Week 3: Syntax Flashcards
Phrases
Clusters of words that dorm 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, dependant 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 independant clause. E.g I like butter.
Compound sentence
Contains two or more coordinated (independent clauses) , often using a coordinating conjunction. E.g I like butter and he likes margarine.
Complex sentence
Contains an independant clause and one or more dependant or subordinate clauses.
Compound-complex sentences
Contains two or more coordinated clauses and a subordinate clause.
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 a sentence.
