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Syntax

Terms : Hide Images
order of words in a sentence
makes a statement
gives a command
asks a question
conveys a passionate emotion
word, phrase, clause referred to by a pronoun ("The grandeur of all truths is good; it is also bold.")
word, phrase, clause that follows a linking verb and complements the subject of a sentence by either renaming it ("Julia Roberts is a movie star.") or describing it ("Warren remained optimistic.")
complete thought; can stand alone
must have an independent clause with it; explains the main clause more fully
contains a subject and verb ("The puppy curled up on my lap.")
two independent clauses with a subject and verb each joined by a semicolon or coordination conjunction ("The ice cream was delicious; it was exactly what I wanted.")
contains an independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses ("I bet you're expecting that this sentence is going to be about puppies.")
contains two or more principal clauses and one or more subordinate clauses ("After the play, Ms. Rudder won't have to stay up late, and her presentation will be good.")
subject before predicate ("Oranges grow in California.")
predicate before subject ("In California grow oranges.")
divides predicate into two parts with the subject in the middle ("In California, oranges grow.")
subordinate clause in the middle, set of with dashes or commas ("Even though he came - although late - he was wet.")
1-2 words, abrupt
shorter than 5 words
main idea comes first, then dependent grammatical units; informal, relaxed, conversational ("I arrived safely at work after being rescued by Superman.")
present central meaning in main clause at end, after phrase/clause that can't stand alone; adds emphasis to structural variety ("After Superman rescued me, I arrived safely at work.")
deliberate omission of word(s) implied by context ("My pen was blue; hers, red.")
deliberate omission of conjunction in a series; creates sense of speed/concision; seems spontaneous; lists don't necessarily seem complete; makes phrase seem like an afterthought or completion ("She was obsessed with puppies, books, ice cream, sleep.")
deliberately using many conjunctions; attempt to encompass something complex; emphasizes multiplicity and persistence or intensity ("They read ad studied, I wrote and talked and shared.")
ability to create a variety of sentence structures, appropriately complex/simple and varied
sentence structure is extraordinarily complex/involved; difficult for reader to follow

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