1. Key Terms & Clause Patterns

Question 1

What is the most central element in syntax?

Answer 1

Verb

Question 2

What types of syntactic phrases exist in English?

Answer 2

Noun phrase (NP), verb phrase (VP), prepositional phrase (PP)

Question 3

What are the clause elements in English?

Answer 3

S, V, Od, Oi (can only be used when there are 2 objects per clause), Cs (uses a linking verb, usually to be), Co (only when there is an object!), A (of manner, time,…), Modifier (optional)

Question 4

Clause patterns

Answer 4

SV, SVCs, SVO, SVA, SVOCo, SVOA, SVOiOd

Question 5

SV

Answer 5

• intransitive verbs (no other obligatory elements), like: ache, deteriorate, leave
• simplest pattern
• e.g., My brother (S) didn’t leave (V).

Question 6

SVCs

Answer 6

• uses a copular verb (= linking verbs that mean very little; like: to seem, appear, be…)
• e.g., They (S) seemed (V) tired (Cs). She has remained loyal. The baby looked neglected.

Question 7

SVA

Answer 7

• they NEVER take object
• e.g., They (S) are (V) away (Adv.). The journey took two hours. The canteen is on the first floor.

Question 8

SVO

Answer 8

• use transitive verbs (something else is affected by the action)
• e.g., He (S) possesses (V) a house (O). I’ve (S) boiled (V) two eggs (O). She left her family.

Question 9

SVOCo

Answer 9

• !!! complements are usually realized by nouns (or adjectives)
• e.g., Everyone (S) called (V) her (O) Molly (Co). Do you find her views interesting? She pointed her eyelids deep blue.

Question 10

SVOA

Answer 10

• uses adverbials
• e.g., They (S) put (V) the tool (O) on the floor (A). I prefer them on the shelf. They knocked everything down.

Question 11

SVOO

Answer 11

• two objects –1st indirect, 2nd direct
• e.g., They (S) promised (V) me (Oi) a job (Od). She brought me oranges. They brought presents for the group.

Question 12

Verb classes

Answer 12

a) Intransitive = followed by no obligatory element and occur in type SV.
b) Copular = followed by a subject complement or an adverbial and occur in types SVC and SVA.
c) Transitive = followed by an object and occur in types SVO, SVOO, SVOC, SVOA.

Question 13

I have always (att.) lived in London

Answer 13

SVA

Question 14

That reply made him very angry.

Answer 14

SVOiCo

Question 15

Her happiness did not last.

Answer 15

SV

Question 16

You must keep calm.

Answer 16

SVCs

Question 17

Keep out of sight.

Answer 17

(S)VA

Question 18

You can keep the change.

Answer 18

SVOd

Question 19

Personally, I found the city very attractive.

Answer 19

SVOCo

Question 20

Will you keep me a seat?

Answer 20

SVOiOd

Question 21

Keep your hands off me!

Answer 21

(S)VOiA

Question 22

The department is in the next building.

Answer 22

SVA

Question 23

Your explanation sounds natural.

Answer 23

SVCs

Question 24

Dad gave me a splendid birthday present

Answer 24

SVOiOd

Question 25

Do you want it red or brown?

Answer 25

SVOCo

Question 26

The guest handed the key to the receptionist.

Answer 26

SVOiOd

Question 27

My father will get an unusual present.

Answer 27

SVOd

Question 28

He stuck his hands into his pockets.

Answer 28

SVOA

Question 29

He considered it his duty.

Answer 29

SVOCo

Question 30

She named the ship Queen Mary.

Answer 30

SVOCo

Question 31

The workers were getting angry.

Answer 31

SVC