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Diction & Syntax

The document discusses syntax in English and how changing the placement of words can change the meaning of a sentence. It provides three examples comparing the meanings of sentences with 'only' in different positions. It also outlines four basic rules of syntax and defines diction as determining word choice and consequently tone, then distinguishes diction from syntax which deals with word arrangement.

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608 views3 pages

Diction & Syntax

The document discusses syntax in English and how changing the placement of words can change the meaning of a sentence. It provides three examples comparing the meanings of sentences with 'only' in different positions. It also outlines four basic rules of syntax and defines diction as determining word choice and consequently tone, then distinguishes diction from syntax which deals with word arrangement.

Uploaded by

AA - 09TJ 943127 Chinguacousy SS
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is Syntax ?

● Syntax in English is the organization of words and phrases in specific


order.
● If you change the position of even a word, it's possible to change the
meaning of the entire sentence.
● Changing the placement of a word often changes the meaning of the
sentence.

Keep in mind that only can be an adjective or an adverb; adjectives,


or other adverbs that come after them

1) Example: Only Batman fights crime

Meaning: Batman is the only person who fights crime. No one except fights
crime, not even Superman

2) Example : Batman only fights crime

Meaning: Fighting crime is the only thing Batman does. He doesn’t shower,
eat

3) Example: Batman fights only Crime

Meaning: Batman doesn’t fight anything except crime. He doesn’t fight


Alfred or Robin; he doesn’t fight the dry cleaner if they accidently stain his
shirt. Crime is the only thing he fights
Rules of Syntax

1. A complete sentence requires a subject and a verb and


expresses a complete thought. This is also called an
independent clause. A sentence without a subject and a verb is
considered a fragment.

2. Separate ideas generally require separate sentences. A


sentence containing multiple independent clauses that are
improperly joined is considered a run-on sentence.

3. English word order follows the subject-verb-object sequence.


(It’s usually the same in French and Spanish.)

4. A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb—but it


doesn’t express a complete thought.

What is Diction?

Diction determines the words you use, which consequently determines the
writing style and type of tone you use. Through diction, a writer can sound
friendly or serious, knowledgeable or clueless, poetic or dry.
Diction vs. syntax
Diction is often confused with another language concept, syntax. While
diction deals with the choice of words, syntax deals with the arrangement
and organization of words.

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