Basic Sentence Patterns in English
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which sentence structure uses the pattern 'N be Adj'?

  • They walk quickly.
  • The concert was yesterday.
  • Her brother is my friend.
  • The sky is blue. (correct)

Which of the following sentences exemplifies the structure 'N1 TrV N2 N3'?

  • She played the piano.
  • The dog chased a cat.
  • They painted the fence blue.
  • He gave a book to Sarah. (correct)

What does the structure 'N be UW' imply when used in a sentence?

  • The subject has a direct object.
  • The subject is located or an event occurs. (correct)
  • The subject is being described.
  • There is an action being performed.

Identify the sentence that follows the 'N1 TrV N2' structure.

<p>He reads novels every night. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the 'N1 be N1' structure?

<p>My sister is a doctor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence uses the 'N InV' structure correctly?

<p>The cat sleeps on the mat. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the structure 'N be UW'?

<p>It communicates location or time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent a correct use of the 'N be Adj' structure?

<p>He is a teacher. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which verb form is correct in this sentence: 'A number of students _____ attending the seminar.'?

<p>are (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What verb form should be used in the sentence: 'Five hundred dollars _____ a substantial amount for the charity.'?

<p>is (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly applies the proximity rule for subject-verb agreement?

<p>Neither the cats nor the dog volunteers to help. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly applies singular verb agreement?

<p>None of the water is left in the tank. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence 'Does your brother usually _____ to work?', which verb correctly fits?

<p>go (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must be true about a quantified subject that uses 'a lot of'?

<p>It takes a singular verb if the noun is noncount. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence uses the correct verb form with the collective noun?

<p>The team plays well together. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct verb form for the sentence: 'Seven days _____ a week.'?

<p>makes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do structuralists primarily focus on when analyzing language?

<p>Observable and verifiable data in language usage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is speech considered primary in language according to linguists?

<p>Writing is a secondary representation of speech sounds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the structure of language, how are sounds arranged?

<p>In a systematic order to form meaningful units (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the sentence structure ‘Shen bought a new novel’ illustrate?

<p>The adherence to the Subject-Verb-Object order (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the building blocks of meaning in language?

<p>Phonemes and morphemes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following combinations is allowed at the beginning of English words?

<p>spr- and str- (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary medium of language as emphasized by structuralists?

<p>Vocal sounds produced by the speech apparatus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about languages without written forms is true?

<p>They can exist solely in the spoken form (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a true modal auxiliary?

<p>will (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of phrasal modals compared to true modals?

<p>Inflect like ordinary verbs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following auxiliary verbs is a non-modal auxiliary?

<p>have (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which verb phrase illustrates a correct use of a modal auxiliary?

<p>They can pass the exam. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the operator verb perform in a sentence?

<p>It helps form negative contractions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly illustrates subject-verb agreement?

<p>He can pass the LET. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences contains a phrasal modal?

<p>She has to finish her homework. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs illustrates the difference between a true modal and a phrasal modal?

<p>can - be able to (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do comparative forms of adjectives typically indicate?

<p>Differences between two things or groups (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an absolute adjective?

<p>Tall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between language acquisition and language learning?

<p>Acquisition is informal, while learning is formal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adverbial form modifies verbs?

<p>Adverbial clause (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the natural order hypothesis, which grammatical structures are acquired first?

<p>Present progressive -ing and plural -s. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of adjectives in the noun group ‘many beautiful blue antique vases’?

<p>opinion, size, age, color, noun (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the monitor hypothesis suggest about the role of conscious learning?

<p>It functions primarily as an editor for language output. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which suffix is commonly used to form adverbs from adjectives?

<p>-ly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions does monitoring typically occur according to Krashen?

<p>When sufficient time is available and pressure to communicate accurately exists. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of adverb answers the question ‘how often?’

<p>Adverb of frequency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does language acquisition compare to first language development in children?

<p>Acquisition is similar to first language development while learning resembles formal teaching. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an adverbial phrase?

<p>During the summer vacation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a group mentioned in the natural order of grammatical structure acquisition?

<p>Future tense constructions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following constructions is used to show two things are similar?

<p>as...as (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the language learning process?

<p>It emphasizes understanding the rules of a language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is mainly unconscious during language acquisition?

<p>Feeling about what is correct and appropriate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

N be Adj

A sentence structure where the subject is followed by the verb 'be' and an adjective describing the subject. The adjective serves as the subject complement, specifically a predicate adjective.

N be UW

This sentence pattern uses the verb 'be' to show location or time. The subject is followed by 'be' and an adverb or adverbial phrase indicating where or when something is.

N1 be N1

A sentence structure where the subject is followed by 'be' and a noun that renames or identifies the subject. The second noun is a subject complement, referred to as a predicate noun or predicate nominative.

N InV

A sentence pattern featuring an intransitive verb, which doesn't require a direct object. The verb acts independently on its subject.

Signup and view all the flashcards

N1 TrV N2

This sentence structure involves a transitive verb, which requires a direct object. The subject performs an action on the direct object.

Signup and view all the flashcards

N1 TrV N2 N3

A sentence structure with a transitive verb and two objects: a direct object and an indirect object. The direct object receives the action, and the indirect object receives the benefit of the action.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a sentence?

A sentence that combines a subject and a predicate to express a complete thought.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the subject of a sentence?

The part of the sentence that tells us who or what the sentence is about.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Verb Phrase/Verb Complex

A combination of an auxiliary verb and a main verb, e.g., "must work", "have been reading", "will be informed".

Signup and view all the flashcards

Auxiliary/Helping Verbs

Helping verbs that add information about time, possibility, ability, or obligation to the main verb. Examples include can, could, will, shall, must, should, ought to, would, may, and might.

Signup and view all the flashcards

True Modals: Key Characteristics

True Modals (can, could, will, shall, must, should, ought to, would, may, might) do not inflect. They lack tense and subject-verb agreement. They don't require an infinitive marker 'to'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phrasal Modals: Key Characteristics

Phrasal Modals (be able to, be going to, have to, be to, be supposed to, used to, be allowed to) inflect like regular verbs. Subject-verb agreement applies. They require an infinitive marker 'to'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-Modal Auxiliaries

Non-Modal Auxiliaries (be, do, have) can change form, unlike true modals. They act as helping verbs for tense, aspect, and voice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Operator/Operator Verbs

The verb that precedes a negative, moves to the front of a sentence in yes-no questions, and appears in tag questions. For example, in "My father will not approve your marriage proposal", the operator is "will".

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement with Quantifiers

When referring to a group of things, like a 'number of parents' or 'a lot of sound views', the verb should agree with the noun directly after the quantifier. If the noun is plural, use a plural verb. If the noun is singular or non-count, use a singular verb.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement with Phrases

When a phrase like 'along with', 'as well as', or 'in addition to' follows the subject, the verb agrees with the subject before the phrase.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns

When the subject is a collective noun like 'audience' or 'number', the verb agrees with the noun's meaning. If referring to the group as a unit, use a singular verb. If referring to individual members, use a plural verb.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement in Questions

In questions, the subject might not appear before the verb. Identify the subject before deciding on the correct verb form.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Basic Subject-Verb Agreement

The verb in a sentence agrees with its subject, the noun or pronoun performing the action. Singular subjects need singular verbs, and plural subjects need plural verbs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement with Correlatives

With expressions like 'either...or' and 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement with 'None'

The word 'none' is always singular, regardless of what comes after it in a prepositional phrase.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb Agreement with Numbers

When we use a number (2, 5, 10) followed by a plural noun to talk about more than one thing, we generally use a plural verb. We use a singular verb with 'one'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gradable adjectives

Adjectives that can be compared using words like 'more', 'less', 'er', 'est', 'most', or 'least' to show differences in degree.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-gradable adjectives

Adjectives that cannot be compared because they represent absolute states, such as 'unique', 'impossible', or 'round'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adverbs

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or even whole sentences, providing information like how, when, where, or to what extent.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adverbial clause

A clause that functions as an adverb, answering questions like 'when', 'where', or 'why'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adverbial phrase

A phrase that functions as an adverb.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adverbs of frequency

Adverbs that tell how often something happens.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adverbs of manner

Adverbs that indicate how well or in what manner something is done.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language Acquisition

A subconscious process where learners unconsciously acquire language through natural communication.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language Learning

A conscious process where learners learn language rules and grammar through formal instruction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Natural Order Hypothesis

The theory that grammatical structures are acquired in a predictable order for both children and adults, regardless of the language.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Monitor Hypothesis

This hypothesis states that conscious knowledge of grammar rules has a limited role in language production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Input Hypothesis

This hypothesis suggests that comprehensible input is essential for language acquisition. Learners acquire language by understanding messages.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Output Hypothesis

This hypothesis suggests that learners are able to produce language only after they have acquired sufficient input.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Monitor

The use of conscious learning to monitor and correct language production, especially in formal situations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

L2 Competence

The ability to communicate effectively in a second language, regardless of whether it was acquired through formal learning or natural exposure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Structuralist view of language

The belief that language can be scientifically studied by observing and analyzing actual use. It focuses on the structure and patterns of language.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language is primarily vocal

Language is primarily spoken, with writing being a secondary representation. Speech comes first, and writing is a tool to capture it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language as a system of systems

Language is not random; it has a systematic organization. Sounds, words, and sentences follow specific rules or patterns.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language elements for encoding meaning

Meaning is encoded through systematic elements: phonemes (sounds), morphemes (words), and tagmemes (phrases and sentences).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phoneme

The basic unit of sound in language, like the difference between /b/ and /p/ in 'bat' and 'pat'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Morpheme

The smallest unit of meaning in language, like the difference between 'cat' and 'cats'. It carries a distinct meaning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tagmeme

A unit of grammatical structure that combines words into phrases and sentences. Helps understand relationships between elements.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order

English follows the Subject-Verb-Object word order (SVO). This pattern makes sentences grammatically correct.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Basic Sentence Patterns in English

  • Pattern 1 (N be Adj): A subject (noun) is described using a predicate adjective (adjective). The adjective describes the subject. Example: Roses are sweet.

  • Pattern 2 (N be UW): A subject (noun) is located or identified with an adverbial (words like 'here', 'yesterday'). Example: The meeting was yesterday.

  • Pattern 3 (N1 be N1): Two nouns refer to the same person/thing. The second noun is a predicate nominative, substituting for the subject. Example: Her neighbor is my cousin.

  • Pattern 4 (N InV): A subject (noun) performs an intransitive verb (a verb that doesn't need an object). Example: Glasses break.

  • Pattern 5 (N1 TrV N2): A subject (noun) performs an action on a direct object. Example: The girl buys yellow roses.

  • Pattern 6 (N1 TrV N2 N3): A subject performs an action on two objects. N2 is the direct object, and N3 is the indirect object. Example: Mother gave a gift to the orphan (indirect object). This pattern can also be inverted: Mother gave the orphan a gift.

Verb Phrases/Verb Complexes

  • Verb Phrases: Consist of an auxiliary (helping) verb + main verb. Examples: must work, have been reading, will be informed.

Auxiliary/Helping Verbs

  • Modal Auxiliaries: Words like can, could, will, shall, must, should, ought to, would, may, might. They are special auxiliary verbs that don't change form.

  • Phrasal Modals: Phrases like be able to, be going to, have to, be supposed to, etc. These usually change form like other verbs.

  • Non-Modal Auxiliaries: be, do, have. These are auxiliary verbs that change form.

Operators/Operator Verbs

  • Operators: Verbs that precede negatives in contractions, move to the front of the sentence in questions, and appear in tag questions (e.g., "My father will not approve...", "Does your father usually...?").

Subject-Verb Agreement with Numbers

  • Plural with Number + Noun: When a number is paired with a plural noun describing multiple things, the verb is plural. Example: "A number of parents are coming."

  • Singular with Number + Noun: When a number describes a single amount, a single concept, or a total quantity, the verb is singular (e.g., money, time, distance). Example: "Five hundred dollars is a lot of money."

  • Singular with Arithmetic Operations: Arithmetic operations (e.g., addition, subtraction) are considered singular entities. Thus, "Two plus two equals four" is grammatically correct.

  • Quantifiers: "A lot," "lots of," and "plenty of" can take either singular or plural verbs depending if noun is countable/uncountable. With singular nouns, the verb is singular, if plural, then plural.

Other Grammatical Rules

  • None: Used as the subject, it's always singular, regardless of what follows. Example: None of the boys joined.

  • Either...or/Neither...nor: Agreement depends on the noun closest to the verb. Example: Either my friend or my classmates is expected to help.

  • Subject-Verb Agreement: A singular subject takes a singular verb regardless of adjectives or other words between them. Examples: "Jimmy, along with his co-teachers, conducts a cleanliness campaign."

  • Question Subjects: Questions might not use subject-verb order. Example: "Does your father usually go jogging?"

Adjectives

  • Gradable vs. Absolute Adjectives: Gradable adjectives can be compared. Absolute adjectives (unique, fatal, round) cannot be compared.

Adverbs

  • Adverbs: Modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or whole sentences.

  • Forms of Adverbs: Adverbs can be clauses, phrases, or single words.

  • Types of Adverbs: Adverbs of frequency, time, manner.

Language as a System

  • Language is a System: Language has a fixed order regarding sounds and words to create meaningful sentences.

  • Language as Vocal/Speech Focused: Speech comes first, written language comes second.

  • Language as a System of Systems: Language has structurally related elements (phoneme/sounds, morpheme/words, tagmeme/phrases/clauses) to express meaning.

  • Language Acquisition vs Learning: Acquisition is subconscious, learning is focused on the conscious process of gaining knowledge of language.

  • Natural Order Hypothesis: Predictable order for acquiring grammar structures.

  • Monitor Hypothesis: Conscious grammar learning has a limited function, acting as a monitor to edit.

  • Input Hypothesis: Sufficient input is required for language acquisition.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

English Grammar Structure PDF

Description

This quiz covers six fundamental sentence patterns in English. Each pattern illustrates the relationship between nouns, verbs, and adjectives with practical examples. Test your understanding of these essential structures!

More Like This

Basic English Sentence Patterns Quiz
15 questions

Sentence Patterns Quiz: Basic English Grammar

PeaceableCrocus avatar
PeaceableCrocus
English Patterning Quiz
10 questions

English Patterning Quiz

FunnySerpentine6608 avatar
FunnySerpentine6608
English Grammar Sentence Patterns Exploration
12 questions

Basic Sentence Patterns Quiz: Master English Grammar

UnequivocalSerenity avatar
UnequivocalSerenity
English 7 Sentence Patterns
16 questions

English 7 Sentence Patterns

NoteworthyBeryllium avatar
NoteworthyBeryllium
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser