Syntax and Semantics The building blocks of language

Syntax: Ø The words and how they properly fit together: Convey the in understand are words presented not meaning do order can they some unless reader.

Corrected: Words do not convey meaning unless they are presented in some order the reader can understand. This is the importance of syntax!

Syntax: see sentences on handout.

Fixed: We had several homework assignments. 2. Sally has climbed most of the highest mountains in the world. 1.

JABBERWOCKY by Lewis Carroll (See handout)

Semantics: Ø The meaning of the words, individually and collectively. Define this word: sewer

Do we use it this way: “The sewer emptied Into the small pond. ” . . . or this way: “The sewer worked on her dress all night long. ”

sewer? What we mean by “sewer” determines how we might use it. This is the importance of semantics!

One more: Sick: Does it mean this Or this?

Your turn: Choose one of the words listed in #3 of your handout, identify at least two different meanings, and write a brief sentence for each of the two meanings.

Your turn: The hunter removed the hide from the deer. The deer tried to hide from the hunter. He noticed an open grave in the cemetery. You made a grave mistake going there. The chef will cook and season the food. The team lost every game last season.

Denotation & Connotation Ø Denotation: what the words mean in a literal sense Ø Connotation: suggested or implied (understood) meaning

Denotation & Connotation Sometimes there isn’t a dictionary definition we can use to understand meaning. The meaning is implied by the speaker, and inferred by the audience. Denotation = dictionary definition Connotation = implied meaning

Denotation & Connotation He is a lying snake. Never in a million years would I do what you suggest.

Denotation & Connotation Identify a saying (sentence, phrase, etc. ) that most people recognize in a connotative sense, but would have a very different meaning if taken denotatively (literally). Write it in #4 on your handout.

Some other useful information Banned words and phrases: This list is available in the top box of my Moodle page. You don’t need to copy these down, but do pay attention!

Banned words: That basically really well Like thing fact boring Stupid lame besides usually Because since* stuff lots So-called situation issue

Banned phrases: “I think. . . ” “To me. . . ” “instead of” “for the reason that. . . ” “In my opinion. . . ” “Due to. . . ” “in life. . . ” “Should of. . . , ” “Could of. . . , ” “Would of. . . , ” and others similar “A lot”

Banned phrases: “sort of” “kind of” ALL slang ALL contractions ALL lazy words (gonna for “going to”; U for “you”; 2 for “to”, “too”, or “two”; + or & for “and, ” etc. )

Additional notes: Ø Woman = 1; women = more than one (think man/men) Ø “Each other” is always two words; so is “high school. ” Ø “Every day” and “everyday” are both correct, but are correct only in certain circumstances, and are never interchangeable.

Remember Ø There is a place and time for both formal and informal language. When you are submitting something for an assignment for a class – for English or any other subject – formal language should be used.