, x is equal to y”).
- Shift the linking expression to later in the sentence (e.g. change “As a consequence of preceding observations, x is equal to y” to “X is thus equal to Y”.
What is wrong with putting “it” at the beginning of the sentence?
It often delays the real subject. Instead, use modal verbs where possible.
Why should the subject and the verb be kept close to each other?
Anything that comes between the subject and the verb will be read with less attention, and readers will consider it of less importance.
Where should you locate the passive verb when you have several subjects for this verb?
Locate it after the first subject.
Why should you avoid inserting parenthetical information between the subject and the verb?
It might interrupt the reader’s train of thought. As a result, readers may consider this parenthetical information to be of less importance.
Why shouldn’t you separate the verb from its direct object?
Placing the direct object before the indirect object (closer to the verb) helps clarify the association between the objects.
When can you use a pronoun at the beginning of a sentence?
When this pronoun refers back to a noun in a previous sentence.
Why should you locate negations near the beginning of the sentence?
The order of the words in the sentence should be designed to take your reader through a logical progression of thoughts. The thoughts should move forward, never backtracking, never forcing the reader to reconsider or reinterpret what they have just read in light of what they’re reading now.
Where should negations be located when considering verb placement?
Before the main verb it is associated, but after auxiliary and modal verbs (have not, should not).
What is the exception to stating your aim before giving the reasons/means for it?
When sentences are short (since it does not make a difference in that case).
Where can you locate “only” and “also” (specific to these adverbs)?
- Immediately before the main verb.
- Immediately before the second auxiliary when there are two auxiliaries.
