Syntax

Syntax

As defined by Merriam Webster: the way in which linguistic elements (as words) are put together to form constituents (as phrases or clauses).

So, syntax is the way words are put together to form phrases, sentences, paragraphs, essays, books, etc.

How do we arrange sentences?

Sentences are made up of clauses (no, not Santa and Mrs. Claus).

There are two types of clauses:Independent—can stand alone

Dependent—cannot stand alone

Clauses are joined together to make sentences.

Syntax in ActionSimple Sentence: Subject + Verb + Object (Independent Clause)

Ex: She banged the garbage can lids together.

Ex: The pans and mixing bowls made a lovely racket.

Compound Sentence: Two Independent clauses joined together with one of the following:

Comma + conjunction (FANBOYS)

Ex: He yanked the cookie sheets from the cabinet with glee, and she rattled them enthusiastically.

Semi-colon

Ex: The lights are still on; turn them off when you leave.

Period between the two independent clauses

Ex: Joan is a senior in college. Her brother graduated last year.

Complex Sentence: One independent clause and one or more dependent clauses

Ex: After the neighbors began to complain, the couple started both their motorcycles and roared off.

Sojourner TruthWhere is the author from?

What is their level of education?

What is their background?

Who did they write it for?

Why was it important to write it that way? (audience awareness)

Think about:

If the “verbatim” copy was published in a white man’s magazine… what would the audience think? What would be their reaction?

If the shortest copy was given to a woman that attended the conference…

What Sojourner Truth would say if she could read and read the Marcus Robinson version? (shortest copy)

Why is reading for syntax so important when looking at different versions of the same speech?