Conditional Construction Syntactic Structures PPT
Conditional Construction Syntactic Structures PPT
Syntactic
Structures
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What is Conditional Construction & Syntactic Structure?
1. Zero Conditional
Yes, it is!
Let’s Now Consider This Example
2. First Conditional
Yes, it is!
Let’s Now Consider This Example
3. Second Conditional
4. Third Conditional
5. Mixed Conditional
Verb Tense: The correct use of verb tenses is crucial. Different conditionals
rely on specific combinations of past, present, and future tenses to convey
meaning.
Zero Conditional: Present simple + present simple (general truths)
First Conditional: Present simple + will (real future possibilities)
Second Conditional: Past simple + would (hypothetical present or future)
Third Conditional: Past perfect + would have (hypothetical past)
Key Considerations in Conditional Construction
Cause and Effect: Clearly identify the relationship between the condition
(if-clause) and the result (main clause). The structure should align with how
realistic or hypothetical that relationship is.
Formality and Context: Conditionals can vary in formality. For formal
writing or speaking, use the full conditional structure. In casual
conversation, people sometimes shorten or simplify conditional sentences.
Mixed Conditionals: Sometimes, conditions from the past can influence the
present or vice versa. Be mindful of mixing verb tenses to express such
nuanced hypothetical situations.
Hypothetical Situations: When creating conditionals, ensure that the
hypothetical situations are clear. This is especially important with Second
and Third Conditionals where you're dealing with unreal or imagined events.
Clarity of Result: Make sure the result (main clause) is logically connected
to the condition (if-clause). The outcome should make sense based on the
condition being met.
Conclusion
Syntactic structures are the rules that guide how words and phrases
combine to form sentences in a language. This concept is key to syntax,
which studies sentence formation. Noam Chomsky's 1957 theory of generative
grammar suggests that all languages share universal principles, enabling
humans to create countless sentences with a limited vocabulary. Understanding
these structures allows linguists to analyze how sentence components—such as
nouns and verbs—interact to convey meaning, offering insights into the
cognitive aspects of language
What is Syntax, by the way? Syntax refers to the set of rules that govern the
structure of sentences in a language, dictating how words are combined to form
phrases, clauses, and sentences. Originating from the Greek word syntaxis, meaning
"arrangement" or "order," syntax is a key aspect of linguistic theory. It enables speakers
to communicate clearly and effectively by providing a framework for constructing
meaningful statements. Understanding syntax helps us analyze sentence structures and
distinguish between grammatically correct and incorrect forms, making it essential not
only in language studies but also in fields like computer programming and logic.
A Noun Phrase (NP) is a key grammatical unit in a sentence that revolves around a
noun, which acts as the head of the phrase. The noun can be accompanied by various
modifiers that provide more detail or context. These modifiers may include:
Noun Phrases can function as the subject (e.g., The quick fox ran away), the object (e.g.,
She saw the big dog), or the complement in a sentence. They provide essential
information about "who" or "what" is performing an action, being acted upon, or
described.
Key Components of an English Sentence
A Verb Phrase (VP) is the part of a sentence that centers around the verb and
expresses the action, state, or occurrence. The main verb serves as the core of the VP,
and it may be accompanied by auxiliary verbs (helping verbs like is, has, will) and other
elements like objects, complements, or modifiers that complete or add to the meaning.
Syntactic structure plays a crucial role in shaping both the form and
meaning of a sentence. While it provides a blueprint for organizing words in
a grammatically correct way, it also influences how those words interact to
create meaning. Every sentence consists of key elements like nouns, verbs,
complements, and adjuncts, and their specific roles and positions within a
sentence determine the relationships between ideas and actions.
Importantly, when the roles of nouns or verbs shift, such as a subject
becoming an object or a verb changing its form, the entire
interpretation of the sentence can change. This highlights how syntax is
not just about arranging words but about guiding the meaning and clarity of
communication. Through the framework of syntax, we can see how the
structure influences understanding, helping us navigate complex layers of
language and ambiguity, and ensuring that sentences convey the intended
message.
How Ambiguity Occurs
Example Sentence: “The teacher told the student that she was wrong.”
Another Example:
Standard structure: We should either leave now or wait until
the storm passes.
Split structure: Either we should leave now, or we should wait
until the storm passes.
• In the split version, the “either… or” structure is separated
into two clauses, adding emphasis to the two options.
In a split coordination, the elements of the coordination (like
both, either… or) are divided in the sentence, affecting its flow
and emphasis.
Series of the Structure of Coordination
3. Correlatives
Correlatives are paired conjunctions that work together to
link balanced clauses or phrases. These conjunctions
emphasize the relationship between the coordinated elements
and often highlight a comparison or contrast between them.
Common Correlatives:
• Both... and
• Either... or
• Neither... nor
• Not only... but also
• Whether... or
Series of the Structure of Coordination
Examples:
Both... and:
She is both smart and kind.
• This correlative emphasizes that two qualities (smart and kind) apply to she.
Not only... but also:
Not only did he win the race, but he also set a new record.
• The correlative not only... but also draws attention to both the victory and the
record-setting.
Neither... nor:
He likes neither pizza nor pasta.
• The correlative neither... nor indicates that two things are being negated.
Either... or:
You can either take the bus or walk to school.
• The correlative either... or presents two options.
The Importance of Conditional Construction and Syntactic Structures
Structure of Coordination
Carnie, A. (2013). Syntax: A Generative Introduction (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Radford, A. (2009). An Introduction to English Sentence Structure. Cambridge University
Press.
Importance of Conditional and Syntactic Structures
Celce-Murcia, M., & Larsen-Freeman, D. (1999). The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL
Teacher’s Course. Heinle & Heinle.
Chomsky, N. (1957). Syntactic Structures. Mouton.
Radford, A. (2009). An Introduction to English Sentence Structure. Cambridge University
Press.