Syntax – sentences, clauses, phrases

1. Sentences:
a) simple (one clause) I met him in London.,
b) compound (2 clauses of equal importance): I met him in London and we left
immediately.,
c) complex (2 clauses: main and subordinate): I met him when I was in London.

2. Types of clauses:
a) independent and dependent: I met him (when I was in London).
b) finite and non-finite (infinitives, -ing forms, past participles): We locked the door
before we left/before leaving.
additional types:
c) minor clauses (without verbs) If possible,…., Hands up!,
d) abbreviated clauses: Can you?

3. Clauses are composed of phrases: Noun Phrase, Verb Phrase, Adjective Phrase, Adverb
Phrase, Prepositional Phrase, conjunctions (linking elements)

4. The structure of phrases:

a) Noun Phrase – determiner, (pre-)modifier, HEAD, qualifier (post-modifier):
a/ pretty/ girl /from London
b) Verb Phrase- operator, auxiliary, HEAD (main verb):
have/ been/waiting
c) Adjective Phrase – (pre-)modifier, HEAD, qualifier (post-modifier):
very/ easy/ to operate
d) Adverb Phrases – (pre-) modifier, HEAD, qualifier (post-modifier):
very/early/in the morning
e) Prepositional Phrase – (pre-)modifier, HEAD, completive (Noun Phrase):
just/ at/ the corner
5. Syntactic functions of phrases:
a) Noun Phrases – Subject, Direct Object, Indirect Object, Subject Complement,
Object Complement, Predication Complement, Adjunct
b) Verb Phrases – Predicator
c) Adjective Phrases – Subject Complement, Object Complement
d) Adverb Phrases – Adjunct
e) Prepositional Phrases - Adjunct