LM-1030 Word Function & Sentence Structure

Sentence Structure

WORD FUNCTION

Index

1. Sentence Structure 2. Word Form vs Word Function 3. Word Function 4. Nominals 5. Adjectivals 6. Adverbials 7. Verbals or Verb Phrases 8. Practice 10. Thanks

Why is it important to identify the structure of a sentence? Reading requires more than knowing the meaning of individual words.  We have to know how individual words combine to produce a meaningful group.  We also need to know how these groups of words combine to produce meaningful sentences.

To understand meaning, we need to know:

•  which elements make up the basic sentences.
•  what each element looks like (form).
•  the position of each element in the sentence.
•  what kind of information each element brings to the sentence.

Sentence Structure

VERSUS

Word Function

Word Form

It refers to the function nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives have in context. For example, a noun in form can have the function of an adjective in a specific context.

It means word classes such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, among others.

NOMINALS

Nouns, pronouns, names, reflexives: Courage is one of the hallmarks of a hero. Laura is really popular. I like her a lot. ➢ Noun phrases: The old house needs repairment. ➢ -ing endings: Jogging is really popular. ➢ to-infinitives: I like to swim.

ADJECTIVALS

➢ Adjectives: The kind man welcomed me.➢ Nouns: I need a health insurance. ➢ -ing endings: Noise is so annoying! ➢ -ed/en endings: He was really confused. ➢ to-infinitives: She didn’t have the skills to work here. ➢ Prepositional phrases: The ski resorts along the Wasatch Mountain Range are excellent. ➢ Genitive case: The prize helped increase Ana’s confidence.

adverbials

➢ What is an adverbial? An adverbial is a word or group of words that modifies verbs. They giveadditional information about the action or situation and answer questions such as: • When? • Where? • How? • Why? • In spite of which event? • For what purpose? • On what condition? ➢ Adverb: She’s practically deaf. ➢ -ing endings: I’m standing with my arms at my sides crying. ➢ Prepositional phrases: Before my birthday, I’ll have an exam. ➢ Noun phrases: I go to the beach every summer.

Verbals (Verb Phrases)

Verbs: He met her last year.➢ Auxiliaries + verbs: I will go to the party. They are resting after a long day. She has been making a cake.

Video

Word Form vs Function

Practice

Word Function

For each underlined word or phrase, indicate its function within the sentence.

Thanks!