Syntax refers to sentence structure, whereas the sentence types refers to semantics. This means it studies the parts of a sentence, and how information s organised within speech or writing.
- Every sentence contains a subject and a predicate
- The subject refers to what or who is doing the action within the sentence. This is normally found at the beginning of an English sentence.
- The predicate tells us about the subject. It contains the verb, direct and indirect object etc.
- If a group of words does not contain both a subject and a predicate it is not a sentence – it is a phrase.
Direct vs Indirect Object#card
Object: noun that has not taken action of the verb mentioned
- Direct object: involved in action
- Indirect object: affected by action; not directly involved e.g. He gave his teacher a gift teacher - direct object e.g. He gave a gift to his teacher teacher - indirect object TIP: remove one of the nouns to see if it makes sense without unnecessary noun indirect object
Clauses#card
Clauses express one idea, and they are made up of the following: subject, verb, object, complement, adverbial 
Phrases#card
A phrase is a group of two or more words which act as a part of speech. They generally do not contain either a subject or a finite verb. They also perform the function of a particular word class.
Finite Verbs
In order for a verb to be finite is must contain a subject, tense and a number. For example: Loving life. Subject: unknown Tense: Present Number: unknown Therefore it is a phrase.
Sentence Types#card
- Declarative: a statement
- Interrogative: a question
- Imperative: a direction or command
- Exclamative: an exclamation!
Sentence Structure
Simple Sentence#card
Consists of one independent clause (contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought).
- I like coffee.
- Mary likes tea.
Compound Sentence#card
Two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction or semi colon.
- I like coffee and Mary likes tea There are only seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS):
- for
- and
- nor
- but
- or
- yet
- so
Complex Sentence#card
A complex sentence consists of an independent clause plus a dependent clause. (A dependent clause starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun, and contains a subject and verb, but does not express a complete thought.)
Compound-Complex Sentences#card
Consists of at least two independent clauses and one or more dependant clause.
- John didn’t come because he was ill so Mary was not happy.