Syntax: STRUCTURES AND EFFECTS AP Language and Composition

What is syntax? Syntax is the grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence, paragraph, and larger unit of composition.

Why does syntax matter? Syntax can: Contribute to a writer’s style. Show relationships among ideas. Emphasize certain ideas. Create a rhythm. Indicate a particular communication purpose.

clauses A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and predicate (verb). Examples English class is my favorite part of the day. Because the sun shines Although my head ached

Main categories of clauses Independent – a clause that create a complete thought and is a sentence by itself Dependent (subordinate) – a clause that DOES NOT create a complete thought and CANNOT be a sentence on its own Examples English class is my favorite part of the day. (independent) Because the sun shines (dependent) Although my head ached (dependent)

How do I know if the clause is a “complete thought”? “Is it true that . . .”

What information do CLAUSES provide? Independent clauses (main clauses) are the foundation of a sentence and provide the essential information. Dependent clauses provide details about the essential information.

A note about Dependent clauses All dependent clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction!

Types of dependent clauses NOUN CLAUSES Function as nouns and can be a subject, object, or predicate nominative Answer the questions: who(m) and what? Subordinating conjunctions: that, who, which, and sometimes when, where whether, why, and how

Types of dependent clauses NOUN CLAUSES Examples: What politicians promise is not always dependable. The electorate often cannot know that the truth is being manipulated.

Types of dependent clauses ADJECTIVE CLAUSES Function as adjectives (modify nouns) Answer the questions: which? Subordinating conjunctions: who(m), which, or that and sometimes when or where

Types of dependent clauses ADJECTIVE CLAUSES Examples: The car that Jack bought is practical. The Smythes, who collect cars, are wealthy.

Types of dependent clauses ADVERB CLAUSES Function as adverbs(modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs) Answer the questions: how, why, when, and under what circumstances? Subordinating conjunctions: although, because, when, until. (See p. 292 for a list)

Types of dependent clauses ADVERB CLAUSES Examples: If the bond issue passes, the city will install sewers. They are drawing up plans as quickly as they can.

sophistication Sentence structures compound-complex complex compound simple sophistication

Sentence structure: simple simple = IC Example Charlie Chaplin was born in London on April 16, 1889.

Ensure that an idea is easily understood Emphasis effects: simple Ensure that an idea is easily understood Emphasis

Sentence structure: compound compound = IC + IC Coordination Methods Coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) – don’t forget the comma! Semicolon Transition word (CHINFATTOMOM) – don’t for get the punctuation: ; transition word,

Sentence structure: compound Examples Charlie Chaplin’s father died early, and his mother spent time in mental hospitals. Many people enjoy Chaplin films; others do not. Film critics enjoy his early silent films; however, most moviegoers do not enjoy them.

Show an equal relationship between ideas Create a sense of balance effects: compound Show an equal relationship between ideas Create a sense of balance

Sentence structure: complex Complex = IC + DC Patterns DC, + IC IC(,) + DC IC(Part 1), + DC, + IC(Part 2)

Sentence structure: complex Examples When times were bad, Chaplin lived in the streets. He was hired by Mack Sennett, who owned the Keystone Company. Chaplin succeeded in film because he worked diligently.

Show an unequal relationship between ideas Create a sense of unbalance effects: complex Show an unequal relationship between ideas Create a sense of unbalance Possibly emphasize details connected to a main clause