
A new paragraph can indicate a slight change of direction on the same subject. A paragraph is as group of sentences relating to one idea. Paragraphs We divide our writing into paragraphs to make things easier for the reader. after the meeting in the meantime in reply to your complaint What is a phrase? A phrase does not usually have a verb and is not a complete sentence (except possibly as the answer to a question). The meeting will start later because of the security alert. I am surprised that the members have arrived early. What is a clause? A clause can be part of a larger sentence. The phone rang The members have arrived The meeting will start later What is a clause? A clause contains a verb and can stand as a sentence on its own. A good average sentence length is 15 – 20 words For variety, you should vary the length of sentences in your writing How long should a sentence be? To make sentences easy to read, it is best not to include more than three separate ideas, or clauses. Sentences are made up of clauses and phrases. A sentence can have one complete idea in it, or more. What is a a sentence? A sentence is a group of words that can stand alone and, in context, make sense. But, syntax allows you to be more creative with your sentence style with a range of structures.Grammar – a brief definition Grammar is a system of rules for speaking and writing in a particular language It makes sense and conveys the same meaning as the original example. The sentence still follows grammar and syntax rules. Note that in the second example, you can change the order of the clauses to:Ĭharlotte and her friends celebrated in the locker room after winning the game. The subject (Charlotte and her friends) is part of both clauses. Syntax elements: A complex sentence is formed by a dependent clause (after winning the game) combined with an independent clause (Charlotte and her friends celebrated in the locker room).The past-tense verb (celebrated) connects with the preposition (in), the article (the), the adjective (locker) and the noun (room). The conjunction (and) connects the third person singular noun (Charlotte) with a possessive pronoun (her) and a plural noun (friends). Grammar elements: The subordinating conjunction (after) modifies the progressive verb (winning), which comes before an article (the) and a noun (game).It includes one subject (Tom) and one predicate (went to the store), which includes one direct object (the store).Īfter winning the game, Charlotte and her friends celebrated in the locker room. Syntax elements: The simple sentence consists of one independent subject.The preposition (to) connects the action to a definite article (the) and another noun (store). Grammar elements: The third-person singular noun (Tom) agrees with the past-tense verb (went).Here are some examples of grammar and syntax rules in action. Even when you use informal or colloquial speech, you are following a syntactical pattern that best conveys your meaning to your peers. Every sentence you read or say follows the rules of grammar and syntax.
