AP Language and Composition

Syntax is the grammatical

arrangement of words in a sentence,

paragraph, and larger unit of composition.

Syntax can:1.Contribute to a writer’s style.2.Show relationships among ideas.3.Emphasize certain ideas.4.Create a rhythm.5.Indicate a particular communication purpose.

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and predicate (verb).

Examples1.English class is my favorite part of the day.2.Because the sun shines3.Although my head ached

A. Independent – a clause that create a complete thought and is a sentence by itself

B. Dependent (subordinate) – a clause that DOES NOT create a complete thought and CANNOT be a sentence on its own

Examples1. English class is my favorite part of

the day. (independent)2. Because the sun shines (dependent)3. Although my head ached

(dependent)

“Is it true that . . .”

Independent clauses (main clauses) are the foundation of a sentence and provide the essential information.

Dependent clauses provide details about the essential information.

All dependent clauses begin

with a subordinating conjunction!

NOUN CLAUSESFunction as nouns and can be a subject, object, or predicate nominativeAnswer the questions: who(m) and what?Subordinating conjunctions: that, who, which, and sometimes when, where whether, why, and how

NOUN CLAUSESExamples:1.What politicians promise is not always dependable.2.The electorate often cannot know that the truth is being manipulated.

ADJECTIVE CLAUSESFunction as adjectives (modify nouns)Answer the questions: which?Subordinating conjunctions: who(m), which, or that and sometimes when or where

ADJECTIVE CLAUSESExamples:1.The car that Jack bought is practical.2.The Smythes, who collect cars, are wealthy.

ADVERB CLAUSESFunction as adverbs(modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs)Answer the questions: how, why, when, and under what circumstances?Subordinating conjunctions: although, because, when, until. (See p. 292 for a list)

ADVERB CLAUSESExamples:1.If the bond issue passes, the city will install sewers.2.They are drawing up plans as quickly as they can.

sophistication

simple = IC

ExampleCharlie Chaplin was born in London on April 16, 1889.

Ensure that an idea is easily understood

Emphasis

compound = IC + IC

Coordination MethodsCoordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) – don’t forget the comma!SemicolonTransition word (CHINFATTOMOM) – don’t for get the punctuation:

; transition word,

Examples1.Charlie Chaplin’s father died early, and his mother spent time in mental hospitals.2.Many people enjoy Chaplin films; others do not.3.Film critics enjoy his early silent films; however, most moviegoers do not enjoy them.

Show an equal relationship between ideas

Create a sense of balance

Complex = IC + DC

PatternsDC, + ICIC(,) + DC

IC(Part 1), + DC, + IC(Part 2)

Examples1.When times were bad, Chaplin lived in the streets.2.He was hired by Mack Sennett, who owned the Keystone Company.3.Chaplin succeeded in film because he worked diligently.

Show an unequal relationship between ideas

Create a sense of unbalance

Possibly emphasize details connected to a main clause