Week 7 and 8 Syntax Flashcards
Name the different types of phrases
Noun phrase
Verb Phrase
Adjective phrase
Adverb phrase
Preposition phrase
What is a headword?
Determines what kind of phrase it is - eg a noun phrase has a noun as the head word
Define what a clause is
* A clause is a group of words containing one verb
* Contains a subject and a predicate
What does the subject in a clause refer to?
The main participant in the event, described by the predicate
eg [The child] [chased the puppy]
subject predicate
What is the predicate?
The remaining part of the sentence that is not part of the subject - contains the verb and states something about the subject
What is the object in a phrase?
The whom/what has the verb done to them
What is a declarative sentence?
Otherwise know as a statement - stating a fact
What is an interrogative sentence
A question, as sentence asking for information
What is an imperative sentence
Giving a command
Order these elements in a basic declarative clause
verb, object, subject
subject –> verb –> object
What is a transitive verb?
Words that involve doing things to things (some kind of action and an object that that thing happens to)
eg. John hit a ball.
What is a intransitive verb?
Doing something - doesn’t require an object for it to be done to.
Eg sleep, cry
What is a copula verb?
Just in a state of being - no action. Eg ‘is’
What is a dependent or subordinate clause
A clause that cannot stand alone, it complements the main clause
What are the 5 basic clause elements?
Subject
Verb
Object
Adverbials
Complement
What is a complex clause?
Contains more than one clause, therefore more than one verb
What position does the subject take in a clause?
Always precedes the verb element, often the first element of the clause (unless there are adverbials)
Eg Zaneta is talking about linguistics.
Unfortunately, Zaneta is talking about linguistics.
What can a subject element contain?
Noun phrases (including single nouns and pronouns)
or
A subordinate clause
eg. That I don’t expect others to have them is the reason why I bring them.
What do complements refer to?
What are the two types?
elements which add further description or definition to a subject or an object
Subject complement (with copula verb)
object complement (with transitive verb)
What is a complex clause
Contains more than one verb element with a linking word
What are the two main relationships between clauses in complex clauses?
• Co-ordinate (or compound) clauses: the clauses that are combined are fairly equivalent structures. eg I like pizza and she likes pasta. • Subordinate clauses: in which one clause functions as part of another clause; there is a main clause and a subordinate clause. eg I like pizza when the pizza is hot.
What is a subordinate clause?
- Not equal parts - also known as a dependent clause.
- Cannot stand alone - Needs to be paired with the main clause.
- e.g. The girl ate the pizza while waiting for the bus (subordinate clause: while waiting for the bus)
- e.g. An election will be held, as the bill wasn’t passed by the senate. (subordinate clause: as the bill wasn’t passed by the senate)
What is a co-ordinate clause?
Equal elements. eg She cooked pizza and I cooked pasta.
