Writing Lessons & Advice: Syntax
Many food recipes often have a fairly set sequence of tasks that get you to an edible final product. For instance, you might mix your dry ingredients before your liquid ones. You might boil the pot or kettle first or preheat and oil the cooking/baking implements before putting in the entree. Skipping a significant step or doing them out of order can often make a big difference in the experience or output.
The layout of sentences can be the same way. In fact, a whole branch of language study, called syntax, focuses on the arrangement of words and phrases within them. Understanding this area can help you improve the structure of your sentences and clarify your message. Here are some essential and interesting things to know.
Grammarly notes some of the key aspects of syntax: word order, grammar rules, and phrases.
Word order
Word order relates to the arrangement of words within a sentence. Placement can make a considerable difference in meaning and interpretation. A simple exercise that illustrates this “in action” is to place the word “only” in different places within a simple sentence, like: Sparky is my cat.
Only Sparky is my cat. Meaning: I would claim Sparky and no other from the humane society.
Sparky is my only cat. Meaning: I have no other cat than Sparky.
Sparky is only my cat. Meaning: Rest assured, Sparky is nothing but my feline pet.
The one and only Sparky
The one and only Sparky!
The position of “only” in each sentence adds a different flavor to the thought. Strategic placement of most words within a sentence can be just as or more so effective in expression as vocabulary choice (or diction). One word can “only” do so much after all.
Grammar rules
Grammar rules entail ideas like subject-verb agreement and object placement. For acceptable sentence construction, Grammarly provides a summary in five basic rules.
All sentences require a subject and a verb. This makes a complete sentence, thought, or idea articulated in written communication. Albeit, one exception is imperative sentences (or commands) where the subject is assumed/understood.
A single sentence should include one main idea. See also my rule of thumb in my writing recipe.
In typical syntax, the subject comes first, and the verb comes second. If the sentence has objects, they come third, after the verb. (Inverted syntax will be explored in a later lesson!)
Subordinate clauses are sentence parts with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone. They add detail to the main part of the sentence.
Adjectives and adverbs usually go in front of the words they describe. If multiple adjectives describe the same noun, use what is called either proper adjective order or the royal order of adjectives: determiner, quantity, opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, and qualifier. Note that not every descriptor may be needed all the time, but make sure those that you do use follow this pattern.
Phrases
A syntax-oriented look at phrases examines the function of each sentence ingredient, so to speak. The close analysis of those functions identifies a handful of patterns by which those ingredients can be properly combined. These patterns are as follows:
Subject+Verb
Subject+Verb+Direct Object
Subject+Verb+Subject/Adverbial Complement
Subject+Verb+Indirect Object+Direct Object
Subject+Verb+Direct Object+Object/Adverbial Complement
For more details on the objects and compliments, the Grammarly post can help.
Syntax studies also diagram sentences to further illustrate the connections between the parts of the complete thought. Ultimately, this element of syntax shows that interpretation can be influcenced by a variety of simple or elaborate sentences--like simple, compound, and complex sentences--and clause order manipulation.
Sentence construction and food prep intersect at minding your ingredients and following crucial sequences. The final product comes together more clearly and efficiently with the right elements in the right order. With enough work, some may even stand out! It’s a tedious topic to be sure, but one that can help you become a better writer in the long run! Hope you appreciate and consider it more!
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sources/further reading:
What is Syntax? || Oregon State Guide to Grammar | College of Liberal Arts | Oregon State University
Diagramming resources:
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