Syntax
Syntax is the structure of a sentence. It describes the way that words are used together to build sentences based on a system of grammatical organization. In the field of linguistics the order and relationship of words in a sentence. For example,
- The big brown cow jumped over the moon.
- The cow big brown over the moon jumped.
Authors effectively convey meaning through well-structured sentences. Joseph M. Williams, as well as William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White contend that clarity and simplicity are key to grasping and maintaining a reader’s attention, and inexperienced writers can benefit from their advice. As Jonathan Swift writes: “The proper words in the proper places are the true definition of style.”[1] Syntax is invaluable to style.
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Parts of speech
Sentences are made up of words. These words each serve a function within the sentences. These grammatical categories are known as parts of speech. The part of speech tells how the word functions within the sentence. Below are some parts of speech.
Nouns
Nouns are people, place, or thing words. For example,
- He, Farm, Toy
Verbs
Verbs are action or states of being words. For example,
- was, bites
Adjectives
Adjectives are words that describe nouns. For example,
- dark, small
Adverbs
Adverbs are words that describe verbs. For example,
- quickly, gently
In the English language word order usually follows a fixed pattern of subject, verb, object, or subject, verb, complement. Martha Kolln and Robert Funk outline ten basic sentence patterns in English Syntax in their book "Understanding English Grammar."
Stylistic syntax
In poetry syntax is more about the way that the words are used to express the emotion the poet is trying to evoke in the reader, who is often the subject of the poem. Poetry has a much looser pattern of word placement than in sentences as words are often moved around for stylistic effect and to illustrate the connection between two words. Emphasis is also obtained in poetry through word placement. Syntax is also important in poetry. The placement of the words in poetry is the means by which the poet expresses him or herself, and the decisions regarding placement creates the dramatic tension readers of poetry seek. [2]
i.e.
Staring, you look for clues. Where is the evidence, the proof.
In your stare I watch myself gazing, Enamored, at skylines, Or blinded by a pine cone in hand.
Love, when it stays, is traceless. Whose hand stretched first offering is not matter. The bodies press together in their many ways.
The one coarse piece of cloth drapes us both And softens on the curves of our bodies And our lives fit well.
When two people walk far enough into the distance They merge.
- Gary Metras
