10 Questions
A sentence can have multiple clauses, but only one phrase.
False
The largest grammatical unit is a morpheme.
False
A simple sentence always has only one clause.
True
A complex sentence always has a relative clause.
True
A coordinate clause is a type of dependent clause.
False
A subordinator introduces a coordinate clause.
False
A sentence can have multiple subjects.
False
The subject of a sentence is always a noun phrase.
False
A direct object can exist on its own without an indirect object.
True
A subjective complement is a type of object.
True
Study Notes
Syntax
- Determines the relevant parts of a sentence and describes them grammatically
- Concerned with the structure of a sentence
Grammatical Units
- Constituents combine to form larger units, from bottom to top
- Hierarchy: sentence → clauses → phrases → words → morphemes
Sentence
- Largest unit, starts with a capital letter and ends with a period
- Organized structure with specific rules
- Consists of phrases
- May vary in length and complexity
- May be a single word
- Called sentence grammar or syntax
- Two main constituents: subject (nph) and predicate (vph)
- Basic formula: subject + predicate + object
Types of Sentences
- Simple: answers yes-no and wh questions, one clause
- Compound: string of coordinated clauses, each clause has equal importance
- Complex: contains embedded clauses, one clause is more important than the other
- Complex compound: mixed types of sentences with coordination and subordination
Coordinate and Subordinate Clauses
- Coordinate: clauses introduced by coordinators, same importance, can't be fronted
- Subordinate: clauses introduced by subordinators, depend on another clause, can be fronted
Analysis Grid of a Sentence
- Sentence: number
- Clause: number
- Coordinator: (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
- Sub coordinator: (when, before, because, if, since, although, that, provide, so far)
- Acc structure: (simple, compound, complex, complex-compound)
- Acc function: (declarative, interrogative, exclamative, imperative)
Subject
- Used to mention something, what the sentence is about
- Not always a noun phrase, not always at the beginning
- Test for subject: yes-no question, introducing a form of the verb "do" in the sentence
Empletive Subject
- Empty subject, sentence doesn't mention anything, only a predicate
Predicate
- Says something about the subject, what is being said
- Part could be at the beginning
Objects and Complements
- Direct object: what you give, may exist on its own
- Indirect object: can't exist on its own, only with direct object
- Subjective complement: describes or is identified with the subject of the sentence
This quiz covers the basics of syntax, including grammatical units, constituents, and how they combine to form sentences. Learn about the structure of sentences, from morphemes to clauses.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
