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

2. Important Elements of Syntax
Sentence parts
Word order
Sentence Length
Punctuation

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.