A. Grammar: English syntax

A language’s syntax is very important. Syntax is the way that words are arranged to form sentences. It is a very methodical and logical sequence.

In English, there are simple rules you must understand and remember in order to form grammatically correct sentences.

Positive (affirmative) sentences: subject – verb – (object)

Examples: The weather is good today. The children are playing in the garden.
She teaches English at university.

Negative sentences: subject – verb – not – (object)
subject – auxiliary – not – verb – (object)

Examples: The weather is not good today. The children are not playing in the garden.
She does not teach English at university.

Interrogative sentences: verb – subject – (object)
auxiliary – subject – verb – (object)
‘wh-’ word - auxiliary – subject – verb – (object)

Examples: Is the weather good today? Are the children playing in the garden?
Does she teach English at university?
Where does she teach English?

Read the article ‘Who Are They?’ on pages 8-9 of English Now No 79. Then read the sentences below about Hugh Jackman. The sentences have been mixed up. Rearrange the words and add the missing punctuation to make grammatically correct sentences. Sentences can be affirmative, negative or interrogative. Check Part B for the answers.

  1. was / where / Hugh Jackman / born
  2. born / Jackman / was / in Sydney
  3. did / his wife / he / when / meet
  4. met / his wife / on a television drama / when they / he / worked together
  5. the director / Hugh Jackman / Wolverine / chose / to be
  6. in a short film / starred / Jackman / directed / that his wife
  7. was nominated / for an Oscar / he / for Les Misérables
  8. did / that / a few jobs / not / did / Jackman / inspire him
  9. does / in Chappie / what character / play / Jackman
  10. Hugh Jackman / did / to be / just / not / an action hero / want

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