WORDS
A word is a basic unit of speech or writing. As previously described, a word is
created through a single root morpheme or combination of morpheme.
Although some morpheme make up one word, in many cases, words are
combination of morphemes.
PHRASE
A phrase is a series of words that do not constitute a complete thought. A
phrase could be a noun phrase, verb phrase, adjective phrase, adverb
phrase, and prepositional phrase.
NOUN PHRASE
A noun phrase is a syntactic unit, which consists of a single modifier and
noun or a series of modifiers, the head of which is the noun.
VERB PHRASE
Verb phrase is a syntactic unit, which starts with a verb and all the cluster of
words that follow. A verb phrase functions as a predicate of the subject.
ADJECTIVE PHRASE
An adjectival phrase is a group of words that functions as an adjective,
modifying a noun or pronoun. It provides more information about the noun.
ADVERBIAL PHRASE
An adverbial phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb,
modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It explains how, when, where,
why, or to what extent an action occurs.
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with its object (a
noun or pronoun), often with modifiers. It can function as an adjective or an
adverb.
CONJUNCTIONAL PHRASE
A conjunctional phrase is a group of words that functions as a single
conjunction to connect words, phrases, or clauses.
INTERJECTIONAL PHRASE
An interjectional phrase is a word or phrase that expresses a feeling or
emotion, and is not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence.
Interjections are often followed by an exclamation mark (!).
CLAUSE
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (a verb
or verb phrase) and functions as a grammatical unit. Clauses can stand alone
as a complete sentence or function as part of a larger sentence.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a
sentence because it contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete
thought.
DEPENDENT CLAUSE
A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb
but is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It is
also known as a subordinate clause.
SENTENCE
A sentence is a syntactic unit that is made up of a word or phrase that makes
a complete thought. Sentences are categorized according to purpose and
function. According to purpose a sentence could be declarative,
interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory.
Sentences can be classified based on their structure and purpose. Here's a
detailed explanation of each type along with examples:
1. Based on Purpose
This classification reflects the function of the sentence.
a. Declarative Sentences
Definition: Sentences that state a fact or opinion.
Examples:
The sky is blue.
She loves reading historical novels.
b. Interrogative Sentences
Definition: Sentences that ask a question.
Examples:
What is your favorite color?
Are you coming to the meeting?
c. Imperative Sentences
Definition: Sentences that give a command, request, or instruction.
Examples:
Please close the door.
Stop talking right now!
d. Exclamatory Sentences
Definition: Sentences that express strong emotion or excitement.
Examples:
Wow, that was amazing!
I can’t believe we won the game!
2. Based on Structure
This classification reflects the grammatical makeup of the sentence.
a. Simple Sentence
Definition: Contains one independent clause (a subject and predicate).
Examples:
The cat slept on the couch.
He runs every morning.
b. Compound Sentence
Definition: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction
or semicolon.
Examples:
I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
She likes tea; he prefers coffee.
c. Complex Sentence
Definition: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause.
Examples:
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
She left early because she had an appointment.
d. Compound-Complex Sentence
Definition: Contains at least two independent clauses and at least one
dependent clause.
Examples:
While I was reading, the phone rang, and I missed the call.
He went to the store, but it was closed because it was a holiday.
