SYNTAX
Syntax is the study of lexemes which are grouped in different ways to form a sentence.
Phrases: are groups of words that function as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence
Clauses: a clause must have a verb, it also usually has a subject and sometimes other clause elements
Main Clause (Independent): a complete sentence which contains a subject, verb and it can stand alone
Subordinate Clause (Dependent): this clause normally relies on a main clause or other clauses for meaning, and it cannot stand alone.
CLAUSE ELEMENTS
Verb: ‘Lisa speaks’ ‘ she has always been kind to me’
Subject: who or what is doing the verb ‘Lisa speaks’ ‘she has always been kind to me’
Object: Direct: what does the subject and verb, e.g. ’he bought apples’
Indirect: to who did the subject and verb apply to. E.g. ‘I gave flowers to mum’
Adverbial: where/when/how did it happen? ‘Before you leave come see me’














