Syntax refers to how a sentence is formed. A strong sentence contains a subject, a verb, and an object.
Note: Creative writers often play around with syntax to make a sentence more lyrical, or to give it rhythm.
Correct: We will go to grandmother's house.
Explanation: The incorrect statement does not follow subject, verb, object agreement. It starts with the subject, then goes to the object and lastly, the verb.
Correct: The girl drove her car to school.
Explanation: The correct statement sounds smoother and follows the subject, verb, object agreement.
Incorrect: The bone was chewed by the dog.
Correct: The dog chewed on the bone.
Explanation: The first sentence is passive and long-winded. Rearranging the sentence to follow subject, verb, object agreement achieves clarity.
A subject refers to who or what is performing the action in the sentence.
A verb expresses the action.
The object is whoever or whatever is being acted upon.
Angela Anderson, Framingham State U, Class of 2023
Maria Santiago, Framingham State U, Class of 2023
Samson Prosper, Framingham State U, Class of 2023
Michael Sosnovsky, Framingham State U, Class of 2023
“Basic English Sentence Structure II Subject+verb+object.” YouTube, uploaded by Railway Online Form, 23 September 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=enXLVg68aUM.
Chen, Wenxin, "ACT Word of the Week: Syntax." ACT, 13 November 2018, mavpulse.com/13023/news/act-word-of-the-week-syntax/.
Laser, Michael. "Improving Awkward Sentences." College Writing Clinic, collegewritingclinic.com/sample-lesson-plans/improving-awkward-sentences/.
"Learn English - Subject verb Object," YouTube, uploaded by efjack, 23 April 2009, www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QhdZ6m2E8w.
MemeLorde47, "Star Wars Yoda," 2016, i.imgflip.com/1ljusc.jpg.
