Lemery Colleges, Inc.

A. Bonifacio St., Brgy. Bagong Sikat, Lemery, Batangas

College of Teacher
Education

Sangalang, Julie Ann D.

BSED IV-ENGLISH

Introduction to Linguistics

Activity 1(Semi-Finals)

Topic: Syntax

1. What is syntax?

Answer:

Based on my research, syntax is one of the main areas of linguistic research

developed in recent decades. Generally, it encompasses the entire study of
how words are ordered in any language to produce a meaningful
sentence. It studies the structure and formation of sentences and explains
how words and phrases are arranged to form correct sentences. So, based on
it’s definition, I understand that syntax is literally important in linguistics
because it tackles about how did the words being studied in ordered to produce
a proper and meaningful sentences in speaking or maybe in terms of writing.
Generally, based on my gathered information this syntax refers to the rules
that was been used in dealing with words to form a phrases, clauses and
different sentences.

The word "syntax" is a Greek word that means "arrange together." The
study of a human language's syntactic characteristics is also referred to as
syntax. In syntax, it look at how words are arranged in clauses, phrases, and
various sentences. Additionally, it addresses how sentences are put together
and how they relate to one another.

Examples of Syntax in a Sentence:

Sentences and phrases are formed up by a group of words and words have
closer relationship to each other. Syntax deals with this relation of words and
formation of words in a sentence to vary the meaning of the sentence.

Let’s look at an example of how meaning of a sentence can be varied.

 Emma ate mangos hurriedly.

 Emma hurriedly ate mangos.
 Hurriedly, Emma ate mangoes.
 Lemery Colleges, Inc.
A. Bonifacio St., Brgy. Bagong Sikat, Lemery, Batangas
College of Teacher
Education

2. Since syntax is about structure, the rules of syntax makes the

sentences clear and consistent. Give examples of a variety of
syntactical mistakes and how to correct them.

Answer:

Syntax is a basic component of written language, along with diction.

Language style, or diction, refers to the decisions a speaker or writer makes
within the confines of grammar and syntax. The rules for employing words,
phrases, clauses, and punctuation, specifically to make sentences, are
outlined in the syntactic theory. Examples of proper syntax include word
choice, tense and number matching, and proper word and phrase order.
Even in informal conversation, diction can be variable, while appropriate
syntax is rather hard. In all formal writing, following to the rules of syntax is
essential and demonstrates a writer's skill and knowledge.

Phrases or words can have their meaning drastically altered by even

seemingly small syntax problems. The most typical syntactic mistakes to
look out for are listed below:

 Inappropriate comma usage

The punctuation mark known as a comma is used to divide words, word

groups, concepts, and phrases within a sentence. It also designates a pause,
or activating, to begin a certain series of sentences. Misplaced or
inappropriately used punctuation can instantly change the meaning of
phrases and the way a sentence reads aloud.

For example:

Incorrect: “She enjoys cooking her family and her dog.”

Correct: “She enjoys cooking, her family, and her dog.”

Incorrect: The person who took the charge of the BDO office is my
relatives.

Correct: The person, who took the charge of the BDO office, is my relatives.

Incorrect: Please call me if you can’t make it.

Correct:  If you can’t make it, please call me.

 Lemery Colleges, Inc.
A. Bonifacio St., Brgy. Bagong Sikat, Lemery, Batangas
College of Teacher
Education

 Using sentence fragments instead of complete sentences

When a combination of words resembles a sentence, it is called a sentence

fragment. Although it will begin with a capital letter and end with
punctuation, it neither expresses a complete thought nor is it an isolated
phrase. Using sentence fragments instead of complete sentences is
sometimes okay when writing is meant to be conversational. But for people
learning a new language they can be very confusing and are often
misinterpreted. Fragments can be utilized by professional authors for
emphasis or other aesthetic effects, despite the fact that they are typically
classified as grammatical errors (or punctuation problems) in conventional
grammar.

For example:

Incorrect: There are only a few things left to do. The sanding and painting.

Correct: There are only a few things left to do: The sanding and painting.

Incorrect: Slammed the door and left.

Correct: Sarah slammed the door and left.

Incorrect: That time of wonder and amazement.

Correct: That was  a time of wonder and amazement.

 Squinting modifiers

A squinting modifier is a word used to describe something that is misplaced

in the sentence. As a result, it could either modify the phrase that precedes
it or the phrase that comes after it, which can be confusing. A printed
sentence becomes unclear when a modifier is squinted at. Normally, when
spoken, sentences with squinting modifiers are clear (due to voice
intonation). But when writing, you must avoid squinting modifiers. By
reorganizing the statement or moving the squinting modifier into a different
spot, you can remove the ambiguity.

For example:
 Lemery Colleges, Inc.
A. Bonifacio St., Brgy. Bagong Sikat, Lemery, Batangas
College of Teacher
Education

Incorrect: “Running around quickly entertained her.”

Correct: “When she ran around quickly, she was entertained.”

Incorrect: Cycling up hills quickly  strengthens your quadriceps.

Correct: Cycling up hills strengthens your quadriceps quickly.

Incorrect: Taking a moment to think clearly  improves your chances.

Correct: Taking a moment to think clearly about the issue improves your

chances.