The way words are arranged in sentences Syntax The way words are arranged in sentences

Important Elements of Syntax Sentence parts Word order Sentence Length Punctuation

The lion ran into the wilderness. What is this sentence about? That’s called the SUBJECT What does the lion do? That’s called the VERB

Clauses A CLAUSE is a group of related words that has a subject and a verb. Where is the clause in this sentence? The lion ran into the wilderness

Phrases A phrase is a group of related words that has no subject or verb. What part of this sentence contains a phrase? The lion ran into the wilderness

Sentence Fragments ( S Frag) A sentence fragment is a group of words that is punctuated like a sentence but has no verb, or the words may not express a complete thought. Where is the S Frag in this group The lion is a wild animal. Really wild.

Word Order Normal word order is to place the subject first, then a verb, then other details. Watch how a simple change in word order can mean something completely different.

Explain what each is saying Jim said that he drives only a truck. Jim said that only he drives a truck. Jim only said that he drives a truck. Only Jim said that he drives a truck.

What is the author doing in these sentences? Am I ever happy about my report card! Pizza I want—not soup.

Sentence Length Writers vary their sentence length to emphasize a point To control what their readers pay attention to Writers put their main ideas in short sentences Long sentences are used to expand and develop their ideas

Punctuation= Power Semicolon- joins two or more clauses instead of a connecting word ( and, but, or) He is my best friend; I have know him most of my life. Colon- tells the reader something important will follow He is my best friend: he helps me through hard times, celebrates good times with me.

DASH used to mark a sudden change in thought or set off a summary, or indicate an important decision that has been reached John—my best friend– lives down the street. It was never meant to be hurtful—you were not our target. That’s not the real story—it’s time I was honest with you.

Italics Used to talk about a word as a word, or for emphasis. He used the word say too many times. Of all the people I’ve ever known, John is my best friend.