What’s sentence processing?

Sentence processing in psycholinguistics studies how the mind understands relationships between words and derives meaning. Approaches vary in their understanding of cognitive vs. linguistic functions. Theories on sentence processing include natural language and minimal processing, which assumes the simplest structure until proven otherwise, and late closure, which doesn’t make assumptions until the end of the […]

What’s a declarative sentence?

A declarative sentence announces something and is identified by a period. The subject is usually prominent. There are more complex types of sentences, but shorter declarative sentences show the subject-verb relationship. Adding words and clauses helps create full declarative sentences. A declarative sentence is a sentence that simply announces something to a listener or group […]

What’s a compound sentence?

A compound sentence has two independent clauses connected by a conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and semicolons can be used. It is different from a simple sentence with one clause and a complex sentence with one dependent and one independent clause. A compound sentence is a sentence that has two independent clauses connected to each […]

Fewest word variety in a sentence?

The word “buffalo” can be used as a noun or verb, and even form a grammatically correct sentence of repeated buffalos. William J. Rapaport invented it in 1972 and used it throughout his career. Other words like dice, fish, object, and gift can also be used in a similar way. The article also mentions palindromic […]

What’s an interrogative sentence?

Interrogative sentences end with a question mark and require an answer. They can be “Wh” questions, yes/no questions, or tag questions, and may include an auxiliary verb. Tag questions can transform a declarative sentence into an interrogative one, and can be spoken with a rising intonation. An interrogative sentence ends with a question mark instead […]

What’s a complex compound sentence?

A complex sentence has an independent and dependent clause, while a compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction. A complex compound sentence combines both elements to form a single sentence with at least one dependent clause and two or more independent clauses. In many ways, a sentence composed of complexes […]

What’s a conditional sentence?

Conditional sentences rely on one part being true for the other to be true. They often use “if-then” statements and can be classified as facts, inferences, predictive or imaginative utterances. Imaginative expressions can be hypothetical or impossible. A conditional sentence is a statement that relies on one part of the sentence to be true in […]

What’s an exclamation sentence?

Exclamation sentences are used to emphasize an idea and are different from declarative, interrogative, and imperative sentences. They come in various syntactic forms and can use a wide variety of adjectives. English learners can learn more about current slang and how native speakers communicate by looking at the language used in exclamation sentences. The basic […]

What’s an atomic sentence?

Atomic sentences are simple declarative statements that are either true or false. They are used in logic to build more complex molecular sentences, which can be true, partially true, or false. In symbolic logic, atomic sentences are assigned letters and linked by logical operators to determine the truth of a statement as a whole. Also […]

What’s a reduced sentence?

Penalty relief temporarily stops the accumulation of additional penalties and fees for outstanding tax debts. It can be obtained if there are circumstances that could affect further investigations. Relief can be granted in cases of a death in the family, administrative errors, or outdated/incorrect information from a tax professional. Taxpayers should work with tax agency […]

What’s a complex sentence?

A complex sentence has a dependent clause and an independent clause, while a simple sentence has no dependent clause. An independent clause is a complete sentence, while a dependent clause needs something to complete it. The order of clauses doesn’t affect complexity. A complex sentence is one in English that includes, at a minimum, a […]

Can’t you end a sentence with a preposition?

Ending a sentence with a preposition is not always incorrect, but it can be avoided. It is acceptable in casual conversation and writing. The myth that it is forbidden in English comes from Latin. Churchill believed it was unnecessary to rearrange a sentence to avoid ending in a preposition. Technically speaking, it’s not always incorrect […]

What’s a main sentence?

Major sentences contain a subject and predicate, while minor sentences do not. Major sentences can be analyzed through diagrams and express complete ideas, while minor sentences often rely on context and common expressions. A major sentence is a complete linguistic unit expressing a complete idea, containing a subject and a predicate providing additional information about […]

Skip to content