Syntax : STRUCTURES AND EFFECTS

1. Syntax: STRUCTURES AND EFFECTS AP Language and Composition

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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)

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

7. 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.

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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

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

13. 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)

14. 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.

15. Sentence structures sophistication

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

17. effects: simple • Ensure that an idea is easily understood • Emphasis

18. 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,

19. 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.

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

21. Sentence structure: complex Complex = IC + DC Patterns DC, + IC IC(,) + DC IC(Part 1), + DC, + IC(Part2)

22. 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.

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