Syntax Analyzing types of sentences and why authors

Syntax!!! Analyzing types of sentences and why authors do the things they do…

What is Syntax? the arrangement of words and phrases to create wellformed sentences in a language - Sentence length - Sentence type - Punctuation in a sentence - Types of phrases in a sentence

Types of Phrases Gerund, Participial, Appositive

Gerund a form that is derived from a verb but that functions as a noun, in English ending in –ing Sitting in class is dull. Blowing bubbles on a windy day is a fun activity for children.

Participial a word group consisting of a present participle (also known as an -ing form) or past participle (also known as an –en or -ed form), and functions as an adjective Invented by an Indiana housewife in 1889, the first dishwasher was driven by a steam engine. A referee, always working before unfriendly crowds, has orders to exude poise under the most trying circumstances.

Appositive a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it The insect, a cockroach, is crawling across the kitchen table. During the dinner conversation, Clifford, the messiest eater at the table, spewed mashed potatoes like an erupting volcano.

Ready for some more examples?

“They rode away through our large garden, still bright green from the rains, and we turned back into the twilight of the house and the sound of fans whispering in every room. ” Participial phrase

“The lessons were mostly concerned with reading and writing. ” Gerund

“Impressed with her, they worshipped the well-turned phrase, the cute shape, the scalding humor that erupted like bubbles in lye. ” Participial phrase

“My mother, the most embarrassing woman in the world, went to Wal-Mart dress in only a bath robe. ” Appositive

Try your own! On a half-sheet of paper, practice writing a sentence with each of the phrases we talked about today: 1. Sentence with a gerund phrase 2. Sentence with a participial phrase 3. Sentence with an appositive phrase Use your notes to help you!