Syntax

1. Syntax

2. Syntax • As defined by Merriam Webster: the way in which linguistic elements (as words) are put together to form constituents (as phrases or clauses). • So, syntax is the way words are put together to form phrases, sentences, paragraphs, essays, books, etc.

3. How do we arrange sentences? • Sentences are made up of clauses (no, not Santa and Mrs. Claus). • There are two types of clauses: • Independent—can stand alone • Dependent—cannot stand alone • Clauses are joined together to make sentences.

4. Syntax in Action • Simple Sentence: Subject + Verb + Object (Independent Clause) • Ex: She banged the garbage can lids together. • Ex: The pans and mixing bowls made a lovely racket. • Compound Sentence: Two Independent clauses joined together with one of the following: • Comma + conjunction (FANBOYS) • Ex: He yanked the cookie sheets from the cabinet with glee, and she rattled them enthusiastically. • Semi-colon • Ex: The lights are still on; turn them off when you leave. • Period between the two independent clauses • Ex: Joan is a senior in college. Her brother graduated last year. • Complex Sentence: One independent clause and one or more dependent clauses • Ex: After the neighbors began to complain, the couple started both their motorcycles and roared off.

5. Sojourner Truth • Where is the author from? • What is their level of education? • What is their background? • Who did they write it for? • Why was it important to write it that way? (audience awareness) • Think about: • If the “verbatim” copy was published in a white man’s magazine… what would the audience think? What would be their reaction? • If the shortest copy was given to a woman that attended the conference… • What Sojourner Truth would say if she could read and read the Marcus Robinson version? (shortest copy) • Why is reading for syntax so important when looking at different versions of the same speech?