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Grammar and Syntax Intrducion

Literature

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Mishi khan
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43 views4 pages

Grammar and Syntax Intrducion

Literature

Uploaded by

Mishi khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Grammar and Syntax

Grammar and syntax are not synonymous, but they are related.
Grammar represents an entire set of rules for language, and syntax is one section of those rules.
Contents:
1. What’s the Difference Between Syntax and Grammar?
2. Definition & Meaning of Grammar
3. Definition & Meaning of Syntax
4. What Is the Relationship Between Grammar and Syntax?
5. Conclusion on Grammar vs Syntax
What’s the Difference Between Syntax and Grammar?
Syntax is a subdivision of grammar.
Grammar is an umbrella term that comprises the entire system of rules for a language, including
syntax. Syntax deals with how words are put together to form phrases, clauses, and sentences.

Definition & Meaning of Grammar


Grammar is the set of rules a language follows to convey meaning. Grammar is a broad term that
encompasses more specific areas of study including:
 Morphology: how words are formed and how adding or removing word parts can change
the tense or part of speech. For example, “nation” is a noun. Adding “al” to the end of the
word changes this part of speech to an adjective.
 Phonology: how the parts of language sound.
 Semantics: what words or symbols mean.
 Syntax: how words are put together to create phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Prescriptive and Descriptive Grammar


There are two classifications of grammar: prescriptive and descriptive.

Prescriptive grammar represents how the rules of a language should be used.


There are thousands of grammar rules, and it is challenging to learn them all.
Descriptive grammar describes how the rules of language are actually applied (or not) by
speakers.
Descriptive grammar doesn’t judge those non-standard practices; it simply describes them.
For example, if a person says, “I don’t believe nothing you say,” their sentence is improperly
constructed according to the rules of prescriptive grammar, which don’t allow for double
negatives (“do not” and “nothing”).
However, descriptive grammar recognises that the sentence, even with the double negative,
represents a common use of language. Despite the rule-break, those involved in the conversation
will likely understand the speaker’s meaning.

Definition & Meaning of Syntax


Syntax is the part of grammar that focuses on how words are combined to form phrases and
clauses and how those components are then arranged into meaningful sentences.
There four are types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex
sentences. Each of these contains a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.
 Simple sentence: consists of only one clause with a subject and a predicate. This is the
most basic type of sentence.
 Compound sentence: a sentence composed of two independent clauses that are connected
by a semi-colon, comma, or subordinating conjunction.
 Complex sentence: a sentence that has one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause. They are often connected by subordinating conjunctions such as since and
because.
 Compound-complex sentences: they are made up of a minimum of three clauses: two
independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. It is the most sophisticated
sentence type.
Good writers vary the structure of their sentences to add interest and tone to their work.
The order of words, phrases, and clauses affects the meaning of your sentences. The below
sentences contain the same words, but have different meanings.
 Sam needs to offer that apology sincerely.
 Sam sincerely needs to offer that apology.
In the first example, “sincerely” describes how Sam should offer her apology. In the second,
“sincerely” expresses how the speaker feels about what Sam must do; she really should offer that
apology.
Different languages have different syntax rules. For example, in the English language and other
Germanic languages, adjectives precede the noun) they describe. In Romance languages,
adjectives come after the noun they describe.
What Is the Relationship Between Grammar and Syntax?
Syntax is one of the four parts of grammar, along with phonology, morphology, and semantics.
Both grammar and syntax are essential for meaning in written language.
Both sets of rules define the tone of every written piece. Each rule can be broken for stylistic
purposes, but this should be done carefully to avoid obstructing the meaning.

Conclusion on Grammar vs Syntax


How words are ordered is just as important as the words themselves. Syntax is what defines that
order.
Grammar is a comprehensive set of rules for using language to convey meaning. Syntax is a
crucial part of grammar; words would not make sense without it.
All rules of syntax are grammar rules, but not all grammar rules are syntax rules.

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