Structure of english

Jocelyn L Gagalang, Ph DMW 9-10:30

Structure of English

To which of the body parts can you compare syntax with?

traditionally called “Parts of Speech”

Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs

Pronouns, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections

Grammatical Categories

-- open sets and are content words, in that they have particular semantic referents.

Why are they considered content words?

e.g. get, book, library

Major grammatical categories

-- are closed sets, and are function words, in that they largely fulfill grammatical functions and are necessary to make a sentence that is acceptable in form.

e.g. Get the book from the library.

Minor grammatical categories

Let’s check your

group’s answers

1. introduce friend them2. these topics present3. children imitate 4. various activities launch5. cheap flights abound

Exercises: In groups of three, use the following words in complete sentences. Present your answers to the class.

6. body benefits exercise 7. never jeopardize health8. summer fun all9. heed parents’ advice10. rethink cleanliness

Exercises: In groups of three, use the following words in complete sentences. Present your answers to the class.

1. occurs with a determiner before itexcept:

proper nouns and some common nouns

2. has singular and plural forms3. has a possessive form (‘s or ‘)

NOUNS: Definition and Characteristics

4. may function as:subject of a verb: Time

flies.object of a transitive verb:

Faith can move mountains.complement of a transitive verb:

We call them heroes.

complement of a linking verb:e.g. Destiny is not chance.

object of a preposition:e.g. Demitasse is after dinner.

nominative of address:e.g. Buyers beware!

appositive:e.g. Henning Brendt, the

alchemist, discovered phosphorous in

1669.Noun Song

specific names and are capitalized

e.g. University of Rizal System Dior Samsung

Write down your own five samples.

Proper Nouns

According to grammatical number:collective nouns: e.g. person (jury, committee) may be treated as singular or plural

count nouns: e.g. box, package, cars have plural forms

Common Nouns

noncount or mass nouns: e.g. cloth, water, wheat,

do not have plural forms except under special contexts

According to reference

abstract nouns: e.g. imagination, anger, fear, love, honesty These refer to concepts, emotions, etc.

Common Nouns

concrete nouns: e.g. thunder, earthquake, fragrance

These refer to phenomena which

can be experienced through the senses.

Group yourselves into five and on the allotted space on the board write down as many nouns as you can think of within 60 seconds.

Explain the type of each noun to the class with members taking turns.

Noun Activity

Write down a summary of your favorite TV show, book or movie.

Home Work