1. Ausley – AP Language & Composition
Analyzing…. Syntax

2. What **is** syntax?
On a very basic level, syntax is THE STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES… our language rules
…and is impacted by what makes up sentences:
Phrases (noun phrases, verb phrases
Modifiers
Constituents

3. So Why do we study syntax?
Semantics: the study of language and word meaning (directly related to diction)
Discourse Analysis: understanding the various types of written and spoken language
Conversation Analysis: HOW we influence, entertain, and convey our thoughts to others through speech
Language Acquisition: HOW we understand new vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar rules
Morphology: the mental system of rules that helps us form and understand words
Pragmatics: how we interact with others using language

4. How we use syntax in APL&C
General order in English: SUBJ + VERB + OBJ – many foreign languages imply the subject with the verb from (Italian, Spanish…)
Closely related to DICTION (word choice) because syntax tells us HOW the chosen words work together to form a sentence
Relationship of syntax and diction help to establish MOOD, TONE, and ATMOSPHERE in a text
We all have a tacit, instinctual understanding of syntax, but we often can’t explain it (WHY we know the things we know).

5. Syntax in APL&C …In poetry: …In prose:
Poets often shift word order to convey artistic effects like rhythm, melody, emphasis, or connection between words
…In prose:
Enhances meaning and contributes to tone OR expresses the author’s attitude
Short sentences may communicate in a powerful, concise manner (Tan, Joy Luck Club). Longer, more verbose sentences may show a character’s laziness or rambling nature (Hemingway, Farewell to Arms).

6. Syntax in APL&C …In Shakespeare:
By writing in iambic pentameter, Willie reverses the order of English sentences by placing the verbs at the end of each line OR intentionally reversing word order of a sentence
EX: “…but soft! What light through yonder window breaks?” instead of “what light breaks through yonder window?” (Romeo & Juliet)
EX: He took the line “and all the clouds that lowered upon our house buried in the deep bosom of the ocean.” and turned it into “And all the clouds that lower’d upon our house in the deep bosom of the ocean buried.” (Richard III)

7. What makes up basic sentence syntax
Phrases:
Noun phrase: look for the noun (person or thing) performing the action to which the verb phrase is linked. EX: “the dog ran far away”
Verb phrase: look for the verb that gives action and description to the noun phrase. EX: “the dog ran far away”
Modifiers: these tell us how action occurred in the verb phrase. EX: “the dog ran far away”

8. What makes up basic sentence syntax
Other Phrases:
Adjective Phrases
Adverb Phrases
Prepositional Phrases
MORE COMPLEX SYNTAX
Different types of verbs, multiple levels of noun and verb phrases, passive sentences, question constructions, and sentences within sentences

9. Let’s try this…
Watch this Syntax video from Shmoop’s YouTube channel:
The passage in the video has been provided to you in a handout. Take a moment to read it.
Answer the quiz questions in the video.

10. TO LEARN MORE…
-- Noam Chomsky is the most influential linguist of the 20th and 21st century. This web site outlines all of Chomsky’s linguistic research and accomplishments.
Check out the YouTube channel Grammar Made Clear. There are 20 videos uploaded on this channel, ALL ABOUT SYNTAX, so make sure to check this out if you're feeling stuck.
The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker is an informative and interesting book, written in a very accessible manner. He addresses the view that humans are born with an innate capacity for language in a such a way that even us students can get our heads around it. Take a sneak peak at the book here, or check out Steven Pinker's website.