What is

Syntax?

Syntax is the way words and clauses are arranged to form sentences.
That arrangement contributes to and enhances meaning and effect.

Or more simply: Its how authors put words and phrases together. Syntax helps authors effectively make their points.

What is syntax?
Syntax is the study of the structure of sentences. Syntax analyzes how words combine to form sentences. Sentences are made up of smaller units, called phrases (which in turn are made up of words).

Why is syntax important?

We speak in sentences not in words. To understand the structure of a language it is necessary to study the structure of sentences. If we learn to analyze the structure of sentences, we will also learn to analyze their meaning. The study of syntax is the study of the function of words, which is necessary to understand the structure and the meaning of a language.

What is a sentence?
A sentence is basically a string of words that follow the grammatical rules of a language. A sentence expresses a complete thought
A sentence is made up of phrases. At the very least, a sentence contains a verb phrase (also known as the predicate) and a subject

I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagraming sentences. Gertrude Stein

A template of structure of an English sentence.

Det

Det

Det = Determiner N = Noun V = Verb

This template says that a determiner is followed by a noun, which is followed by a verb, and so on.

Example :

The professor wrote a book.

Det

 Sentences have a hierarchial organization: that is, the words are grouped into natural units.

The professor wrote a book.

the professor

wrote a book

 A further division gives [the professor] and then [[wrote][a book]], and finally the individual words: [[the][professor]] [[wrote][[a][book]]].

root

the

professor

wrote

The tree is upside down with its root encompassing the entire sentence, The professor wrote a book, and its leaves being the individual words, the, professor, wrote, a, book.

Constituents and Constituency Test

 Constituents = the natural groupings of a sentence A constituent is formed if 1) a group of words can stand alone (stand alone test) 2) pronouns can substitute for natural groups (replacement by a pronoun test) 3) a group of words can be move (move as a unit test)

Stand alone test

In answer to the question what did you find?, a speaker might answer, a cat, but not found a.
Reason :

A cat can stand alone while found a cannot.

Replacement by a pronoun test

In answer to the question where did you find a cat?, a speaker can say, I found HIM in the park.

Move as a unit test

If a group of words can be moved, they form a constituent.

It was a cat that the child found. A cat was found by the child.

Adjective phrases

An Adjective Phrase (AP) is a phrase that is made up of at least one adjective. The adjective is the head of the Noun Phrase (NP). APs usually function as: Modifiers: I saw a SMALL child. Subject Complements: She is not HAPPY. Object Complements: I consider Peter STUPID.

Adverb phrases

An Adverb Phrase (AdvP) is a phrase that is made up of at least one adverb. The adverb is the head of the AdvP. AdvPs usually function as: Adverbials: Andy was VERY late. Sally works HARD.

Prepositional phrases

A Prepositional Phrase (PP) is a phrase that is made up of at least one preposition usually followed by a NP that functions as the object of the preposition. The preposition is the head of the PP. PPs usually function as: Adverbials: Anna got married IN JULY. Objects: I put the book ON THE TABLE. I bought a ring FOR MY MOTHER.

Verb phrases

A Verb Phrase (VP) is a phrase that is made up of at least one verb. Verb phrases often contain noun phrases, prepositional phrases or adverb phrases that function as objects or adverbials of the verb. The verb is the head of the VP. VPs function as the head of the clause.

Verb Phrase
Can be constructed using: Present participle

e.g.: Singing out of tones, the singer was booed off the stage.

Past participle

e.g.: Frightened by the strange noises, Patricia woke her mother up.

THE END..

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