Unit 1: Basic Concepts
1.2 Word, phrase, sentence
The smallest unit of language most people are familiar with is the WORD. Each of us uses thousands of words every day in order to communicate with our fellow human beings. However, in order to communicate effectively, we need more than just words.
Occasionally, a single word can communicate quite a lot. If, for instance, you see flames leaping from a building, it will be effective simply to shout "Fire!". However, most communication is much more complex than this. Words must be combined into larger units like PHRASES or SENTENCES. One analogy that is often used to explain this is that words are like building bricks, while grammar is the cement which combines the bricks into larger units. If the cement isn't properly applied, then you may be left with a dangerous building - or a sentence which doesn't communicate effectively.
