Download Example - Fort Thomas Independent Schools

AP Language and Composition
Syntax is the
grammatical
arrangement of words
in a sentence,
paragraph, and larger
unit of composition.
Syntax can:
1. Contribute to a writer’s style.
2. Show relationships among
ideas.
3. Emphasize certain ideas.
4. Create a rhythm.
5. Indicate a particular
communication purpose.
A clause is a group of words that
contains a subject and predicate
(verb).
Examples
1. English class is my favorite
part of the day.
2. Because the sun shines
3. Although my head ached
A.
B.
1.
2.
3.
Independent – a clause that create a
complete thought and is a sentence by
itself
Dependent (subordinate) – a clause
that DOES NOT create a complete
thought and CANNOT be a sentence on
its own
Examples
English class is my favorite part of the
day. (independent)
Because the sun shines (dependent)
Although my head ached (dependent)
“Is it true that . . .”
Independent
clauses (main
clauses) are the foundation
of a sentence and provide
the essential information.
Dependent clauses provide
details about the essential
information.
All dependent
clauses begin with a
subordinating
conjunction!
NOUN CLAUSES
Function as nouns and can be a
subject, object, or predicate
nominative
Answer the questions: who(m)
and what?
Subordinating conjunctions:
that, who, which, and
sometimes when, where
whether, why, and how
NOUN CLAUSES
Examples:
1. What politicians promise is
not always dependable.
2. The electorate often
cannot know that the truth
is being manipulated.
ADJECTIVE CLAUSES
Function as adjectives
(modify nouns)
Answer the questions:
which?
Subordinating conjunctions:
who(m), which, or that and
sometimes when or where
ADJECTIVE CLAUSES
Examples:
1. The car that Jack bought is
practical.
2. The Smythes, who collect
cars, are wealthy.
ADVERB CLAUSES
Function as adverbs(modify
verbs, adjectives, or adverbs)
Answer the questions: how,
why, when, and under what
circumstances?
Subordinating conjunctions:
although, because, when,
until. (See p. 292 for a list)
ADVERB CLAUSES
Examples:
1. If the bond issue passes,
the city will install sewers.
2. They are drawing up plans
as quickly as they can.
sophistication
simple
compound
complex
compoundcomplex
simple = IC
Example
Charlie Chaplin was born in
London on April 16, 1889.
Ensure
that an idea is easily
understood
Emphasis
compound = IC + IC
Coordination Methods
Coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
– don’t forget the comma!
Semicolon
Transition word (CHINFATTOMOM) –
don’t for get the punctuation:
; transition word,
1.
2.
3.
Examples
Charlie Chaplin’s father died
early, and his mother spent time
in mental hospitals.
Many people enjoy Chaplin films;
others do not.
Film critics enjoy his early silent
films; however, most moviegoers
do not enjoy them.
Show
an equal relationship
between ideas
Create a sense of balance
Complex = IC + DC
Patterns
DC, + IC
IC(,) + DC
IC(Part 1), + DC, + IC(Part 2)
1.
2.
3.
Examples
When times were bad, Chaplin
lived in the streets.
He was hired by Mack Sennett,
who owned the Keystone
Company.
Chaplin succeeded in film because
he worked diligently.
Show
an unequal relationship
between ideas
Create a sense of unbalance
Possibly emphasize details
connected to a main clause