Seriously, Syntax Matters: The Role of the Sentence in Constructing Comprehension

Syntax Matters: The Role of the Sentence in Constructing Comprehension

Structured Literacy recognizes that comprehension relies on multiple language skills and sources of knowledge. One often overlooked but essential contributor is syntax, the structure of sentences and how they shape meaning.

Understanding the grammatical building blocks of a sentence, such as words, phrases, and clauses, is necessary but not sufficient. Readers must also grasp how these components function to answer key questions such as who or what did what to whom, when, where, how, and why.

Equally important is recognizing how ideas within and between sentences connect to build a cohesive understanding of the overall text. By exploring the why, what, and how of sentence comprehension, we can deepen our understanding of how syntax supports meaning and strengthen connections to written composition.

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