Linguistics & Semantics

Lesson 4: Syntax

Sentences

The sentence is the highest-ranking unit of Grammar. It is often difficult to decide where one sentence ends and where another begins. So we should abandon neat boundaries by accepting that 'grammar' is a linguistic core where other aspects of linguistic organization and usage are integrated.

When we talk about a ‘sentence’ we may divide it into two categories: ‘the simple sentence which are constituted by a single independent clause and the multiple sentence which includes more than one clause, either through subordination or through coordination. Sentences can be divided into four sub-type that are a) Declarative sentences which are employed to make statement or assertions; b) Imperative sentences serve to give orders, to make requests and their subjects are not overt; c) Interrogative questions which are used to ask questions; d) Exclamatory sentences are used to express surprise, alarm, strong opinion.

Their main difference lies in the exclamation mark. Examples: a) ‘Joseph shall be there tomorrow’. ‘You must be patient with him’. b) ‘Don’t give any biscuit to Jack’. ‘Don’t touch that animal’ c) ‘Did you see your wife?’ ‘Why don’t you play tennis with your father?’ d) ‘What a silly thing you have done!’ ‘ He is going to beat you!’

Another important classification of sentences that must be done includes “Simple Sentences” (with only one finite verb), “Compound sentences” (they consist of two or more simple sentences that are linked by the co-ordinate conjunctions ‘and, either…or, neither….or, but, so etc.) and “Complex Sentences” (they have one simple sentence and one or more subordinate or dependent clause).

Examples. Yesterday I bought a beautiful car. (Simple sentence); He can neither read nor write. (Compound sentence); I have not seen them since they left Venece. Compound-complex sentences are, as their name suggests, a combination of complex sentences which are then joined by co-ordinating conjunctions. 'I saw Joseph when he was in Rome but I did not see him since he left for Paris'. Now I can describe the basic pattern of the simple sentence: (Adjunct) (Subject) Predicate (Object) (Complement) (Adjunct) which gives: (A) (S) P (O) (C) (A) [as you see only the Predicate is essential, the Adjunct is mobile].

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