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Syntax
Prepared by: Ms. Angel Joyce Durumpili
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Table Of Contents
SYNTACTIC
01 CATEGORIES 03 PRONOUNS

02 NOUNS 04 VERBS
Table Of Contents

05 ADJECTIVES 07 PREPOSITIONS

06 ADVERBS 08 CONJUNCTIONS
Table Of Contents

09 INTERJECTIONS 10 ARTICLES
Table Of Contents

11 PHRASE 13 VERB PHRASE

12 NOUN PHRASE 14 ADJECTIVE

PHRASE
Table Of Contents

15 ADVERBIAL 17 PREPOSITIONAL
PHRASE PHRASE

16 PREPOSITIONAL 18 CONJUNCTIONAL
PHRASE
PHRASE
INTERJECTIONAL
19 PHRASE
 Syntax
“ It comes from the Greek word “syntaxis” which

”
means putting together and sequencing.
 Syntax
“ It is referred to as the study of the principles, the
process, and word order that rule the structure of the

”
sentences in a particular language.
 NOUN
 A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.

 Examples:

Maria hair
New York birthday
apple
DIFFERENT TYPES OF NOUN
 Common Nouns
 Proper Nouns
 Singular Nouns
 Plural Nouns
 Concrete Nouns
 Abstract Nouns
 Collective Nouns
 Compound Nouns
 Countable Nouns
 Uncountable Nouns
 COMMON NOUN
o is a noun that describes a type of person, thing, or place or that
names a concept.

o Common nouns are not capitalized unless they appear at the

start of a sentence.

o Example: laptop, cellphone, soap, book

PROPER NOUN
o Are the names of specific individuals, things, places, companies,
etc.

o They are always capitalized and typically NOT modified by

articles, determiners, or adjectives.

o Example: La Union, Mall of Asia, Joseph

SINGULAR NOUN

o “noting or pertaining to a member of the category of the number

found in many languages that indicates that a word form has one
referent or denotes one person, place, thing, or instance.”

o Example: A girl, this student

PLURAL NOUN
o is a noun that refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.

o Example:

five cars
these daisies
CONCRETE NOUN
o identifies something material and non-abstract, such as a chair, a house,
or an automobile.

o Think about everything you can experience with your five senses: smell,
touch, sight, hearing, or taste.

o Example:
ABSTRACT NOUN

o identifies something immaterial and abstract, such as rest, dread, or

transportation.

o Example:
Happiness, Anxiety, Fear
COLLECTIVE NOUN

o these are names for a collection or a number of people or things.

o Example:
jury, class, herd, swarm
COMPOUND NOUN

o is a noun that is made with two or more words.

o Example:
notebook, bedroom. four-minute
COUNTABLE NOUN

o refer to items that can be counted.

o countable nouns can be used with articles such as a/an and the or
quantifiers such as a few and many.

o Example:
three cars, few cats, some apples
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
o nouns that come in a state or quantity that is impossible to count.

o Example:
liquid, sand, courage
NOUNS AND PRONOUNS

oThey carry nominal functions in the

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Example:
o Jack invites Marie to dinner.
(Nominative case)
o Jack invites Marie to dinner. (Objective
case)
o
VERBS
Words that denote activities. Whether they
are action words or words of being.
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Main verbs- action verbs.

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Be verbs– is, are was, and were.
Do verbs- do, did, and does.
Have verbs- has, have, and had.
Modals-will, would, shall, should, ought to,
might, can, and could.
Auxiliary verbs- be, do have, and
modal
ADJECTIVES
Are modifiers of nouns and pronouns. They
either directly precede the nouns or
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complement the nouns. Adjectives are

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words that describe other grammatical
categories.

Examples:
Jane is creative
Creative woman
A very creative woman
ADVERBS
An adverb is a syntactic category or a word
that modifies an adjective, a verb or
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another adverb.

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Examples:

Very lightly
Speaks slowly
Hardly gentle
PREPOSITION
A preposition is a syntactic category that
states the location.
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Examples:
between subject and verb (in the middle of two
elements)
Over the moon (way above)
PREPOSITION

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CONJUNCTION
Are connectors that link the words or
phrases, or clauses.
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Conjunctions are classified into three:

Coordinating
Correlating
Subordinating
COORDINATING CONJUNCTION
allows you to join words, phrases, and
clauses of equal grammatical rank in a
sentence.
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A-ND
N-OR
B-UT
O-R
Y-ET
S-O
CORRELATING CONJUNCTION
 are pairs of conjunctions that work
together.

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 often connects two singular subjects
with a singular verb or two plural
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subjects with a plural verb.

Examples:

either/or, neither/nor, and not only/but

also.
CORRELATING CONJUNCTION
Examples:
5. Not only/but also: “I’m not only hungry but also
tired.”
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6. Rather/than: “Rather/than” presents a subject’s
preference for one thing over another. For
example, you could say: “I would rather have
coffee than tea.”

7. Such/that: “Such/that” connects two

CORRELATING CONJUNCTION
Examples:
1. Both/and: Using “both” and “and” implies a

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correlation between two subjects that are
performing the same action.
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An example of using these correlative
conjunctions is: “We’ll both be leaving the party
and taking one car.”

2. Either/or: Using “either” and “or” connects

two positive statements of equal weight. For
example, you could say: “My brother is either
CORRELATING CONJUNCTION
Examples:
3. Neither/nor: “Neither/nor” connects two

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negative statements of equal weight.

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For example, you could say: “I will neither watch
the show nor read the book.”

4. Whether/or: “Whether/or” connects two

possible actions of a subject.
For example, : “I was not sure whether you would
show up or not.”
INTERJECTIONS
 are words or phrases that express feelings,
reactions, exclamations, and greetings.

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 interjections can be either a single word or a
phrase, and they can be used on their own or
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as part of a sentence.

Examples:
Yahoo! Hurrah!
Ouch! Wow!
ARTICLES
 Articles are words that precede a noun or noun modifier.
Articles are the markers of nouns, which include a/ an.

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 “A” is usually used in singular nouns or noun descriptors that

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begin with a consonant letter

 “An” is usually used in singular nouns or noun descriptors that

begin with a vowel letter.

 “The” is used to refer to common count nouns. It can also be

used in specifying a person who is renowned for something to
emphasize the person’s qualities.
ARTICLES
 Examples:

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 The small chair

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 That was the Merriam that you always talk
about.

 A man

 A tall man
 PHRASE
 Is a series of words that do not constitute a
complete thought. A phrase could be a noun
phrase, verb phrase, adjective phrase, adverb
phrase and prepositional phrase.
 NOUN PHRASE
 Is a syntactic unit, which consists of a single
modifier and noun or a series of modifiers, the
head of which is a noun.

 Example:
 A bird
 A very beautiful bird
 VERB PHRASE
 Is a syntactic unit, which starts with a verb and
all of the cluster of words that follow. A verb
phrase functions as a predicate of the subject.

 Ex:
 She sings.
 She sings a beautiful song.
 She sings with grace.
 ADJECTIVE PHRASE
 Is a syntactic unit consisting of an adjective and
all of the cluster of words around it that modify a
noun or pronoun.

 Ex:
 The show was not so awful.
 She was extremely surprised by the gift.
 You are nothing but awesome.
 ADVERBIAL PHRASE
 Is a syntactic structure that is composed of
adverbs and all of the cluster words around
functioning as one unit in describing verb,
adjective or adverb.

 Ex:
 He is speaking so loudly.
 I tried to explain it quickly.
 You talk convincingly.
 PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE
 Is a syntactic structure that starts with a
preposition and ends with a noun.

 Ex:
 He stays in his room. I keep it in my pocket.
 I read it on the post.
 CONJUNCTIONAL PHRASE
 Is a syntactic structure that conducts the
function of conjunction.

 Ex:
 Jessa is not only fashionable but also elegant.
 Neither I nor he drinks alcohol.
 INTERJECTIONAL PHRASE
 Is a syntactic structure that functions as
interjections. These include statements that
express emotions, greetings and hesitations.

 Ex:
 My Goodness!
 Oh no!
 CLAUSE
 A clause is a series of words that contain a
subject and verb phrase. It is classified as a
dependent or independent clause. These can be
found in simple or compound sentences.
 NOUN CLAUSE
Noun clause is a dependent clause that takes the
place of any noun in the sentence, whether they
are subjects, objects or complements .
FIVE FUNCTIONS OF NOUN CLAUSES
.1. SUBJECT
2. DIRECT OBJECT
3.INDIRECT OBJECT
4. OBJECT OF THE PREPOSITION
5.SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
 SUBJECT
1. Why my pet turtle stares at me all day, is
beyond me
2. What Alicia said made her cry.
 DIRECT OBJECT
When my dog goes to doggy daycare, I do not
know what he does , but he always has the best
time.

I forgot what you said

The teacher has been wondering if she chose the

right career
 INDIRECT OBJECT
She chose to photograph whomever was willing to
pose her

The judge will give what you said some

deliberation during
S tv IO
DO
her decision
 INDIRECT OBJECT
You give now what you want to decorate any
thought.
S TV DO
OBJECT OF THE PREPOSITION
I LIKE TO KEEP A SCHEDULE OF WHEN I HAVE
UPCOMING
S TV DO OP

APPOINTMENTS .
 SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
ACTORS CAN BECOME WHOMEVER THEY WANT TO
BE ON
S LV C

STAGE.
 SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
Carli’s problem was that she did not do the wash
You
Thank
can do
You!!
it!!
SUBJECT – VERB
AGREEMENT
TWO GENERAL RULES
OF SUBJECT-VERB
AGREEMENT
1. A singular subject must
have a singular verb.
2. A plural subject must
have a plural verb.
3. A phrase or clause that
interrupts a subject and its
verb does not affect s-v
agreement.

The families whose town was

flooded during the hurricane
(requires, require) temporary
shelter.
4. Two or more singular
subjects joined by “or” or
“nor” must have a singular
verb.

Either blue or green (is, are)

suitable for the background.
5. Two or more plural subjects
joined by “or” or “nor” must
have a plural verb.

Neither the paints nor the

brushes (are, is) in the studio.
6. If one or more singular
subjects are joined to one or
more plural subjects by “or”
or “nor,” THE VERB agrees to
the CLOSEST SUBJECT.

Either candles or a lantern (is

used, are used) on the porch.
7. A compound subject joined
by “and” is generally plural
and must have a plural verb.

A lantern and a candle (is

used, are used) on the porch.
EXEMPTIONS occur when the
parts of a compound subject
equal one thing and when the
word “each” and “every” is
used before a compound
subject.

Bread and butter (was, were)

all they offered us.
8. A subject that comes after
its verb must still agree with
its number. (S-S / P-P)

Which magazine (does, do)

he (buys, buy)?
There (is, are) no more days
in this year.
9. A LV must agree with its
subject, regardless of the
number of its predicate
nominative or SC

Rockets (were, was) the

signal to begin the battle.
The signal to begin the battle
(was, were) rockets.
10. A collective noun maybe
singular or plural depending on
the meaning.
A CN takes a singular verb when
the group it names acts as a
singular unit.

The team (have, has) won every

game.

A flock of starlings (is flying, are

10. A collective noun maybe
singular or plural depending on
the meaning.
A CN takes a plural verb when
the group it names act as
individuals with different points
of view.
The team are quarreling about
their ideas in the locker room.
The flock of starlings push one
11. THE NUMBER always take
singular verb.
The number of whooping cranes
(have, has) been increasing.

12. A NUMBER always take plural

verb.
A number of whooping cranes
(has, have) reared successfully
by sandhill cranes.
13. Nouns that are plural in
form but singular in meaning
agree with singular verbs.

Mathematics (is, are) the

most difficult subject.

Measles (threaten, threatens)

unborn babies.
14.Singular IP takes singular,
and plural IP takes plural
verb.
Almost everyone (like, likes)
his music.
Everybody (is, are) expected
to be here on time.
Many in the class (excel,
excels) in writing.
15. The pronouns all, any,
more, most, none, and some
usually take a singular verb if
the antecedent is singular
and plural if it is plural.
Most of the pie (was, were)
eaten.
Many of the hinges (has,
have) been oiled.
16. A title is singular and
takes singular verb.

The Bunner Sisters (is, are) a

novel by Edith Wharton.
A Thousand Years (was, were)
wedding march song.
17. A noun expressing an
amount or measurement is
usually singular and takes
singular verb.

Twenty five cents (starts,

start) the dryer.
Four tablespoons of salt (has,
have) made the soup
inedible.
18. The “of phrase” object
(OP) is considered as the
main subject.

Half of the brochures (was,

were) mailed yesterday.

(Half refers to the individual

items and is therefore plural)
 LACK OF
PARALLEL
STRUCTURE
PARALLEL STRUCTURE

- refers to the use of the

same pattern of words to
show that two or more ideas
have the same level of
importance
1. The surgeon operated
quickly and with care.

The surgeon operated quickly

and carefully.

The surgeon operated with

speed and with care.
2. Everyone enjoys being around
her because she is intelligent and
has wit.
Everyone enjoys being around her
because she is intelligent and
witty.
Everyone enjoys being around her
because she has intelligence and
wit.
Everyone enjoys being around her
3. Geoffrey likes running,
swimming, and to bike.

Geoffrey likes running, swimming,

and biking.
Geoffrey likes to run, to swim, and
to bike.
Geoffrey likes to run, swim, and
bike
AMBIGUOUS
PRONOUN
KEY TERMS TO REMEMBER
IN CORRECTING
SENTENCES WITH
AMBIGUOUS PRONOUN
1. Pronoun – word
substituted for noun
2. Antecedent – word the
pronoun is replacing
AMBIGUOUS PRONOUN
REFERENCE

- happens when a pronoun

could refer to two possible
antecedents

When Gloria set the pitcher

on the glass-topped table , it
broke.
TO AVOID AMBIGUITY –
CHANGE THE ORDER OF
WORDS

When Gloria set the pitcher

on the glass-topped table , it
broke.

The pitcher broke when Gloria

set it on the glass-topped
Tom told James that he had
won the lottery.

Tom told James, “You have

won the lottery.”
AMBIGUOUS REFERENCE
- happens when a pronoun
does not have the
antecedent it is referring to
The mail carrier had a
delivery for her, but he
couldn’t make it to the door
because he was barking very
viciously.
TO AVOID AMBIGUITY –
INCLUDE NOUNS AS
ANTECEDENTS
The mail carrier had a delivery
for her, but he couldn’t make it
to the door because he was
barking very viciously.
The mail carrier had a delivery
for Alice, but he couldn’t make it
to the door because the dog,
MISPLACED
MODIFIERS
MISPLACED MODIFIER

- refers to a word, phrase, or

clause that is improperly
separated from the word it
modifies/describes.
- because of the separation,
sentences with this error
often sound awkward,
ridiculous, confusing, or
MISPLACED MODIFIER

- misplaced modifiers can

usually be corrected by
moving the modifier to a
more sensible place in the
sentence, generally next to
the word it modifies.
The child ate a cold dish of
cereal this morning.

The child ate a cold cereal

this morning.
On her way home, Jen found
a gold man’s watch.

On her way home, Jen found

a man’s gold watch.
MISPLACED ADVERBS

- cause a change in meaning

We ate the lunch that we had

brought slowly.

We slowly ate the lunch that

we had brought.
SQUINTING MODIFIER

- refers to a sentence with

two possible meanings

The teacher said on Monday

she would return our essays.
Correction 1: (The teacher
would return the essays on
Monday)
The teacher said she would
return our essays on Monday.

Correction 2: (The teacher

spoke on Monday)
On Monday the teacher said
she would return our essays.
The three bankers talked
quietly in the corner smoking
pipes.

The three bankers smoking

pipes talked quietly in the
corner.
DANGLING
MODIFIERS
DANGLING MODIFIER

- refers to a word or phrase

that modifies a word not
clearly stated in a sentence
TO AVOID DANGLING
MODIFIER

1) rewrite the sentence so

that the modifier and the
word or words being modified
are placed beside each other
I saw the trailer peaking
through the window.

Peaking through the window,

I saw the trailer.
The waiter served a dinner
roll to the woman that was
well-buttered.

The waiter served a dinner

roll that was well-buttered to
the woman.
TO AVOID DANGLING
MODIFIER

2) Include an appropriate or
possible doer of the action as
the subject of the main
clause
Having arrived late for
practice, a written excuse
was needed.

Having arrived late for

practice, the team captain
needed a written excuse.
Without knowing his name, it
was difficult to introduce him

Because Maria did not know

his name, it was difficult to
introduce him.
To improve his results, the
experiment was done again.

The experiment was done

again by James to improve his
results.