LIN204H1 Lecture Notes - Colorless Green Ideas Sleep Furiously, Phrase Structure Rules, Adpositional Phrase
Document Summary
Syntax: the word syntax refers to the relationships of words within a sentence. In english, speakers and writers generally indicate these relationships through word order. For example, the actor--or subject--in a sentence generally comes before the verb. English syntax actually is much more complex than these examples suggest, but they illustrate a general principle: syntax is the system that speakers and writers use when they combine words into phrases and clauses, ultimately creating meaning. Syntax refers to the harmonious way in which words are put together to form phrases, clauses, or sentences. These words can be structured in a variety of patterns. The subject-verb structure emphasizes action and the subject"s determination. A telescoping effect in a sentence can detail movement from general to specific or far to near. A periodic sentence suspends the main idea or subject until the end of the sentence. This creates suspense within the sentence and prolongs reader interest.
