Core English Grammar Concepts: Structure and Usage
Unit 1: Introduction to Grammar Fundamentals
What does morphology deal with?
Morphology deals with the system of word formation, looking at the structure of words and the rules for word formation. It allows us to divide words into morphemes.
What is the object of study in syntax?
Syntax studies patterns of word arrangement. It involves the ways and rules by which words combine to form grammatical sentences.
Why is grammar controversial in language teaching?
Whether grammar should be taught and how it
Read MoreUnderstanding Predicates, Agreement, and Objects in English Grammar
The Predicate & The Predicative
The predicate is the second main part of the sentence, and it denotes an action, a state, or a quality of the thing expressed by the subject. In certain cases, it agrees with the subject in person, number, and tense.
According to the structure of the predicates, we distinguish two types: simple and compound. According to their morphological realization, they are verbal and nominal. Depending on these two criteria, there are the following types of predicates:
- Simple
Adjective Phrases: Structure, Functions, and Usage
Adjective Phrase: Structure and Functions
Constituents of the Adjective Phrase
The core of an adjective phrase is the adjective itself. This core can have two modifiers: specifiers (usually adverbs expressing degree or intensity) and complements (prepositional phrases that modify the meaning of the core adjective).
Functions of the Adjective Phrase
Adjective phrases commonly function as:
- Complements of a noun phrase
- Attributes in a predicate nominal
- Predicative complements of the predicate
The Adjective
An
Read MoreSpanish Syntax: Complements, Voice, and Sentence Types
Complementos del Predicado Verbal
Complemento Directo (CD)
Se expresa mediante un Sintagma Nominal (SN) o un Sintagma Preposicional (S.Prep) introducido por la preposición a (cuando se refiere a personas o entidades personificadas). Ejemplo: Tengo un libro (SN CD). El CD se sustituye por los pronombres átonos lo, la, los, las.
Complemento Indirecto (CI)
Se expresa mediante un S.Prep introducido por la preposición a. Se sustituye por los pronombres le, les. Otros pronombres que pueden desempeñar
Read MoreKey Concepts in English Clause Syntax and Structure
Clause Subclasses and Related Structures
Clause Types
- Content Clauses (e.g., the talk he gave, that…)
- Relative Clauses
- Comparative Clauses
Related Phrase/Clause Examples
- AdjP (Adjective Phrase): e.g., Andrea – happy to be included…
- PP (Prepositional Phrase): e.g., the final march – between…
- AdvP (Adverb Phrase): e.g., They travel – usually – by train
- Clause: e.g., If she fails – and she probably will…
Coordination Types
Basic Coordination
- Unmarked Coordination (e.g., apples, oranges…)
- Repetition
Adjective Characteristics and Functions
Understanding Adjectives
Definition and Role
Adjectives modify nouns by indicating a quality. An adjective complements a noun, meaning it describes, qualifies, or limits the noun’s meaning. E.g., tall.
Morphological Analysis
Key aspects of adjective analysis include: grade, gender, and number.
Functions of Adjectives
Modifying Nouns
The adjective provides a quality or state to the noun it accompanies.
Example: Lead is heavy.
Example: The lamb is gentle.
Word Order and Apocope
Adjectives usually follow the
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