Grammatical Syntax - Definition, Rules, and Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is Grammatical Syntax?
• Types of Sentences in Syntax
• Common Rules of Syntax
• What Are Syntax Errors and How to Fix Them?
• What's the Difference Between Syntax and Diction?
• Examples of Syntax in English Sentences
• Syntax Assessment

What Is Grammatical Syntax?

Syntax is the set of rules that govern how words are arranged in a sentence to make it clear and grammatically correct. In simple terms, it is the structure or order in which words appear.

Examples of Syntax:

• Correct Syntax: She went to the store.
• Incorrect Syntax: To the store went she.

Good grammatical syntax helps sentences make sense and follow language rules.

Types of Sentences in Syntax

In grammar, there are four main types of sentences based on their purpose. Each type follows specific syntax rules. Here are the types with examples:

Declarative Sentence (Statement)

Purpose: To make a statement or provide information.

Syntax Example:

She enjoys reading books.

The subject ("She") is followed by the verb ("enjoys") and object ("reading books").

Interrogative Sentence (Question)

Purpose: To ask a question.

Syntax Example:

Do you like ice cream?

The auxiliary verb ("Do") is placed at the beginning of the sentence to form a question.

Imperative Sentence (Command or Request)

Purpose: To give a command, instruction, or request.

Syntax Example:

Please close the door.

The subject ("you") is implied, and the verb ("close") comes at the beginning.

Exclamatory Sentence (Expression of Strong Feeling)

Purpose: To show strong emotion or excitement.

Syntax Example:

Wow, that was amazing!

The sentence ends with an exclamation mark to show strong emotion.

Common Rules of Syntax

Here are some important rules for identifying syntax in sentences:

1. Word Order (SVO)
   The basic structure should be Subject + Verb + Object.
   • Example: She (subject) reads (verb) books (object).
2. Subject-Verb Agreement
   The subject and verb must match in number (singular/plural).
   • Example: She writes letters. They write letters.
3. Modifiers
   Place adjectives and adverbs near the words they modify.
   • Example: She quickly finished her homework.
4. Proper Punctuation
   Use punctuation marks like commas and periods to clarify meaning.
   • Example: Let's eat, Grandma! (correct) vs. Let's eat Grandma! (incorrect).

Take This Quiz :

Syntax Quiz: Test Your Grammar and Sentence Structure Skills

What Are Syntax Errors and How to Fix Them?

A syntax error in grammar occurs when the words are not arranged correctly, which makes the sentence hard to understand. 

Let's look at common types of syntax errors and how to fix them.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

• Error: The subject and verb do not match in number (singular/plural).
• Example: She go to school every day.
• Fix: Change the verb to match the subject.
  • Corrected: She goes to school every day.

2. Run-on Sentences

• Error: Two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
• Example: I love to read books I also enjoy writing stories.
• Fix: Separate with a period, semicolon, or add a conjunction.
  • Corrected: I love to read books. I also enjoy writing stories.

3. Sentence Fragment

• Error: A sentence that lacks a complete thought or missing a subject or verb.
• Example: Because I went to the store.
• Fix: Add a complete thought to make it a full sentence.
  • Corrected: Because I went to the store, I bought some snacks.

4. Misplaced Modifiers

• Error: A modifier is placed too far from the word it describes.
• Example: She almost drove the car for three hours.
• Fix: Move the modifier closer to the word it describes.
  • Corrected: She drove the car for almost three hours.

5. Improper Use of Commas

• Error: Commas are either missing or incorrectly placed.
• Example: She wanted to go, but couldn't find the keys.
• Fix: Place the comma in the correct spot.
  • Corrected: She wanted to go but couldn't find the keys.

How to Fix Syntax Errors

1. Review the sentence to check for subject-verb agreement.
2. Split long sentences into smaller, clear ones to avoid run-ons.
3. Add missing parts like subjects or verbs for fragments.
4. Place modifiers next to the word they are describing.
5. Check punctuation to ensure commas and periods are used correctly.

Take This Quiz :

Grammatical Syntax Quiz

What's the Difference Between Syntax and Diction?

Examples of Syntax in English Sentences

Here are some examples of syntax:

• Simple Sentence:
  She plays the piano.
  (Subject + Verb + Object)
• Compound Sentence:
  I want to go to the park, but it's too cold outside.
  (Two independent clauses connected by a conjunction)
• Complex Sentence:
  Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
  (Independent clause + dependent clause)
• Interrogative Sentence:
  Have you seen my keys?
  (Subject-verb inversion to form a question)
• Imperative Sentence:
  Please hand me the book.
  (A command or request)
• Exclamatory Sentence:
  Wow, that was amazing!
  (Expresses strong emotion)
• Negative Sentence:
  They do not want to leave yet.
  (Subject + auxiliary verb + negation)
• Complex Sentence with Multiple Clauses:
  Although she was tired, she finished her homework, and then she went to bed.
  (One independent clause + two dependent clauses)
• Passive Sentence:
  The homework was completed by the student.
  (Subject + form of "be" + past participle)
• Rhetorical Question:
  Isn't this the best day ever?
  (Question not meant to be answered, used for emphasis)

Syntax Assessment

Identify the type of each sentence (declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory):

1. The book is on the table.
2. Did you finish your homework?
3. Bring me a glass of water.
4. Oh no, the vase broke!
5. I am going to the store.