Syntax & sentence structure
Practice Flashcards
Flip to reveal answersWhat is syntax?
Track your progress — Sign up free to save your progress and get smart review reminders based on spaced repetition.
All 10 Flashcards — Syntax & sentence structure
Sign up free to track progress and get spaced-repetition review schedules.
Question
What is syntax?
Answer
The way words and sentences are arranged.
Question
What does a short sentence do?
Answer
Hits hard and slows the reader — good for emphasis.
Question
What does a long sentence do?
Answer
Builds up detail or momentum — calm or breathless.
Question
What is a sentence fragment?
Answer
A deliberately incomplete sentence used for punch (‘Nothing.’).
Question
What does the passive voice do?
Answer
Hides who acted — ‘it was decided’.
Question
What does present tense add?
Answer
Immediacy — it feels like it's happening now.
Question
Why analyse a list?
Answer
A pile-up of items can feel overwhelming, endless or relentless.
Question
How do you analyse structure?
Answer
Name the choice + its effect on pace or emphasis.
Question
A dash or colon — is it a choice?
Answer
Yes — punctuation controls pause and emphasis, so it's analysable.
Question
Commonest structure mistake?
Answer
Labelling ‘short sentence’ with no effect.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Syntax & sentence structure
Topic 1.3 hub
Sentences & rhetoric
More from Topic 1.3
All flashcards in this topic
English A Lang & Lit exam skills
Paper structures & tips
Track your progress with spaced repetition
Sign up free — Aimnova tells you exactly which cards to review and when, so you remember everything before your IB exam.
Start Free