syntax flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key grammar, syntax, discourse, and classroom strategy terms from the lecture notes.

Syntax

The set of rules that govern how words combine into phrases, clauses, and sentences for clear communication.

Parts of Speech

The eight grammatical categories—noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, interjection—that words can belong to.

Noun

A person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., ball, apple, cat).

Adjective

A word that describes or modifies a noun (e.g., big, fast).

Verb

A word that expresses an action or state of being (e.g., run, is, look).

Adverb

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, often ending in -ly (e.g., quickly, happily).

Preposition

A word showing location, time, or direction (e.g., above, under, behind).

Interjection

A word or phrase that expresses strong emotion (e.g., Wow!).

Pronoun

A word that replaces a noun (e.g., she, he, it).

Conjunction

A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., and, but, because).

Clause

A group of words containing a subject and a verb.

Independent (Main) Clause

A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence (e.g., The lion roared at the hyenas).

Dependent (Subordinate) Clause

A clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction and cannot stand alone (e.g., Because they are covered in mud…).

Relative Clause

A clause beginning with a relative pronoun that adds detail to a noun (e.g., who is allergic to seafood).

Noun Clause

A dependent clause that functions as a noun within a sentence (e.g., Who I want to call is my dad).

Coordinating Conjunctions

Connect equal words or clauses; remembered by acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Introduce dependent clauses (e.g., although, because, since, unless, once, though).

Simple Sentence

A sentence with one independent clause (e.g., My hat is blue).

Compound Sentence

Two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon (e.g., My hat is blue, and my shoes are white).

Complex Sentence

One independent clause plus at least one dependent clause (e.g., My shoes are brown because they are muddy).

Compound‐Complex Sentence

At least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause (e.g., My hat is blue, and my shoes are brown because they are muddy).

Spoken Discourse

Communication delivered orally; quick, leaves no record, conveys extra meaning through voice, and does not require literacy.

Written Discourse

Communication in written form; slower, permanent, retrievable, requires literacy, and relies on words and punctuation alone.

Precise Language

Selecting specific, accurate words instead of vague terms or excessive pronouns in writing.

Transition Words

Signal shifts or connections between ideas (e.g., first, next, finally, even though).

Dialogue (Writing)

Direct speech in text, punctuated with quotation marks to show who is speaking.

Oral Language Development

Instructional strategies aimed at improving students’ speaking and listening skills.

Think‐Pair‐Share

An oral language strategy where students think individually, discuss with a partner, then share with the class.

Sentence Stems/Frames

Pre‐structured sentence starters that support students in forming complete, grammatically correct responses.

Teacher Modeling

An instructional practice where the teacher demonstrates a skill or strategy for students to emulate.