Chapter (IV) Ny

Chapter IV
Research Results
This chapter deals with three objectives: to study

the syntactic structure in English, to study the syntactic
in Burmese and to compare the syntactic structures in
English and Burmese. In this chapter, the researcher
focused on the following points:
4.1 The syntactic structure in English.

4.2 The syntactic structure in Burmese.
4.3 Comparing the syntactic structures in English
and Burmese.
4.4 Similarities and differences between English
and Burmese.
4.1 The syntactic structure in English
In linguistics, "syntax" refers to the rules that

govern the ways in which words combine to form
phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax is one of the
major components of grammar. In English grammar,
sentence structure is the arrangement of words, phrases,
and clauses in a sentence. The grammatical function or
meaning of a sentence is dependent on this structural
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organization, which is also called syntax or syntactic

structure. In traditional grammar, the four basic types of
sentence structures are the simple sentence, the
compound sentence, the complex sentence, and the
compound-complex sentence.
In this chapter, the researcher focused on
studying the four types of sentence structures in English
that will be portrayed in tables and tree diagrams.
Therefore the characteristics of English words in
sentences can be operated by using the following
classification: types of syntactic English words and
syntactic structures in English.
4.1.1 The Components of Basic Syntactic

Structure
In the parts of Sentences, there are subject,

predicate, direct object, indirect object, complement.
Every word in a sentence serves a specific purpose
within the structure of that particular sentence.
According to rules of grammar,
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sentence structure can sometimes be quite
complicated. For the sake of simplicity, however, the

basic parts of a sentence are discussed here.
The most common word order in English

sentences is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). When reading a
sentence, we generally expect the first noun to be the
subject and the second noun to be the object. This
expectation (which isn't always fulfilled) is known in
linguistics as the "canonical sentence strategy."
1) Subject
2) Predicate
3) Direct Object
4) Indirect Object
5) Complement
1.Subject
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The subject of a sentence is the person, place, or

thing that is performing the action of the sentence. The
subject represents what or whom the sentence is about.
The simple subject usually contains a noun or pronoun
and can include modifying words, phrases, or clauses.
For example: the man, the boys, I, we, you, they, she,
he, it and so on.
2.Predicate
The predicate expresses action or being within

the sentence. The simple predicate contains the verb
and can also contain modifying words, phrases, or
clauses. For example: The man builds a house.
The subject and predicate make up the two basic

structural parts of any complete sentence. In addition,
there are other elements, contained within the subject
or predicate, that add meaning or detail. These
elements include the direct object, indirect object, and
subject complement. All of these elements can be
expanded and further combined into simple,
compound, complex, or compound -complex
sentences.
3.Direct Object
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The direct object receives the action of the

sentence. The direct object is usually a noun or
pronoun. For example: The man builds a house. The
man builds it.
4.Indirect Object
The indirect object indicates to whom or for

whom the action of the sentence is being done. The
indirect object is usually a noun or pronoun. For
example: The man builds his family a house. The man
builds them a house.
5.Subject Complement
A subject complement either renames or

describes the subject, and therefore is usually a noun,
pronoun, or adjective. Subject complements occur
when there is a linking verb within the sentence (often a
linking verb is a form of the verb to be). For example:
The man is a good father. (father = noun which renames
the subject). The man seems kind. (kind = adjective
which describes the subject).
4.1.2 Four kinds of Sentence Structures

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There are four types of sentences in English:

simple sentence, compound sentence, complex
sentence, and compound-complex sentence. Each
sentence is defined by the use of independent and
dependent clauses, coordinate, subordinate (adverb)
and relative conjunctions.
Parts
Types of
N Indepen Depend Use
Sentence
o. dent ent Conjunctio
Structure
Clause Clause n
Simple
1 One None None
Sentence
Compound Two or
2 None Coordinate
Sentence More
Complex One or One or Subordinate

3
Sentence More More or Relative
Compound – Subordinate
Two or One or
4 Complex , Coordinate
More More
Sentence or Relative
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The type of sentence is determined by how

many clauses and what kinds of conjunctions or
subject–verb groups are included in the sentence.
4.1.2.1 A Study of Simple Sentence Structure
In English language, there are many different

forms of sentence structures that scholars and general
people used to write. However, in this section, the
researcher will portray ten forms and patterns of simple
sentences in the table.
A simple sentence consists of one independent

clause. (An independent clause contains a subject and
verb and expresses a complete thought.) A simple
sentence is also known as a clausal sentence. It may
have a modifier besides a subject, verb, and object.
Though it is simple, sometimes it can have compound
subjects. It may or may not use commas but it stays
simple in construction. Here are the following examples
of simple sentences.
(1) Pattern: Subj + V

1. Jane walks.
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2. Jack is crying.
3. The birds fly.
This type of simple sentence begins with a core

sentence such as “Jane walks.” Here, “Jane” is the
subject and “walks” is the verb. Different parts of
speech can be added to expand the sentence. You can
add an adverb to make the sentence “Jane walks
quickly,” or you can add an expression of time to tell
when she walks, e.g., “Jane walks all morning.”
Table : 1
N
Subject Verb
o.
1 Jane walks.
2 Jack is crying.
3 The birds fly.
(2) Pattern: Subj + V + In-Obj + D-Obj

1. She gives me an apple.
2. John asks me a question.
3. Jackie tells us English story.
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This simple sentence begin with a core sentence

such as “She gives me an apple” In this sentence, “She”
is the subject, “gives” is the verb, “me” is the indirect
object and “apple” is the direct object. You can add
elements to expand the sentence, such as an adjective
(e.g., “She gives me a small apple”) or an adverb (e.g.,
“She gives me an apple kindly”).
Table : 2
N Indirect Direct
Subject Verb
o. Object Object
1 She gives me an apple.
2 John asks me a question.
English
3 Jackie tells us
story.
(3) Pattern: Subj + V + Adj

1. He is handsome.
2. The students are intelligent.
3. The girls are talkative.
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This type of simple sentence begins with a core

sentence like “He is handsome.” Here, “he” is the
subject, “is” is the verb, and “handsome” is the
adjective. Like the other types of sentences, you can
expand on the sentence by adding other parts of
speech, such as “He is very handsome,” where “very”
serves as an adverb.
Table : 3
N
Subject Verb Adjective
o.
1 He is handsome.
The
2 are intelligent.
students
3 The girls are talkative.
(4) Pattern: Subj + V + Adv

1. The girl walked away.
2. Lisa shouts loudly.
3. John smith speaks politely.
4. The students are there.
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These simple sentences begin with a core

sentence such as “The girl walked away.” In this
sentence, “the girl” is the subject, “walked” is the verb,
and “away” is the adverb. You can add elements to this
type of sentence, such as “The girl slowly walked
away,” where “slowly” is an adjective describing how
the girl walked.
Table : 4
N
Subject Verb Adverb
o.
1 The girl walked away.
2 Lisa shouts loudly.
3 John smith speaks politely.
The
4 are there.
students
(5) Pattern: Subj + V + N

1. The professor is a woman.
2. They are managers.
3. The boys are students.
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This types of simple sentences begin with a core

sentence such as “The professor is a woman.” Here,
“the professor” is the subject, “is” is the verb, and “a
woman” is the noun. As with the other sentence types,
you can add words or phrases to expand on the
sentence. For example, you can add the adjective
“intelligent” and the adverbial phrase “at the
university” to say “The professor at the university is an
intelligent woman” to describe the professor more and
tell where she works.
Table : 5
N
Subject Verb Noun
o.
The
1 is woman.
professor
2 They are managers.
3 The boys are students.

(6)Pattern: Subj + V + Prep + N
1. The students are near teacher.
2. The central library is next to university.
3. My house is behind your house.
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4. Her wallet was in taxi.
This types of simple sentence begins with a core

sentence such as “the central library is next to
university.” Here, “the central library” is the subject,
“is” is the verb, “next to” is the preposition, and
“university” is “the noun”. As with the other sentence
types, you can add words or phrases to expand on the
sentence. For example, you can add the adverb “at
present, now, and yesterday etc.”
Table : 6
N Prepositi
Subject Verb Noun
o. on
1 The students are near teacher.
The central is universit

2 next to
library y.
My house is your
3 behind
house.
4 Her wallet was in taxi.
(7)Pattern: Subj + V + to – Inf + Obj

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1. I want to study Thai language.

2. Michael Jame started to fight him.
3. She suggests to practice meditation.
4. The students try to finish B.A degree.
This types of simple sentences begin with a core

sentence such as “I want to study Thai language.” Here,
“I” is the subject, “want” is the verb, “to study” is the
infinitive, and “Thai language” is the object. For other
sentence types, you can add words or phrases to
expand on the sentence. For example, you can add the
adverb “eventually or effectively” and the prepositional
phrase “at MCU or Oxford university.”
Table : 7
N To -
Subject Verb Object
o. infinitive
Thai
1 I want to study
language.
Michael
2 started to fight him.
Jame
to meditatio
3 She suggests
practice n.
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The B.A
4 try to finish
students degree.
(8)Pattern: Subj + V + Obj + to – Inf + Obj
1.Mary reminds me to do homework.

2.My friend asks me to bring his books.
3.Boss told manager to shut down computer.
These simple sentences begin with a core

sentence such as “Mary reminds me to do homework.”
Here, “Mary” is the subject, “reminds” is the verb, “me”
is the object “to do” is the infinitive, and “homework” is
the object. In these kinds of simple sentences, there are
one or two objects. Anyhow, these types of sentences
are, accordingly, added into simple sentences.
Table : 8
N Subject Verb Object to Object

o. Infinitive
1 Mary reminds me to do homewor

k.
2 My asks me to bring his books.

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friend
3 Boss told manage to shut computer

r down .
(9)Pattern: Subj + V + Obj + Compl
1.They make us unhappy.

2.Julia creates something amazing.
3.We appoint him president.
This simple sentence begins with a core sentence

such as “they make us unhappy.” Here, “they” is the
subject, “make” is the verb, “us” is the object, and
“unhappy” is “the adjective”. All these sentences are
included into simple sentences because there is one
verb in simple sentence system grammatically. For
enlargement of sentence, you can add words or phrases
to expand on the sentence. For example, you can add
the adverb “at present, now, and yesterday etc.”
Table : 9
N Complem
Subject Verb Object
o. ent
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1 They make us unhappy.
Julia creates somethi amazing.

2
ng
3 We appoint him president.
(10) Pattern: Subj + Connector + Subj + V +

Obj
1.Jame and Esther eat beef.

2.Either Lilly or David Joe did housework.
3.Neither my friend nor my sister watches Korean
film.
According to English grammatical rule, simple

sentence must have one verb only and can have many
subjects with connectors then it is called compound
subjects. So All these sentences are added into simple
sentences because there is only verb in these sentences
in spite of having two or more subjects. And this simple
sentence begins with a core sentence such as “Jame
and Esther eat beef.” Here, “Jame and Esther” are the
subject, “eat” is the verb, and “beef” is the object.
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Table : 10
N Connec Subjec
Subject Verb Object
o. tor t
1 Jame and Esther eat beef.
2 Either Lilly or David did homewo

Joe rk.
3 Neither my nor my watch Korean

friend sister es film.
4.1.2.2 A Study of Compound Sentence

Structure
A group of words containing a subject and a verb

and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence
or an independent clause. Sometimes, an independent
clause stands alone as a sentence, and sometimes two
independent clauses are linked together into what is
called a compound sentence. Depending on the
circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks
can be used between the independent clauses in a
compound sentence: a comma or a semicolon.
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In the English Language, there are seven

coordinating conjunctions which are called the acronym
FANBOYS; (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to help you
remember the seven coordinating conjunctions which
are used to link the independent clauses. When
researcher have two independent clauses joined by one
of these coordinators, a comma is usually required
before the coordinator.
(1)Use a comma and a coordinating

conjunction (IC, cc IC)
1.Two people stopped to eat, for the work had
made them hungry.
2.The afternoon had been long, and hours had
gone by since lunch.
3.There was no house nearby, nor did they have
any food with them.
4.They wanted to pick blueberries as a snack, but
a bear growled at them from the berry patch.
5.She cooked dinner, or she went out to a
restaurant.
6.There was still work to do, yet they needed to
rest and eat.
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7.She had to go, so she called a friend to drive

her.
“Two people stopped to eat, for the work had

made them hungry” is one of above examples of
compound sentences. This is a compound sentence
combined by two simple sentences, or two independent
clauses which are joined with coordinating conjunctions.
Additional explanation below;
"Two people stopped to eat," is a simple

sentence or an independent clause where "Two people"
is the subject, "stopped" is the action or verb, “to eat” is
the infinitive, and a complete thought is expressed.
“For” is the coordinating conjunction, “the work

had made them hungry” is a simple sentence or an
independent clause where “the work” is the subject,
“had made” is the action or verb, “them” is the object,
“hungry” is the adjective, and a complete thought is
expressed.
(Table: 1) IC + Coordinating Conjunction + IC
N Independent Clause C Independent Clause

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o. C
Two people stopped fo the work had made

1
to eat, r them hungry.
The afternoon had an hours had gone by since

2
been long, d lunch.
There was no house n did they have any food

3
nearby, or with them.
They wanted to pick a bear growled at them

b
4 blueberries as a from the berry patch.
ut
snack,
She cooked dinner, she went out to a

5 or
restaurant.
There was still work ye they needed to rest and

6
to do, t eat.
She had to go, she called a friend to

7 so
drive her.
(2)Use a semicolon (IC ; IC)

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Compound sentences and semi-colons work

hand in hand. After all, they both join independent
clauses. The trick with semi-colons is to use them when
the two independent clauses are related ideas.
A semicolon (;) creates a stop between two

independent clauses. However, the clause after the
semicolon does not begin with a capital. In this case, the
sentence has the structure: (Independent Clause +
semicolon + Independent Clause) = (IC; IC), as in the
example below.
1.I was tired from working late; I had to go to

class anyway.
2.My brother just graduated from
high school; he will attend IBS College.
3.I am going home; I intend to stay there.
(Table : 2) = IC + Semicolon + IC
N Independent (;
Independent Clause
o. Clause )
I was tired from I had to go to class

1 ;
working late anyway.
2 My brother just ; he will attend IBS

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graduated from
College.
high school
3 I am going home ; I intend to stay there.
4.1.2.3 A Study of complex Sentence Structure
A complex sentence consists of an independent

clause plus a dependent clause. A dependent clause
starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative
pronoun, and contains a subject and verb, but does not
express a complete thought.
According to grammatical principle, adverb

clauses, adjective clauses and noun clauses are
especially included into dependent clauses. For instance
below;
Complex
Sentence
Dependent
Clause
Adverb Adjective Noun

Clause Clause Clause
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A dependent clause is a group of words with a

subject and a verb. It does not express a complete
thought so it is not a sentence and can't stand alone.
These clauses include adjective clauses adverb clauses
and noun clauses.
4.1.2.3.1 Complex Sentence Adverb Clause
Adverb clauses modify verbs and begin with

subordinating conjunctions. It usually modifies the verb.
Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinate
conjunction including after, although, as, as if, before,
because, if, since, so that, than, though, unless, until,
when, where, while and so on. These are just some of
the more common ones. Here are examples of
dependent clauses that are adverb clauses.
a) Adverb Clause at the Beginning of a

Sentence
When placed at the beginning of a sentence, an

adverb clause is followed by a comma, as seen in these
examples of adverb clauses:
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1. When the president arrives, he is warmly

welcome by public.
2. Because I couldn’t wait for the bus, I took taxi.
3. Whether you like it or not, you have to go to
bed now.
4. If you pay your bills on time, you can have a
good credit score.
5. Although she has a business degree, she is
working as a retail clerk.
b) Adverb Clause at the End of a Sentence
When placed at the end of the sentence, an

adverb clause needs no additional punctuation:
1. You must keep practicing the song until you

get it right.
2. We can get some new clothes as long as the
store is open late.
3. We can swim in the pool as soon as you put
on sunscreen.
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4. We must make reservations before we go on

vacation.
5. You will miss the bus unless you run fast.
Complex Sentence : Adverb Clause at the Beginning

of a Sentence
N
Dependent Clause Independent Clause
o.
When the president he is warmly welcome by

1
arrives, public.
Because I couldn’t wait I took taxi.

2
for the bus,
Whether you like it or you have to go to bed

3
not, now.
If you pay your bills on you can have a good

4
time, credit score.
Although she has a she is working as a retail

5
business degree, clerk.
Complex Sentence : Adverb Clause at the End of a

Sentence
N
Independent Clause Dependent Clause
o.
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You must keep until you get it right.

1
practicing the song
We can get some new as long as the store is

2
clothes open late.
We can swim in the as soon as you put on

3
pool sunscreen.
We must make before we go on vacation.

4
reservations
5 You will miss the bus unless you run fast.
4.1.2.3.2 Complex Sentence Adjective Clause
All adjective clauses are dependent clauses. A

dependent clause is a group of words that consists of a
subject and a verb, yet it is not a complete sentence
that can stand alone. Adjective clauses begin with a
relative pronoun, which connects them to the word
they describe such as (who, whose, whom, which, when,
where, that) and so on. In the adjective clause, there are
three types of cases namely subjective case, objective
case, and possessive case.
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1. Subjective Case
In this case, the relative pronoun in the adjective

clause functions as a subject and is followed by a verb
form. There are dependent clause and independent
clause. Then underline sentences are dependent
subjective case adjective clauses. Here are the following
examples;
1. The lady who learns English at MCU works as a

teacher at a private university.
2. The books that were borrowed from class must
be returned.
3. I love my teacher who is good at teaching.
4. Pathaya beach where is located in Thailand is
very famous place.
5. I study English speaking with my computer
which is the most expensive at present.
2. Objective Case
In this case, the relative pronoun in the adjective

clause functions as an object and is followed by a
subject (Noun/subject pronoun). There are dependent
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clause and independent clause. Then underline

sentences are dependent objective case adjective
clauses. For instance below;
1. The city which I visited last year was very

beautiful.
2. The author whom I met at the book signing
was very cordial.
3. The cat that you found belongs to the Smiths.
4. I started to love Lily whom I met at party
yesterday.
5. It was very difficult English test which my sister
took by online yesterday.
3. Possessive Case
In this case, the relative pronoun whose is used in

adjective clause for both people and things to show the
relationship or owner ship. There are dependent clause
and independent clauses. Then underline sentences are
dependent possessive case adjective clauses. Here are
the following examples;
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1. The student whose father is a doctor got high

score on the entry test.
2. The car whose color is black is mine.
3. She bought a pet dog whose tail is very long.
4. I had a beautiful girlfriend whose appearance is
tall, thin and long hair.
5. My sister has an English writer in UK whose
writing is always intriguing.
4. Omission of relative pronouns
A relative pronoun can be deleted or omitted

from the adjective clause if it is used in objective case.
Here are the following examples;
1. The city which I visited last year was very

beautiful.
The city I visited last year was very beautiful.
(Omitted relative pronoun)
2. The author whom I met at the book signing
was very cordial.
The author I met at the book signing was very
cordial. (Omitted relative pronoun)
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3. The cat that you found belongs to the Smiths.

The cat you found belongs to the Smiths.
4. I started to love Lily whom I met at party
yesterday.
I started to love Lily I met at party yesterday.
5. It was very difficult English test which my sister
took by online yesterday.
It was very difficult English test my sister took
by online yesterday. (Omitted relative pronoun)
4.1.2.3.3 Complex Sentence Noun Clause
A noun clause is a dependent clause that can be

used in the same way as a noun or pronoun. Noun
clauses are used to name something when a single word
isn't enough. Again, they're always going to be
dependent clauses and these clauses can't stand alone.
If a dependent clause stands alone, it forms a sentence
fragment, not a full sentence. While an independent
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clause can act as a sentence by itself, a dependent

clause cannot.
Noun clause can be divided into five types

namely subjective case, subjective complement case,
objective case, prepositional object case and adjective
complement case. Some of the words that introduce
noun clauses are that, whether, who, why, whom, what,
how, when, whoever, where, and whatever.
1. Subjective Case
Here is a noun clause that can act as the

subjective case. Then underline sentences are
dependent subjective case noun clauses. Here are the
following examples;
1. What Ajax said made her friends cry.

2. What Megan wrote surprised her family.
3. How the boy behaved was not very polite.
In the first sentence, we can ask, "What made her

friends cry?" The answer is "what Ajax said." Therefore,
"what Ajax said" is the subject of the verb "made."
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In the second sentence, we can ask, "What

surprised her family?" The answer is "what Megan wrote."
Therefore, "what Megan wrote" is the subject of the verb
"surprised."
In the third sentence, we can ask, "What was not

very polite?" The answer is "how the boy behaved.
Therefore, "how the boy behaved" is the subject of the
verb "was not."
2. Subjective Complement Case
A noun clause can also serve as a subject

complement. In grammar, a subject complement is a
word, phrase, or clause that follows a copular or linking
verb and refers back to modify, describe, or complete
the grammatical subject of the clause.
In addition to nouns and pronouns, noun clauses

also perform the grammatical function of subject
complement. Noun clauses that function as subject
complements are also referred to as predicate
nominatives and predicate nouns. Then underline
sentences are dependent subjective complement case
noun clauses. Here are the following examples;
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1. Harry's problem was that he couldn't make a

decision.
2. The question is what human nature is.
3. Darla's excuse for being late was that she
forgot to set her alarm.
4. My command is whatever you wish.
Noun clauses can play the role of a subject

complement. Subject complements provide a further
description or clarification of a subject. Here, the
following is a sentence of explaining above exemplary
sentences.
In the first sentence, “Harry’s problem” is the

subject, “was” is the verb and “that he couldn't make a
decision” is subject complement of “Harry’s problem.”
Therefore, these kinds of sentences in noun clause are
added into subjective complement case.
3. Objective Case
In the same vein, noun clauses can also act as

the direct object of a verb. In grammar, objective case is
a word, phrase, or clause that follows and receives the
action of an intransitive and a transitive verbs. In
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addition to nouns and pronouns, noun clauses also

perform the grammatical function of objective case.
Then underline sentences are dependent objective case
noun clauses. For some instances below;
1. She didn't realize that the directions were

wrong.
2. He didn't know why the stove wasn't working.
3. I can respect what the teacher said.
4. The boss did not mention whether you were
attending the party.
Once again, the researcher can use the method

of questioning to demonstrate how the noun clause is
being used. Here is a sentence of explanation of above
exemplary sentences.
In the first sentence, we can ask, "What didn't she

realize?" and the answer is "that the directions were
wrong." Therefore, "that the directions were wrong" is the
object of the verb.
4. Prepositional Object Case
Noun clauses also act as a prepositional object. In

grammar, a prepositional complement is a word, phrase,
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or clause that directly follows a preposition and

completes the meaning of the prepositional phrase. In
addition to nouns and pronouns, noun clauses also
perform the grammatical function of prepositional
complement. Examples of noun clauses as prepositional
object case include the following:
1. Harry is not the best provider of what Margie

needs.
2. We will focus the investigation on whomever
you identify as the suspect.
3. Josephine is not responsible for what Alex
decided to do.
4. Some people blindly believe in whatever
organized religion says.
Again, the best way to understand this concept,

here the following is one of exemplary explanation
above sentences.
In the first sentence, “Harry” is the subject, “is

not” is the verb, “the best provider” is subject
complement” and “of what Margie needs” is
prepositional object. Therefore, these kinds of sentences
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in noun clause are added into prepositional objective

case.
Each of these sentences could be complete

before the addition of the prepositions. However, the
prepositions are introduced to provide further detail and
the noun clauses act as the objects of these
prepositions.
5. Adjective Complement Case
A noun clause can also function as an adjective

complement modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb.
1. Jerry knows why Elaine went to the store.

2. They're perfectly happy where they live now.
3. Jimmy runs so quickly that he can outrun his
dog.
The adjective complement is providing more

information about the verb, adjective or adverb that
precedes it. Here the following are exemplary
explanation.
In the first sentence, we can ask, "What does Jerry

know?" In this case, "know" is the verb being modified.
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The thing that he knows is "why Elaine went to the

store."
In the second sentence, we can ask, "What are

they happy about?" In this case, "happy" is the adjective
being modified. The thing that they are happy about is
"where they live now."
In the third sentence, we can ask, "How quickly

does Geoffrey run?" Here, "quickly" is the adverb being
modified. He runs so quickly "that he can outrun his
dog."
Similar to the examples containing prepositions,

each of these sentences could be complete after
conjunction (e.g., why, where and that). The adjective
complements provide further detail and, in each of
these instances, these adjective complements are noun
clauses.
4.1.2.4 A Study of Compound - Complex

Sentence Structure
A compound-complex sentence consists of at

least two independent clauses and one or more
dependent clauses. Of all sentence constructions,
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compound-complex sentences are typically the longest

and most involved. This is because they combine two
different types of sentences into one long sentence. To
be specific, a compound-complex sentence unites a
compound sentence with a complex sentence including
three clauses such as adjective, adverb and noun
clauses. The followings are some exemplary compound
– complex sentences;
1. Erin loves her brother, and he loves her too

because she pays his bills.
2. The dog ran off when I chased him, but I didn't
care.
3. Though my mother says it doesn't matter, I am
tall, and she is short.
4. I need a new coat, so mom said that she
would buy one.
5. The girl whom I loved by my heart left me
yesterday, but I do not feel sad by
heartbroken.
Noting that the dependent clause can be at the

beginning, middle, or end of a compound-complex
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sentence. No matter where it is placed, the punctuation

follows the rules for both compound sentences and
complex sentences.
That means that you need to put a comma

before the coordinating conjunction and, if applicable,
another comma after the dependent clause when it
occurs at the beginning of the sentence.
See some additional examples to get a feel for

how compound-complex sentences will help you add
detail to your writing:
1. When I went to the store, my parents wanted

me to pick up some milk, but I didn't have
enough money.
2. Even if the child is hungry, he will never eat
oatmeal, but he will always eat ice cream.
3. The man was mean because he was lonely,
but his attitude only made his situation worse.
4. My friend from Cambodia with whom I studied
B.A together at MCU is continuing MBA at SIAM
University, and he has full of faith to join PhD.
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5. What I said is very important for my sister, but

she didn’t care.
4.2 The syntactic structure in Burmese
There are two kinds of sentence as a sentence

construction. They are simple sentence (SS) and
complex sentence (CS). In simple sentence, other
phrases such as object, time, and place can be added
between subject and verb. There are two kinds of clause
in a complex sentence called independent clause (IC)
and dependent clause (DC). There must be at least one
independent clause in a sentence. But there can be
more than one dependent clause in it. Independent
clause (IC) contains sentence final particle (SFP) at the
end of a sentence.
In this section, the researcher focused on studying

syntactic structures in Burmese that will be portrayed in
tables and tree diagrams. Therefore the characteristics of
Burmese words in sentences can be operated by using
the types of syntactic structures in Burmese language.
4.2.1The Components of Basic Syntactic

Structure
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In order to make a complete meaning, a

sentence needs a subject which is the person or thing to
do something and a verb which is action about the
subject. These are necessary terms used to describe the
essential syntactical words of a sentence.
The Basic Components of Syntactic Words in

Burmese
1 kattà = Subject
2 kariyā = Verb
3 apyɛ́ pauʔ= Subject Complement
4 kan= Object
5 laʔ kʰan pya pauʔ= Indirect Object
These are the basic components of syntactic

words in Burmese sentence construction. Every word in
a sentence serves a specific purpose within the
structures of that particular sentence. In accordance
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with Burmese grammatical rules, sentence structure can

sometimes be quite complicated. For the sake of
simplicity, however, the basic parts of a sentence are
discussed the following here.
(1) kattà = Subject
A simple subject is a single noun or pronoun

connected to a verb. While the complete subject may
contain modifiers (adjectives, relative clauses, and
prepositional phrases), the simple subject contains only
one, unmodified person, place, thing, or idea. Every
complete sentence includes at least one simple subject.
Here are the exemplary subject nouns and pronoun:
/ŋá/ = I (masculine or feminine) is used by a person
in speaking to himself of himself, and in addressing
inferiors. /tɕənouʔ/ or /tɕouʔ/ = I (masculine or feminine) is used
in addressing equals, and in addressing inferiors politely.
/tɕənɔ/ or /tɕəmá/ = (a female) servant, /dəbə́ dɔ/ = a disciple, and
/dəbə́ dɔ/ or / /dəbə́ dɔ má/ = (a female disciple) are used as first
personals in addressing superiors. /ʔə tɕə/ = I (feminine) is
of similar import with /tɕənmá/ but not in common use.
The plural affix /dó/ is sometimes used for the

plural of the first personal. /θin/ = you (masculine or
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feminine) is used chiefly in writing, and is irrespective of

the relative rank of the parties. /tɕʰin/ = you (masculine or
feminine) is used in judicial language. /θu/ a person
(masculine or feminine) supplies the place of the third
personals, he and she.
(2) kariyā = Verb
The verbs in Burmese are of two kinds, transitive,

which express actions that pass from the agent to the
object, as /riʔ ði/ = to strike, /ʃiʔ ði/ = to love; and
intransitive, which express being, or some state of being,
or an action which is confined to the agent, as /pʰyiʔ ði/ =
to be, /nɛ ði/ = to remain.
Accidents of Verbs
The accidents of verbs, expressed in most

languages, by inflections, or auxiliary verbs, are here
expressed by particles affixed to the verbs, without any
inflection of the verb itself. The verbal affixes are as
follows:
Assertive Affixes
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/ði/, simply assertive as /θwà/ = he goes; in certain

combinations, written /ði/, /ʔi/, same as /ði/. bū/, simply assertive,
in negative sentences as /mə θwà bū/ = he goes not; chiefly
colloquial.
/sʰɛ́/ present, but scarcely used except

substantively, as /θwà sʰɛ́ pʰyiʔ ði/ = he is going, (see verbs
used substantively,) or in a participial clause, according
to the note below, as /ya kʰu pʰyiʔ sʰɛ́ θɔ a mhu/ = the business
that now is, or the present business. In the substantive
construction, it may be combined with a preceding
future affix, as /θwà lú sʰɛ́/ or reduplicated, as /θwà mɛ́ sʰɛ́ sʰɛ́ twin/
= when he was just about going.

/pyi/ refers to past tense, as /θwà pyi/= he went, or he has
gone. /mɛ́/ latań/ ʔiǹ/ refer to future tense as /θwà ʔiǹ/= he will
go. Sometimes equivalent to the continuative affix /hlyin/,
which we can see.
(3) apɛ́ pauʔ = Subject - complement
A subject complement in Burmese gives further

meaning to the subject. A subject complement will
always be a noun, pronoun, adjective or phrases in
order to be complete sentence. Here, the following
underlines are subject complements:
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1. /θū ði sā re sʰa rā tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði/ = he is a writer.

2. /tɕənɔ ŋī ma ka kyin nā taʔ θɔ miń kʰa lɛ tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði/ = my
sister is a kind girl.
(4) kan = Object

pronoun. In Burmese, /ko/ is the true objective affix,
denoting the object on which an action terminates as /ye
ko θouʔ ði/ = to drink water; sometimes, with some latitude

of application, it denotes the object to which a thing is
given; as /ŋá ko pè pā/ = give me; or the object to which
motion is directed as /ʔin ko θwà tó/ = go to the house! In the
first and most proper application, it is frequently
understood as for /ye ko pè pā/ = give water.
/θó/ in Burmese is also an objective affix, denoting

the object towards which or unto which motion is
directed, as /ʔin θó θwà ði/ = go to the house! Though
frequently, in colloquial style, it is superseded by /ko/, as
above. Various applications may seem to require the aid
of various prepositions in English, as /laʔ θó ʔəʔ ði/ = to
deliver into (his) hand, /ʔə lo θó liʔ ði/ = to follow (his) will, or
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according to (his) will, /myó θó rauʔ ði/ = to arrive at the town,
but in all such cases, it will be evident, on a little
reflection, that the legitimate import of the affix is
preserved.
(5) laʔ kʰan pya pauʔ = Indirect Object

The indirect object indicates to whom or for
whom the action of the sentence is being done. The
indirect object is usually a noun or pronoun. In Burmese,
indirect object is dative case which is defined in
Burmese as /ʔə̀/ is the proper dative affix, equivalent in
various applications to to or per in English as /ŋá ʔə̀ pè pā/ =
give to me or give me. It is sometimes used for the
objective affix /ko/.
4.2.2 Two kinds of Sentence Structures
There are two kinds of sentences according to

the syntactic structure of Burmese language. They are
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simple sentence (SS) and complex sentence (CS). Here,

the following example is the syntactic structure of
Burmese:
4.2.2.1 A Study of Simple Sentence Structures

Simple sentence in Burmese language contains
only one clause which is called independent or main
clause. This independent syntactic entity intends to
convey a complete thought or meanings of an idea.

And there are two fundamental phrases such as subject
phrase and verb phrase in a simple sentence. Here, the
following is exemplary fundamental diagram of simple
sentence in Burmese:
The above exemplary diagram of simple sentence
in Burmese begins with a core sentence such as "tɕənɔ ði
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Lily ko ʃiʔ ði." = I love Lily. Here, "tɕənɔ" is the subject, "ði" is
subject-postpositional maker, "Lily" is the object, "ko" is the
object-postpositional maker, "ʃiʔ" is the verb and "ði" is the
verb-particle maker. Therefore different parts of speech
can be added to expand the sentence such as adverbial
phrase, prepositional phrase or other expression under
the simple sentence.
Now researcher is going to study how many types

of simple sentences in Burmese language and those
simple sentences are divided into specific patterns in
order to be understood for those who are learning
Burmese sentences. It was said that there are twenty
different patterns in Burmese simple sentence, however
researcher will point out ten sentences from twenty to
be studied. Therefore researcher will portray each
simple sentences in the table.
(1)Pattern: S + S-PPM + V + V-PM

1. David ði laǹ chouʔ ði. = David walks.
2. θū dó ŋo ne kyà ði. = They are crying.
3. θū dó pyɔ sʰoń kyà ði. = they enjoy.
One of explanation in the above exemplary
sentences in Burmese begins with a core sentence such
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as "David ði laǹ chouʔ ði" = David Berry walks.” Here, "David" is

the subject, "ði" is subject-postpositional maker, "laǹ chouʔ" =
walks” is the verb and "ði" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 1)
N S S- Verb V-PM Eng-Meaning

o. PPM
David ði laǹ chouʔ ði.
1 David walks.
θū dó ði ŋo ne kyà ði.
2 They are
crying.
θū dó ði pyɔ sʰoń kyà ði.
They enjoy.
(2)Pattern: S + S-PPM + S-Compl + V + V-PM

1. John Saw ði kyauǹ tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði. = John Saw is a
student.
2. θū ði manager tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði. = He is a manager.
3. θū dó bɔ ka sà θə mà myà pʰyiʔ kyá ði. = They are football
players.
This is one of exemplary explanation sentence.
This sentence is not so different from pattern (1) form.
Here, subject complement is just added in this pattern
(2). However it still exists as simple sentence. It begins
with a core sentence such as θū ði manager tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði. = He
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is a manager.” Here, "/θū/" = he” is the subject, "/ði/" is

subject-postpositional maker, "/manager tiʔ youʔ/" = a
manager” is the subject complement, "/pʰyiʔ/" = is” is the
verb and "/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 2)
No S S- S-Compl V V- Eng-
. PPM PM Meaning
John saw is a
1 John Saw ði kyauǹ tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði.
student.
He is a
2 θū ði manager tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði.
manager.
They are
bɔ ka sà θə mà
3 θū dó ði
myà
pʰyiʔ kyá ði. football
players.
(3)Pattern: S + S-PPM + O + O-PPM + V + V-PM

1. ŋá dó ði mi ba myà ko kū ŋī kyá ði. = We help parents.
2. θū dó ði kʰwe ko riʔ kyá ði. = They beat dog.
3. tɕənɔ ði ʔin ga liʔ sā ko lɛ́ lā ði. = I study English.
This is one of explaining about pattern (3) in

Burmese simple sentence. In this pattern, there will be
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especially subject, object and verb form. Likewise, this

pattern will begin with a core sentence structure such as
"/ŋá dó ði mi ba myà ko kū ŋī kyá ði/" = we help parents.” Here is
detail in explanation. "/ŋá dó/" = we” is the subject, "/ði/" is
subject-postpositional maker, "/mi ba myà/" = parents” is the
object, "/ko/" is the object-postpositional maker, "/kū ŋī kyá/"
= help” is the verb and "/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 3)
No S- Obj- V-
S Obj V Eng-Meaning
. PPM PPM PM
1 We help
ŋá dó ði mi ba myà ko kū ŋī kyá ði.
parents.
2 They beat
θū dó ði kʰwe ko riʔ kyá ði.
dog.
3 I study
tɕənɔ ði ʔin ga liʔ sā ko lɛ́ lā ði.
English.
(4)Pattern: S + S-PPM + Obj + Obj-PPM + Obj-

Compl + Obj-Compl-PPM + V + V-PM
1. Mg Ba ði shwe ko laʔ suʔ louʔ ði. = Mg Ba makes gold
ring.
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2. Lisa ði tɕənɔ ko seiʔ pyiʔ ʔaun louʔ ði. = Lisa makes me

upset.
3. θa tʰɛ̀ ka θú ko manager kʰiń ʔəʔ ði. = Boss appoints him
manager.
Here is pattern (4) example sentence. This pattern

will form a core sentence such as "/Li Sa ði tɕənɔ ko seiʔ pyiʔ ʔaun
louʔ ði/" = Li Sa makes me upset” Here is detail of

sentence components in explanation. "/Li Sa/" = Li Sa” is
the subject, "/ði/" is subject-postpositional maker, "/tɕənɔ/" =
me” is the object, "/ko/" is the object-postpositional
maker, "/seiʔ pyiʔ/" = upset” is the object-
complement, "/ʔaun/" is the object-complement-
postpositional maker, "/louʔ/" = makes” is the verb and
"/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 4)
Obj-
S- Obj-
No Obj- Com V- Eng-
Subj PP Obj Comp V
. PPM pl- PM Meaning
M l
PPM
Mg Ba
1 Mg Ba ði shwe ko laʔ suʔ louʔ ði. makes
gold ring.
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Li Sa
2 Lisa ði tɕənɔ ko seiʔ pyiʔ ʔaun louʔ ði. makes me
upset.
Boss
kʰiń appoints
3 θa tʰɛ̀ ka θú ko manager
ʔəʔ
ði.
him
manager.
(5)Pattern: S + S-PPM + Dep + Dep-PPM + V +

V-PM
1. John ði tɛʔ ka θo hma tʰwəʔ kʰwā θwà ði. = John leaves
university.
2. tɕənɔ ði buǹ gyì kyauǹ hma lā ði. = I come from
monastery.
3. θū mə Don Maung lɛ siʔ hma tʰwəʔ kʰwā θwà ði. = She departs
from Don Maung airport.
In this pattern (5) about simple sentence, it will

be a little bit different from above patterns because
there consists of expressing departure component. In
this pattern, it will begin a core sentence construction
such as /tɕənɔ ði buǹ gyì kyauǹ hma lā ði/ = I come from
monastery” Here is explanation of each components
including in the sentence in detail. "/tɕənɔ/" = I” is the
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subject, "/ði/" is subject-postpositional maker, "/buǹ gyì kyauǹ/"
= monastery” is the departure place, "/hma/" = from” is

the departure-postpositional maker, "/lā/" = come” is the
verb and "/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 5)
S- Dep
No V-
S PP Dep - V Eng-Meaning
. PM
M PPM
tʰwəʔ kʰwā John leaves

1 John ði tɛʔ ka θo hma
θwà
ði.
university.
buǹ gyì I come from

2 tɕənɔ ði
kyauǹ
hma lā ði.
monastery.
She departs
Don Maung tʰwəʔ kʰwā
3 θū mə ði
lɛ siʔ
hma
θwà
ði. from Don
Maung airport.
(6)Pattern: S + S-PPM + Arri + Arri-PPM + V + V-

PPM
1. θū ði Ph.D ʔə tʰi lə́ lā ði. = He studies until Ph.D.
2. θū dó ði pʰə rà ʔə tʰi laǹ chouʔ kyá ði. = They walk until
pagoda.
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3. ŋā dó ði taun tʰiʔ ʔə tʰi taʔ kyá ði. = We climb until top of
mountain.
In this pattern (7), it consists of expressing arrival

component in the sentence. Otherwise, this pattern will
form an essence of sentence such as /θū ði Ph.D ʔə tʰi lə́ lā ði/ =
He studies until Ph.D.” Here is explanation of each
components about this sentence. "/θū/" = he” is the
subject, "/ði/" is subject-postpositional maker, "/Ph.D/" =
Ph.D” is the arrival, "/ʔə tʰi/" = until” is the arrival-
postpositional maker, "/lə́ lā/" = studies” is the verb and
"/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 6)
S- Arri-
No V-
S PP Arri PPM V Eng-Meaning
. PM
M
He studies until
1 θū ði Ph.D ʔə tʰi lə́ lā ði.
Ph.D.
θū dó ði pʰə rà ʔə tʰi laǹ chouʔ kyá ði.
2 They walk until
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pagoda.
We climb until
3 θū dó ði taun tʰiʔ ʔə tʰi taʔ kyá ði. top of
mountain.
(7)Pattern: S + S-PPM + Obj + Obj-PPM + Rec +

Rec-PPM + V + V-PM
1. tɕənɔ ði sā ʔouʔ ko sʰa rā ʔə̀ pɛ̀ ði. = I give book to teacher.
2. Jackie ði hniǹ sī paǹ ko Rosy ʔə̀ pɛ̀ ði. = Jackie gives rose to
Rosy.
3. sʰa rā ði ʔin ga liʔ sā ko kyauǹ θà myà ʔə̀ θin pɛ̀ ði. = Teacher
teaches the students English.
In this pattern (10), especially, it consists of

expressing object and receiver components in the
sentence in English, those are called direct-object and
indirect- object. Anyway, this pattern will begin with a
core of sentence such as /tɕənɔ ði sā ʔouʔ ko sʰa rā ʔə̀ pɛ̀ ði./ = I give
book to teacher.” Here is explanation of each
components about this sentence. "/tɕənɔ/" = I” is the
subject, "/ði/" is subject-postpositional maker, "/sā ʔouʔ/" =
book” is the object, "/ko/" is the object-postpositional
maker, "/sʰa rā/" is the receiver, "/ʔə̀/" is the receiver-
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postpositional maker, "/pɛ̀/" = give” is the verb and "/ði/" is

the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 7)
S- V-
N
S PP Obj Obj- Rec Rec- V P Eng-Meaning
o.
M PPM PPM M
I give book to
1 tɕənɔ ði sā ʔouʔ ko sʰa rā ʔə̀ pɛ̀ ði.
teacher.
hniǹ sī Jackie gives

2 Jackie ði
paǹ
ko Rosy ʔə̀ pɛ̀ ði.
rose to Rosy.
Teacher
ʔin ga liʔ kyauǹ teaches the
3 sʰa rā ði
sā
ko
θà myà
ʔə̀ θin pɛ̀ ði.
students
English.
(8)Pattern: S + S-PPM + Time + Time-PPM + V

+ V-PM
1. tɕənɔ ði mə nɛʔ piè twin ʔiʔ ði. = I sleep in morning.
2. θiʔ rwaʔ dó ði nwɛ rā θī hniʔ kywé kyá ði. = The leaves fall in
summer.
In this pattern (12), it especially expresses time

component in the sentence. Therefore this pattern will
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form an essence of sentence such as "/tɕənɔ ði mə nɛʔ piè twin
ʔiʔ ði./" = I sleep in morning.” Here is detail of explanation

in each component. "/tɕənɔ/" = I” is the subject, "/ði/" is
subject-postpositional maker, "/mə nɛʔ piè/" =morning” is the
time, "/twin/" = in” is the time-postpositional maker, "/ʔiʔ/" =
sleep” is the verb and "/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 8)
N S- Time- V-
S Time V Eng-Meaning
o. PPM PPM PM
I sleep in
1 tɕənɔ ði mə nɛʔ piè twin ʔiʔ ði.
morning.
The leaves
kywé
2 θiʔ rwaʔ dó ði nwɛ rā θī hniʔ
kyá
ði. fall in
summer.
(9)Pattern: S + S-PPM + Dep + Dep-PPM + Tow

+ Tow-PMM + V + V-PM
1. θū mə ði kyauǹ hma ʔin θó lā ði. = She comes from school
to house.
2. θū ði Mandalay hma Yangon θó θwà ði. = He goes from
Mandalay to Yangon.
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In this pattern (16), mainly, it consists of

expressing “departure and toward” components in the
sentence. Likewise, this pattern will begin with a core of
sentence such as "/θū ði Mandalay hma Yangon θó θwà ði./" = He
departs from Mandalay to Yangon.” Here is explanation
of each components about this sentence. "/θū/" = he” is
the subject, "/ði/" is subject-postpositional maker,
"/Mandalay/" = Mandalay” is the departure, "/hma/" is the
departure-postpositional maker, "/Yangon/" = Yangon” is
toward, "/θó/" is the toward-postpositional maker, "/θwà/" =
goes” is the verb and "/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 9)
De To
S-
N p- w- V-
S PP Dep Tow V Eng-Meaning
o. PP PP PM
M
M M
She comes
1 θū mə ði kyauǹ hma ʔin θó lā ði. from school to
house.
θū ði Mandalay hma Yangon θó θwà ði.
2 He goes from
Mandalay to
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Yangon.
(10) Pattern: S + S-PPM + Obj + Obj-PPM +

Pla + Pla-PPM + V + V-PM
1. tɕənɔ ði B.A ko Thai hmā lɛ́ lā ði. = I study B.A in Thailand.
2. θū ði θiʔ θī myà ko kyauǹ hmā hlū daǹ ði. = He offers fruits at
monastery.
In this pattern (17), especially, it consists of

expressing “object and place” components in the
sentence. Likewise, this pattern will begin with a core of
sentence such as "/θū ði θiʔ θī myà ko kyauǹ hmā hlū daǹ ði./" = He
offers fruits at monastery.” Here is explanation of each
components about this sentence. "/θū/" = he” is the
subject, "/ði/" is subject-postpositional maker, "/θiʔ θī myà/" =
fruits” is the object, "/ko/" is the object-postpositional
maker, "/kyauǹ/" = monastery” is the place, "/hmā/" is the
place-postpositional maker, "/hlū daǹ/" = offters” is the verb
and "/ði/" is the verb-particle maker.
(Table : 10)
N S S- Obj Obj Pla Pla V V- Eng-Meaning

o. PP - - PM
M PP PP
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M M
I study B.A in
1 tɕənɔ ði B.A ko Thai hmā lɛ́ lā ði.
Thailand.
θiʔ θī He offers fruits in

2 θū ði
myà
ko kyauǹ hmā hlū daǹ ði.
monastery.
4.2.2.2 A Study of Complex Sentence

Structures
Complex sentences contained an independent
clause and at least one de-pendent clause. An
independent clause had the ability to stand alone as
sentence which always makes a complete thought. A
dependent clause cannot stand alone even though it
had a subject and a verb. Especially, the dependent

clauses have postpositional makers, particles and
conjunctions to join two or more sentences. Example: ði,
ko, θɔ, ló,mɛ, a kʰā,ka, hu, θɔ kyauń, θō lɛ etc. Here, the following is
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exemplary fundamental diagram of complex sentence in

Burmese:
In Burmese grammatical rule, there are three

different dependent clauses in complex sentence such
as noun clause, adjective clause and adverb clause. In
each clauses, simply, they also stand with subject,
object and verb.
4.2.2.2.1 Complex Sentence Noun Clause
Dependent clause acting the process of noun is

called a noun clause in Burmese. Noun clause can be
divided into subjective case and objective case because
it acts the process of both subject and object. Then
postpositional maker and particle marker are especially
used in noun clause such as hmā, ka, ko, ló, hu.
(a) Subjective Case in Noun Clause

Here is a noun clause which acts as the
subjective case. Then underline sentences are
dependent clause in subjective case of noun clauses.
Here are the following examples;
Pattern (1): S + V + Postpositional Maker + V
1. θū pɔ tā ka ʔə hman ta rà pʰyiʔ ði. = What he said is true.

2. θū mə nɛ tʰai pon hmā θɛ θə ði. = How she lives is tidy.
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3. θū mə θi doǹ ka lain mā tɛ. = When she knew is clever.
Pattern (2): S + O + V + Postpositional Maker +

V
1. θū ŋá ko pɔ poń ka mə θà bù. = How he told me is not

honest.
2. ŋá dó θú ko twɛ́ doǹ ka 2009 hniʔ ka pʰyiʔ tɛ. = When we met
him is 2009.
3. θū ŋā dó ko pɔ tā ka waǹ nɛ̀ sa rā twe pā. = What he told us is
sad.
(b) Objective Case in Noun Clause

Noun clauses in Burmese grammar can also act
as the direct object of a verb. In Burmese grammar,
objective case is a phrase, or clause that follows and
receives the action of verbs. Therefore underline
sentences are dependent clause in objective case of
noun clauses. For some instances below;
Pattern (1): S + V + Postpositional Maker + S +

V
1. θū pyɔ tā ko tɕənɔ gə ru mə siʔ bū. = I don’t care what he

say.
2. θū mə pyɔ tā ko tɕənɔ yoń tɛ. = I believe what she say.
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Pattern (2): S + O + V + Postpositional Maker +

S+V
1. tɕənɔ sā mè pwɛ̀ ʔoun tɛ ló tɕənɔ ʔəme ka pyɔ tɛ.= My mother
says that I pass exam.
2. θū piʔ san kʰò θwà tā ko tɕənɔ twé tɛ. = I see that he steals
money.
Pattern (3): S + Depart + V + Postpositional

Maker + S + V
1. tɕənɔ ʔəpʰe Thai nain ŋań ka pyan lā tā ko tɕənɔ twé tɛ. = I see
that my father comes back from Thailand.
2. tɕənɔ sā θin kʰaǹ ka tʰwaʔ θwà tā ko sʰa ra ka mə kyiʔ bū. = The
teacher doesn’t like that I leave from
classroom.
Pattern (4): S + Toward + V + Postpositional

Maker + S + V
1. tɕənɔ paǹ kʰyiń θó θwà tā ko lū twe ka ʔəpyiʔ pyɔ kyá tɛ. = People
blame that I go to the park.
2. θū rwā θó pyan lā tā ko rwā θà twe ko kyō so kyá tɛ. = The
villagers welcome that he comes back to
village.
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4.2.2.2.2 Complex Sentence Adjective Clause
Adjective clauses which are dependent clauses

are a group of words. That consists of a subject and a
verb, yet it is not a complete sentence that can stand
alone. Adjective clauses in Burmese begin with a particle
maker, which connects and refers to nouns or pronouns.
The particle makers mostly used in adjective clauses are
θɔ, θi, mɛ́ and so on. Then in adjective clause, there are two
types of cases namely subjective case and objective
case.
(a) Subjective Case in Adjective Clause
In this section, the particle maker in the adjective

clause functions as a subject case. And then a particle
maker connects and refers to subjective nouns or
pronouns. Besides there are dependent clause and
independent clause. Then underline sentences are
dependent clause and subjective case in Adjective
clause. Here are the following examples;
Pattern (1): Subj + V + Particle Maker + S + Pla

+V
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1. sʰa rā wan tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ θɔ Jame ði Thai hmā ʔəluʔ luʔ ði. = Jame
who is a doctor works in Thailand.
Pattern (2): Subj + V + PM + S + Pla + O + V

1. Engineer tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ θɔ Michael ði Thai hmā taʔ ka θō taʔ ne ði. =
Michael who is an engineer is attending
university in Thailand.
Pattern (3): Obj + V + PM + Subj + Obj + V
1. Mettā tətā ko sì pʰyiń θɔ puʔ ko ði siʔ chaǹ θā hmú ko kʰin sà ra ði. =
The one who spreads loving-kindness feels
happiness.
2. ʔin ga liʔ sa kà ko pyɔ nain θɔ John ði ʔəluʔ kauǹ ra ði. = John
who can speak English gets a good job.
(b)Objective Case in Adjective Clause
In this case, the particle maker in the adjective

clause functions as an object. And then a particle maker
connects and refers to objective nouns or pronouns.
Besides there are dependent clause and independent
clause. Then underline sentences are dependent clause
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and objective case in Adjective clause. For instance

below;
(Pattern (1): Subj + V + P M + Obj + Subj + V
1. θū mə pɛ̀ θɔ laʔ soun ko tɕənɔ laʔ kʰin ra ʃí ði. = I receive gift
(that) she gives.
2. tɕənɔ rauǹ θɔ piʔ sɛ̀ myá ko lu twe ka mə wɛ kyá bū. = People
do not buy the products (that) I sell.
Pattern (2): Subj + V + PM + Subj + V
1. θū mə sà θɔ paǹ θī ka mə cho bū. = The apple (which) she
eat is not sweet.
2. sʰa ra pɛ̀ liʔ θɔ puʔ sā ka kʰaʔ tɛ. = The sum (that) teacher
gives is difficult.
Pattern (3): Subj + V + PM + S + Pla + V
1. tɕənɔ sʰiʔ θɔ miń kʰə lɛ ka Thai hmā ne ði. = The girl (whom) I
love lives in Thailand.
2. tɕənɔ ʔə lɛ́ θwà kʰe ðí kaǹ kʰyɛ ka Thai hmā ʃí ði.= The beach
(where) I visited is in Thailand.
4.2.2.2.3 Complex Sentence Adverb Clause

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Adverb clauses modify verbs and begin with

conjunctions. It usually modifies the verb. Adverb
clauses are introduced by conjunction including /pyī nouʔ/ =
after, /θō lɛ/ = although, /rwɛ́ pyī nouʔ/ = and, /θó θō lɛ/ = but, /mə
tain me/ = before, /θɔ kyauń/ = because, /hlyan/ = if, /mə hlyan/ =
unless, /ʔə tʰi/ tai ʔaun/ = till, /θɔ ʔə kʰā/ doǹ ka/ = when, /san twan/ =
while and so on. These are just some of the more
common ones. In Burmese language, there is no
separation into any kinds about conjunction like English.
Besides there are also dependent clause and
independent clause in adverb clause. Then underline
sentences are dependent clause. Here are examples of
dependent clauses that are adverb clauses.
Pattern (1): Subj + V + Conj + Subj + Obj + V
1. θū chaǹ θā θɔ kyauń lu twe ka θú ko chit kʰin kyá ði. = Because
he is rich, people love him.
2. θū ma ʔà θɔ kyauń θú θū ngɛ chaǹ twe ka θú ko mə pʰeiʔ bū. =
Because he is not free, his friends do not invite
him.
Pattern (2): Subj + V + Conj + Tow + V
1. sʰa ne mə kauǹ θɔ kyauń kyauǹ θó mə lā nain bū. = Because

teacher is sick, he cannot come to school.
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Pattern (3): Subj + Obj + V + Conj + Subj + V
1. tɕənɔ sā mɛ̀ pwɛ̀ ko ʔaun θō lɛ tɕənɔ mi ba myà ka mə pyō kyá bū. =
Although I pass the exam, my parents do not
enjoy.
Pattern (4): Subj + Pla + Obj + V + Conj + Tow

+V
1. tɕənɔ Thai nain ŋan hma B.A bwɛ́ ko ra pyī nouʔ Myanmar pyay θó
pyan lā ði. = After I get B.A in Thailand, I come

back to Myanmar.
Pattern (4): Subj + Obj + V + Conj + Obj + Rec

+V
1. θū mə pā tī pwɛ̀ θó θwà rwɛ́ laʔ soun ko θú ʔà pɛ̀ ði. = She goes
to party, and she gives him the gift.
Pattern (5): Subj + Obj + Rec + V +

Conjunction + Subj + Obj + V
1. ŋā dó ði mɛ̀ kʰoǹ myà ko sʰa rā ʔà mɛ̀ kyá ði θó θɔ lɛ sʰa rā ka bā tiʔ kʰu
hma mə pʰyɛ bū. = We ask questions to teacher, but

teacher answers nothing.
Pattern (6): Subj + V + Conj + S + Pla + V
1. ra tʰā mə tʰwaʔ mì ŋā dó ði bū tā hmā ʃí kyá ði. = Before train
leaves, we are at station.
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Pattern (7): Subj + Tow + V + Conj + Obj + V
1. ŋā dó yune θó mə θwà hlyan sʰa rā ko twɛ́ hmā mə huʔ bū. = If we
do not go to office, we will not meet teacher.
Pattern (8): Subj + V + Conj + Obj + V
1. tɕənɔ kyauǹ θà ba wa doǹ ka sʰɛ liʔ ko mə θouʔ kʰɛ́ bū. = When I
was student-hood, I did not smoke cigarette.
Pattern (9): Subj + Obj + V + Conj + Obj + V
1. θū mə B.A bwɛ́ ko ra ðí ʔə tʰi ʔin ga liʔ sa kà ko mə pyɔ taʔ bū. = Till
she get B.A, she cannot speak English.
2. tɕənɔ ði θú twɛ́ θɔ ʔə kʰā kʰə lɛ ba wa ko pyin θə ti ra ði. = When I
see him, I remember childhood back.
3. ŋā dó ði kauǹ hmú luʔ hlyan kauǹ kyò ko kʰin sà ra mɛ. = If we do
merit, we will feel effect of merit.
4. θū dó ði mə naʔ sà pyī nouʔ bɔ loǹ ka sà kyá ði. = After they
have breakfast, they play the football.
Pattern (10): Subj + V + Conj + S + Tow + Conj

+ Obj + V
1. Lily ne mə kauǹ θɔ kyauń θū mə mi ba myà ka sʰɛ̀ kʰaǹ θó θwà rwɛ́ sʰa
rawan ko pʰiʔ kyá ði. = Because Lily is sick, her parents

go to clinic and invite doctor.
Pattern (11): Subj + V + Particle + Obj + Subj +

V + Conj + Obj + V
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1. tɕənɔ rɛ̀ tʰà θɔ sā ʔouʔ myà ko tiʔ chó θū twɛ ka wɛ pyī nouʔ ʔə kʰyà θū
myà ko pyin rauǹ kyá ði. = Someone buys and sells

back the books to others that I write.
4.3 Comparing the syntactic structures in

English and Burmese
This study is aimed to compare the syntactic
structures in English and Burmese. Especially, this study
focuses on the comparative sentence structures such as
simple sentences, compound sentences, complex
sentences and compound – complex sentences in two
languages. In addition, sentence structures in both of
languages the researcher compares will be portrayed in
tree diagrams and in table.
4.3.1A Comparative Study of Simple Sentence

Structures
A simple sentence in English consists of one
independent clause. An independent clause contains a
subject and verb and expresses a complete idea.
Sometimes, it can have compound subjects. It may or
may not use commas but it stays simple in construction.
A simple sentence in Burmese contains only one

independent or main clause. This independent syntax
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has a complete thought. Besides there are two

fundamental phrases such as subject phrase and verb
phrase in a simple sentence. In addition, in Burmese,
postpositional maker and particle maker are usually
used after each subject, object, verb etc.
English Pattern (1): S + V
In this pattern (1), some of intransitive verbs in

English may be used as subject and verb only without
needing to add object. Here, the following examples in
diagram.
Burmese Pattern (1): S + S-PPM + V + V-PM

In this pattern (1), simple sentence in Burmese
begins with “subject, subject postpositional maker, verb,
and verb-particle maker”. Structural form in this pattern
is pretty similar with English structural design. But,
including difference from English is subject-
postpositional maker in subject and verb-particle maker
in verb. The following example sentences and diagrams.
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1. John walks.
2. He enjoys.
English Pattern (2): S + V + D-O

In English, some of English transitive verbs may be
used with a simple only direct object which is mostly
nouns and pronouns without including indirect object.
Burmese Pattern (2): Subj + S-PPM + Obj +

Obj-PPM + V + V-PM
In this pattern, sentence construction will be

different from English structure. In English, there are
subject, verb, and direct object. In Burmese syntactic
construction, there are “subject, subject postpositional
maker, direct object, direct object postpositional maker,
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verb, and verb-particle maker”. In each items, there will

have positional maker and particle maker after them.
Then in additional different structure, verb in English is
placed after subject, but verb in Burmese is always
placed at the end of sentence. Here is example
sentence and explaining in diagram.
1. She eats beef.

2. John teaches English.
English Pattern (3): Subj + V + In-Obj + D-Obj

In English, there are two types of objects such as
direct and indirect objects. An indirect object is the
recipient of the direct object, or an otherwise affected
participant in the event. There must be a direct object
for an indirect object to be placed in a sentence. In
other words an indirect object cannot exist without a
direct object. Here is explanation in diagram.
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Obj-PPM + Rec + Rec-PPM + V + V-PM

pronoun. In Burmese, /ko/ is the true objective affix. In
Burmese, indirect object is called receiver and also the
receiver (indirect object) is dative case which is defined
in Burmese as /ʔà/. It is sometimes used for the objective
affix /ko/. /ʔà/ is the proper dative affix, equivalent in
various applications to “to” in English. The receiver
(indirect object) indicates to whom or for whom the
action of the sentence is being done. The Receiver
(indirect object) is usually a noun or pronoun.
In construction, the receiver (indirect object) in

Burmese is used after direct object and verb is usually
127
used at the end of sentence. Here is example sentences

and diagrams below:
1. She gives me an apple.
2. John asks Rosy a question.
English Pattern (4): Subj + V + Adj

128
In this pattern, there are subject, verb and

adjective complement forms. Here, the following is
explanation in diagram.
Burmese Pattern (4): Subj + S-PPM + Adj + V +

V-PM
This pattern seems similar with English pattern (4).

However, in Burmese, there are affixes in mostly each
word and there is no affix in English. In fact, there will
show subject and verb in diagram even though including
adjective because verb + adjective will be added into
verb. Here is the following examples:
1. He is handsome.
2. The students are
intelligent.
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English Pattern (5): Subj + V + Adv
In English, mostly subject, verb and adverb are

used in speaking and writing without including any
objects. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other
adverbs. They can add to or change the meaning of a
word. A great way to spot adverbs is to look for words
that end in -ly. Example below in diagram.
Burmese Pattern (5): Subj + S-PPM + Adv +

Adv-PPM + V + V-PM
In Burmese, a number of adverbs may occur as

either phrasal or clausal adverbs. Adverbs can be simple
or derived forms. The latter include reduplicated
property verbs and derivate of property verbs followed
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by grammatical elements such as the suffix – /swā/. The

following is example below:
1.Lisa shouts loudly.

2.John Smith says politely.
English Pattern (6): Subj + V + N
In this pattern, subject and verb are usually

followed by noun complement form in English. They are
as following example in the table:
English Pattern : (6)
N Subject Verb Noun

131
o.
2 He is a manager.
3 The boys are students.

Burmese Pattern (6): Subj + S-PPM + S-Compl
+ V + V-PM
This pattern will be different from English

structural concept even though there are subject, verb
and noun form. According to grammatically tutor’s
concepts, there will sometimes be different construction
between both of languages. Here, the following example
in below:
1. He is a manager.
2. The boys are students.
Burmese Pattern : (6)
No Subj S-PPM S-Compl V V-PM

.
1 θū ði manager tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ ði.
2 kaun lɛ myà ði kyauǹ θà myà pʰyiʔ ði.
English Pattern (7): Subj + V + Obj + Compl

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In this simple sentence, there are subject, verb,

object and complement form. It will begins with a core
sentence such as “Lisa makes me unhappy.” Here,
“Lisa” is the subject, “makes” is the verb, “me” is the
object, and “upset” is “the adjective”. All these
sentences are included into simple sentences because
there is one verb in simple sentence system
grammatically. They are the following example in the
table:
N Complem
Subject Verb Object
o. ent
1 Lisa makes me upset.
2 Boss appoints him manager.

Obj-PPM + Obj-Compl + V + V-PM
In this pattern, there will be similar with English
conceptual structure except for affixes. Especially in
both English and Burmese about object complement,
there will be the same concept such as nouns and
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adjectives. Here, the following is clear example in the

table:
1. Lisa makes me upset.

2. Boss appoints him manager.
No S- Obj-
Subj Obj Obj-Compl V V-PM
. PPM PPM
1 Lisa ði tɕənɔ ko siʔ pyiʔ ʔaun luʔ ði.
2 θə tʰɛ ka θú ko manager kʰiń ʔaʔ ði.
English Pattern (8): Subj + V + Prep + N
In English, verb is sometimes followed by

preposition directly even though it is not intransitive
verb. This preposition which is not followed by
intransitive verb will demonstrate departure process.
Here, for instance below in the table:
N
Subject Verb Prep Noun
o.
1 I come from monastery.

134
She Don Maung

2 departs from
airport.
Burmese Pattern (8): Subj + S-PPM + Dep +

Dep-PPM + V + V-PM
In Burmese form, we do not use by the name of

preposition like English design. Instead, we actually use
by the name of departure and then its affix is departure
postpositional maker. The following is example sentence
and clear detail below in the table:
1. I come from monastery.

2. She departs from Don Maung airport.
No S- Dep-
S Dep V V-PM
. PPM PPM
1 tɕənɔ ði buǹ gyī kyauǹ hma lā ði.
2 θū mə ði Don Maung lɛ siʔ hma tʰwaʔ kʰwā θwà ði.
English Pattern (9): Subj + V + Time

135
In the grammatical English structure, subject and

intransitive verb are usually followed by time phrase
and also sometimes, time phrase used to be put at the
beginning of the sentence not only at the end of the
sentence. The following is clear example in the table:
No
Subject Verb time
.
1 I sleep in morning.
The
2 fall in summer.
leaves
Burmese Pattern (9): Subj + S-PPM + Time +

Time-PPM + V + V-PM
In Burmese grammatical rule, time phrase is

usually followed by subject and then its affix is time
postpositional maker. It will be different from English
structural concept. The following is exemplary sentence
and clear detail in the table:
1. I sleep in morning.
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2. The leaves fall in summer.
Time- V-
No. Subj S-PPM Time V
PPM PM
1 tɕənɔ ði mə naʔ piè twin ʔiʔ ði.
2 θiʔ rwaʔ dó ði nwe rā θī hniʔ kywé ði.
English Pattern (10): Subj + V + Prep + N +

Prep + N
In this pattern, there will have two prepositions

and those prepositions are sometimes followed by verb
without being intransitive verbs. Besides, both of
prepositions have meanings. The first preposition
demonstrates departure process and the second
preposition will demonstrate arrival process. Here, for
instance below in the table:
N Subje Pre Nou

Verb Prep Noun
o. ct p n
1 She come from schoo to hous

137
s l e.
He Mand Yang
2 goes from to
alay on.
Burmese Pattern (10): Subj + S-PPM + Dep +

Dep-PPM + Tow + Tow-PPM + V + V-PM
In this Burmese structure as well, although there

will have two prepositions, sentence construction and its
concept will be distinct from English structure. In
Burmese’s concept, we do not name them prepositions
as in English, however we use them like preposition in
English. Here, the first of two prepositions demonstrate
departure process and the second preposition will direct
arrival or toward process. Then each proposition will
belong to affixes. The following is exemplary sentence
and clear detail in the table:
1. She comes from school to house.

2. He goes to Mandalay to Yangon.
No Subj S- Dep Dep- Tow Tow - V V-PM

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. PPM PPM PPM
1 θū mə ði kyauǹ hma ʔin θó lā ði.
2 θū ði Mandalay hma Yangon θó θwà ði.
4.3.2A Comparative Study of Complex

Sentence Structures
A complex sentence in English consists of an
independent clause plus a dependent clause. A
dependent clause starts with a subordinating
conjunction or a relative pronoun, and contains a
subject and verb, but does not express a complete
thought. According to grammatical principle, adverb,
adjective and noun clauses are especially included into
dependent clauses and complex sentences.
Complex sentences in Burmese contained an

independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
An independent clause had the ability to stand alone as
sentence which always makes a complete thought. In
Burmese grammatical rule as well, noun clause,
adjective clause and adverb clauses are included into
dependent clauses and complex sentences. Then, the
dependent clauses will have postpositional makers,
139
particles and conjunctions to join two or more

sentences. Example: ði, ko, θɔ, ló, mɛ, a kʰā, ka, hu, θɔ kyauǹ, θō lɛ etc.
4.3.1 A Comparison of Complex Sentence

Adverb Clause
An adverb clause in English isn't just any group of

words, however. A clause must contain a subject and a
verb to be complete. An adverb clause also begins with
a subordinating conjunction, such as after, if, because
and although and so on.
Adverb clauses in Burmese modify verbs and

begin with conjunctions. It usually modifies the verb.
Adverb clauses are introduced by conjunction including
/pyī nouʔ/ = after, /θō lɛ/ = although, /mə tai me/ = before, /θɔ kyauń/
= because, /hlyan/ = if, /mə hlyan/ = unless, and so on. These

conjunctions are just some of the more common ones.
Besides, the symbol “IC” below is independent

clause and “DC” is dependent clause. Here, the
researcher will find out only five sentences to be
portrayed and compared with diagrams. The followings
are sentences and diagrams:
1. People love him because he is rich.

a) IC: People love him.
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b) DC: Because he is
rich.
1. θū chaǹ θā θɔ kyauǹ lu twe ka θú ko chit kʰin kyá ði.
a) DC: θū chaǹ θā θɔ kyauǹ. (Because he is rich.)
b) IC: lu twe ka θú ko chit kʰin kyá ði. (People love him.)
2. My parents do not enjoy although I pass the

exam.
a) IC: My parents do not enjoy.
b) DC: Although I pass the exam.
141
2. tɕənɔ sā mɛ pwɛ́ ʔaun θō lɛ tɕənɔ miba myá ka mə pyō kyá bu.
a) DC: tɕənɔ sā mɛ pwɛ́ ʔaun θō lɛ. (Although I pass the
exam.)
b) IC: tɕənɔ miba myá ka mə pyō kyá bu. (My parents do
not enjoy.)
3. I come back to Myanmar after I get B.A in

Thailand.
a) IC: I come back to Myanmar.
142
b) DC: After I get B.A in Thailand.
3. tɕənɔ Thai nain ŋan hmā B.A bwɛ́ ko ra pyī nouʔ Myanmar pyay θó
pyan lā ði.
a) DC: tɕənɔ Thai nain ŋan hmā B.A bwɛ́ ko ra pyī nouʔ. (After I
get B.A in Thailand.)
b) IC: Myanmar pyay θó pyan lā ði. (I come back to
Myanmar.)
4. We will not meet teacher if we do not go to

office.
a) IC: We will not meet teacher.
b) DC: If we do not go to office.
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4. ŋā dó ði yune θó mə θwà hlyan sʰa rā ko twɛ hma mə huʔ bū.
a) DC: ŋā dó ði yune θó mə θwà hlyan. (If we do not go to
office.)
b) IC: sʰa rā ko twɛ hma mə huʔ bū. (We will not meet
teacher.)
5. We are at station before train leaves.

a) IC: We are at station.
b) DC: Before train leaves.
5. ra tʰà mə tʰwaʔ mi ŋā dó ði bū tā twin ʃí kyá ði.
a) DC: ra tʰà mə tʰwaʔ mi. (If Before train leaves.)
144
b) IC: ŋā dó ði bū tā twin ʃí kyá ði. (We are at station.)
4.3.2.2 A Comparison of Complex Sentence

Adjective Clause
All adjective clauses are dependent clauses. A
dependent clause is a group of words that consists of a
subject and a verb, yet it is not a complete sentence
that can stand alone. Adjective clauses begin with a
relative pronoun, which connects them to the word
they describe such as (who, whose, whom, which,
where, that) and so on.
In Burmese as well, adjective clauses which are

dependent clauses are a group of words. Even though
there consist of a subject and a verb, they are not
complete sentences that can stand alone. And also
adjective clauses in Burmese begin with a particle
maker, which connects and refers to nouns or pronouns.
145
The particle makers mostly used in adjective clauses are

tɛ́, θɔ, θí.
Here, the researcher will find out only five

sentences to be portrayed and compared with diagrams.
The followings are exemplary sentences and diagrams:
1. Jame who is a doctor works in Thailand.

a) IC: Jame works in Thailand.
b) DC: Who is a doctor.
1. sʰa rā wan tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ θɔ Jame ði Thai hmā ʔə luʔ luʔ ði.
a) DC: sʰa rā wan tiʔ youʔ pʰyiʔ θɔ. (Who is a doctor.)
b) IC: Jame ði Thai hmā ʔə luʔ luʔ ði. (Jame works in
Thailand.)
146
2. John who can speak English gets a good job.

a) IC: John gets a good job.
b) DC: who can speak English.
2. ʔin gə liʔ sa kà

ko pyɔ nain θɔ
John ði ʔə kauǹ
ra ði.
a)
DC: ʔin gə liʔ sa kà ko pyɔ nain θɔ. (Who can speak
English.)
b) IC: John ði ʔə kauǹ ra ði. (John gets a good job.)
3. I receive gift that she gives.

c) IC: I receive gift.
147
d) DC: That she gives.
3. θū mə pɛ̀ θɔ laʔ soun ko tɕənɔ laʔ kʰin ra ʃí ði.

a) DC: θū mə pɛ̀ θɔ. (That she gives.)
b) IC: laʔ soun ko tɕənɔ laʔ kʰin ra ʃí ði. (I receive gift.)
4. The sum that teacher gives is difficult.

a) IC: The sum is difficult.
b) DC: That teacher gives.
148
4. sʰa rā pɛ̀ liʔ θɔ puʔ sā ka kʰaʔ kʰe ði.

a) DC: sʰa rā pɛ̀ liʔ θɔ. (That teacher gives.)
b) IC: puʔ sā ka kʰaʔ kʰe ði. (The sum is difficult.)
5. A girl whom I love lives in Thailand.

a) IC: A girl lives in Thailand.
b) DC: Whom I love.
149
5. tɕənɔ sʰiʔ tɛ́ miń kʰə lɛ ka Thai hmā nɛ ði.

c) DC: tɕənɔ sʰiʔ tɛ́. (Whom I love.)
d) IC: miń kʰə lɛ ka Thai hmā nɛ ði. (A girl lives in
Thailand.)
4.3.2.3 A Comparison of Complex Sentence

Noun Clause
A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as
a noun. Noun clauses are used to name something
when a single word isn't enough. Therefore, they are
always going to be dependent clauses and these clauses
can't stand alone. If a dependent clause stands alone, it
forms a sentence fragment, it is not a full sentence.
Noun clauses begin with words such as how, that, what,
whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever,
who, whoever, and why. Noun clauses can act as
150
subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, predicate

nominatives, or objects of a preposition.
In Burmese grammatical way, dependent clause

acting the process of noun is called a noun clause. In
addition, noun clause can be divided into subjective
case and objective case because it acts the process of
both subject and object. Then postpositional maker is
especially used in noun clause such as hmā, ka, ko, ló, hu.
In this section as well, the researcher will point
out only five sentences to be portrayed and compared
with diagrams between both of languages. The
followings are exemplary sentences and diagrams:
1. What he said is true.

a) IC: Is true.
b) DC: What he said.
1. θū pyɔ tā ka ʔə hmiń ta rà pʰyiʔ ði.

151
a) DC: θū pyɔ tā ka. (What he said.)

b) IC: ʔə hmiń ta rà pʰyiʔ ði. (Is true.)
2. How he told me is dishonest.

a) IC: Is dishonest.
b) DC: How he told me.
c)
2. θū tɕənɔ ko pyɔ poń ka mə rō θà bū.

a) DC: θū tɕənɔ ko pyɔ poń ka. (How he told me.)
b) IC: mə rō θà bū. (is dishonest.)
152
3. I care what he says.

a) IC: I care.
b) DC: What he says.
3. θū pyɔ tā ko tɕənɔ gə ru siʔ tɛ.

a) DC: θū pyɔ tā ko. (What he says.)
b) IC: tɕənɔ gə ru siʔ tɛ. (I care.)
4. My mother says that I pass the exam.

153
a) IC: My mother says.

b) DC: That I pass the exam.
4. tɕənɔ sā mè pwɛ̀ ʔoun tɛ ló tɕənɔ rɛ́ ʔə me ka pyɔ tɛ.
a) DC: tɕənɔ sā mè pwɛ̀ ʔoun tɛ ló. (That I pass the
exam.)
b) IC: tɕənɔ rɛ́ ʔə me ka pyɔ tɛ. (My mother says.)
5. I see that he steals money.

a) IC: I see.
b) DC: That he steals
money.
154
5. θū pyiʔ sań kʰō tā ko tɕənɔ twɛ́ tɛ.

a) DC: θū pyiʔ sań kʰō tā ko. (That he steals money.)
b) IC: tɕənɔ twɛ́ tɛ. (I see.)
155
4.4 Similarities and Differences between English

and Burmese
In the section, the researcher will find out the

similarities and differences between English and
Burmese that I researched above. In basic components
of syntactic structure, there will have simply subjects,
verbs, objects, complement and adverbs in both of
languages.
4.4.1 Subject in English and Burmese
As mentioned in the previous section about

English and Burmese, both languages use both simple
and compound subjects in their sentences, however, in
English, the subject is usually at the beginning of
sentence unless there is a need for an adverb to
emphasis on by being put at the beginning of the
sentence. The following example shows the standard
and common position of the subject in an English
clause:
Subject in English Sentence
S V O Acir
156
They made a wooden in front of

floor me.
In Burmese about the concept of subject, on the

other hand, position of the subject is not necessarily
restricted to the beginning of the sentence. It can come
at the beginning, like in English, or after some other
elements such as adverbial phrase as Acir as in the
following example:
Subject in Burmese Sentence
Acir Acir Acir S V

2014 kʰu hniʔ hmā lɛ yan pʰyiń Yangon ka ne tɕənɔ
tʰwaʔ kʰwā kʰe tɛ.
In 2o14 by flight from I left.

Yangon
However, in both languages, the subject precedes

the verb of a normal sentence. In both languages, the
subject can be a single or plural noun or pronoun or a
combination of nouns and adjectives representing a
single or plural noun as subject of the sentence.
157
Another difference is in case of the subject as

apposition, which in Burmese does not take commas as
in English since Burmese does not use commas or other
punctuations the same way as in English.
4.4.2 Verb in English and Burmese
In English, the verb usually follows the subject of

the sentence unless there is a need for a conjunctive
adjunct or adverb to separate them temporarily. But in
Burmese concept, the verb does not necessarily follow
the subject although it usually comes after the subject.
In Burmese grammar, the verb comes at the end

of the sentence to complete the meaning. The following
examples show the position of the verb both in English
and Burmese for comparison:
Verb in Burmese
S Acir V
tɕənɔ dó hā Thai hma ʃí tɛ́ Pattayà kaǹ kʰye θó θwà kʰe kyá ði.
We to the beach in go.

Thailand
158
Verb in English
S V O
The soldiers saw these people.
In the above examples, "θwà kʰe kyá ði" (go) and

“saw” are the verb of the sentence, but in Burmese, the
verb comes at the end while in English, “saw” follows
directly the subject of the sentence “The soldiers”. The
very rule is true about the position of the verb which is
usually embedded in the verb of the clause.
4.4.3 Object in English and Burmese
As the name indicates, the object serves to

complete the argument in a given sentence. The
following examples compare the position of object in
English and Burmese clauses. Object can be classified
into two groups, as stated earlier. The first is direct
object which has different positions in English and
Burmese respectively. Direct object in English follow the
verb and subject of the sentence as in the following
example:
159
Direct Object in English Sentence
S V D-Obj
They like Thai food.
While in Burmese direct object preceded the verb

of the sentence and follows the subject if the sentence
is an active one.
Direct Object in Burmese Sentence
S D-Obj V
θū dó ði Thai ʔə sà ʔə sā ko kyiʔ hniʔ θaʔ ði.
They Thai food like.

Indirect object in English follows nearly the same
rule as in the case of direct object. Indirect object
always follows a transitive verb via a proposition as in
the following example:
Indirect Object in English Sentence
S V In-Obj D-Obj
She gives me an apple.

160
But in Burmese, indirect object, like direct object,

precedes the verb although it comes after the subject if
not necessarily following it immediately. In the following
example in Burmese, unlike in English, indirect object
"tɕənɔ ʔə twaʔ" (for me) comes before the verb "pyú luʔ pyin san pɛ̀
pā tɛ" (make) of the sentence.
Indirect Object in Burmese Sentence
D-Obj Adv In-Obj V

tɛʔ tā θɛ ɛ lɛ tiʔ loǹ ko ʔiʔ rā ʔə pʰyiʔ tɕənɔ ʔə twaʔ pyu luʔ pyin san pɛ̀ pā tɛ.
A very small as bed for me make.

box
4.4.4 Complement in English and Burmese
Intensive Complement in Burmese and English

have different orderings in sentence. As the following
examples presents a comparative display of the same
sentence in both languages, in English intensive
complement follows direct object which comes after
the verb and subject of the sentence. While in Burmese,
intensive complement does not follow direct object
161
necessarily, but it is positioned after subject and before

the verb which comes at the end of the sentence.
Complement in English Sentence
Complem
S V D-Object
ent
I Called My young John Soe.

friend
Complement in Burmese Sentence
Comple
D-Obj S V
ment
tɕənɔ miʔ swɛ lɛ ko tɕən ka John Soe ló kʰɔ pā tɛ.
My young I John Soe called.

friend
4.4.5 Adverb in English and Burmese
In both languages, adjuncts are adverbial,

nominal or prepositional groups of words which perform
as circumstances for the experiential meaning of a
162
sentence. As with English, Burmese recognizes three

kinds of Adjuncts namely circumstantial adjunct,
conjunctive adjunct and modal adjunct can be classified
which are compared as following:
The position of circumstantial adjunct in both

languages is illustrated in the following examples: As in
the following examples, in English circumstantial adjunct
can come after verb or at the beginning of the clause,
therefore, we can restate the following example as,
“That night, the storm started.”
Circumstantial Adjunct in English

Sentence
S V Acir
The storm stated that night.
If there are two circumstantial adjuncts (Acir),

they follow the order according to their importance and
relevance as in the following sample.
Two Circumstantial Adjunct in English

Sentence
163
S V Acir Acir
I was in the among the great

sea, waves
This position of circumstantial adjunct (Acir) in
English is similar to that in Burmese with the difference
that in Burmese the verb falls at the end of the
sentence. In the following examples, Acir, like in English,
can come after the subject or can be posited at the
beginning of the clause depending on its level of
emphasis.
Circumstantial Adjunct in Burmese Sentence
Acir S V
myó tʰɛ hmā sai twɛ ʔi twɛʔ ʔə myà kyī ʃí pā tɛ.
In the city a lots of shops and are.

houses
Circumstantial Adjunct in Burmese Sentence
S Acir V
hla pa tɛ́ naǹ tɔ kyī ka myó lɛ́ hmā ʃí tɛ.
A beautiful in the middle of was.

164
palace the city
Conjunctive adjunct (Acon) in English can come at

the beginning or at the end of the sentence as shown in
the following examples and the examples presented in
the relevant sections above:
Conjunctive Adjunct in English Sentence (1)
Acon S F V Acir
Then the can marc between your legs.

army h
Conjunctive Adjunct in English Sentence (2)
Acon S F Compl CC V
After I was very ill and wanted to

that bed.
165
In Burmese, “conjunctive adjunct” comes at the

beginning of the sentence. The examples below show
conjunctive adjunct in Burmese:
Conjunctive Adjunct in Burmese Sentence (1)
Acon S D-Obj V
dī dó hma θu dó ka θin kyò twɛ ko pʰɛ pɛ pā tɛ.
After that they the chain take off.
Conjunctive Adjunct in Burmese Sentence (2)
Acon S V
pa tʰa mə dó myaǹ twɛ ka kyauʔ pā tɛ.
At first the horses scared.
And finally, “modal adjunct” (Amod) is compared

in English and Burmese with the following examples:
In English, model adjunct (Amod) comes at the

beginning of a sentence followed by a comma, or
between the subject and the verb of the sentence and
after Finite if there is any in the sentence:
Model Adjunct in English Sentence (1)

166
Amod S V Acir
Suddenly my box went up in the air.
Comple
S F Amod V
ment
Our king will never know about

this.
But in Burmese, since the verb always comes at

the end of the clause, model adjunct (Amod) always
comes before the verb but in the sentence it has a
more flexible position in Burmese than in English. Model
adjunct (Amod) in Burmese can come after or before
subject and complement and other elements
depending on its degree of emphasis. The following
examples illustrate the different positions of model
adjunct (Amod).
Amod Compl Acir V

ruʔ tiʔ raʔ so θə lo tɕənɔ tiʔ tā lɛ̀ ka lɛ tʰɛ́ ko myauʔ pā θwā tɛ.
167
Suddenly My box In the air Go up.
S Acir Amod Acir V

tɕənɔ nya sā sà tɛ́ ʔə kʰā ʔə myɛ̀ pɛ́ ʔəme ʔənə̀ sa pwɛ̀ tʰiʔ hmā sà pà tɛ.
I when I had always on the table-top eat.

dinner near mother
The study of the sentences presented above in

this chapter according to the syntactic structures in
regard with subject, verb, object, complement and
adverb elements in Burmese and English comparatively
reveals some similarities and some differences between
the structures of these two languages under the
comparative study in this research. However, there are
some special cases in each language that are shared by
both and can be studied comparatively in a study like
the current one.
As mentioned above this comparative study,

English and Burmese belong to two different language
groups such as Asian and Indo-European. This is one of
168
the reasons why they have developed two different

sentence structures within themselves. Nevertheless, the
similarities between the two languages under question
originate from their belonging to the human species who
share a unique capability to produce linguistic structures
according to the same mind generally common among
all the members. This fact substantiates the existence of
similarities between two languages even from two
different regions with different backgrounds or origins.
The most important similarity between English and
Burmese is that both possess the same elements, that
is, all the subject, verb, object, complement and adverb
elements are applicable to clauses produced in both
languages. Subject, verb, object complement and
Adverb are available in both languages with similar
functions despite the differences they might have in
their positions within sentence.
As human languages, both English and Burmese

have subject which can consist of a simple and single
part of a noun or word, or a combination of different
words to form a compound subject. However, unlike
English, in Burmese sentence, subject is not necessarily
169
positioned before the verb and at the beginning of the

sentence. The same rule is true about the verb of the
sentence. In Burmese, verb does not necessarily follow
the subject, and unlike English, it can wrap up the
sentence by being positioned at the end of the
sentence.
Another difference between English and Burmese

sentence is the position of complement which in English
normally follows subject and verb but in Burmese
precedes them. Complement itself is divided into three
groups which more or less follow the same rule in either
language as the general position of Complement. In
active Burmese sentence, direct object comes between
subject and verb but in English direct object comes after
subject and verb. The function and position of indirect
object and intensive complement is Burmese and
English are similar to those of direct object and more or
less follow the same rule.
As the analysis reveals, there are also some

differences between English and Burmese sentences in
the function and position of circumstantial adjunct,
170
conjunctive adjunct and model adjunct formats. In

English circumstantial adjunct, conjunctive adjunct and
model adjunct can be positioned after verb or at the
beginning of the sentence. In case of are two
circumstantial adjunct in one sentence, the ordering of
both will be according to the emphasis the speaker
gives to either.
However, the position of circumstantial adjunct in

English sentence is very similar to that in Burmese with
the only difference that in Burmese it is the verb of the
sentence that comes at the end of the clause. Both in
English and Burmese, conjunctive adjunct comes at the
beginning or at the end of the sentence according to the
emphasis and condition of the sentence and its
elements within the context.
But the position of model adjunct is different in

English and Burmese sentence. In English model adjunct
is positioned at the beginning of a sentence followed by
a comma, or it falls between the subject and verb and
after Auxiliary. But in Burmese, due to the usual position
of verb at the end of the sentence, model adjunct is
171
positioned before the verb. But, as illustrated in the

sample sentences discussed earlier in the current
chapter, its position in Burmese is more flexible than in
English, for instance, in Burmese model adjunct can be
positioned after or before subject and direct object or
other elements according to amount of emphasis it gets
within the context and according to the preference of
the speaker.

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Chapter IV

This chapter deals with three objectives: to study

4.1 The syntactic structure in English.

4.1 The syntactic structure in English

In linguistics, "syntax" refers to the rules that

organization, which is also called syntax or syntactic

4.1.1 The Components of Basic Syntactic

In the parts of Sentences, there are subject,

sentence structure can sometimes be quite

complicated. For the sake of simplicity, however, the

The most common word order in English

The subject of a sentence is the person, place, or

The predicate expresses action or being within

The subject and predicate make up the two basic

The direct object receives the action of the

The indirect object indicates to whom or for

A subject complement either renames or

4.1.2 Four kinds of Sentence Structures

There are four types of sentences in English:

Complex One or One or Subordinate

The type of sentence is determined by how

4.1.2.1 A Study of Simple Sentence Structure

In English language, there are many different

A simple sentence consists of one independent

(1) Pattern: Subj + V

This type of simple sentence begins with a core

3 The birds fly.

(2) Pattern: Subj + V + In-Obj + D-Obj

This simple sentence begin with a core sentence

1 She gives me an apple.

2 John asks me a question.

(3) Pattern: Subj + V + Adj

This type of simple sentence begins with a core

3 The girls are talkative.

(4) Pattern: Subj + V + Adv

These simple sentences begin with a core

1 The girl walked away.

2 Lisa shouts loudly.

3 John smith speaks politely.

(5) Pattern: Subj + V + N

This types of simple sentences begin with a core

2 They are managers.

3 The boys are students.

4. Her wallet was in taxi.

This types of simple sentence begins with a core

1 The students are near teacher.

The central is universit

4 Her wallet was in taxi.

(7)Pattern: Subj + V + to – Inf + Obj

1. I want to study Thai language.

This types of simple sentences begin with a core

(8)Pattern: Subj + V + Obj + to – Inf + Obj

1.Mary reminds me to do homework.

These simple sentences begin with a core

N Subject Verb Object to Object

1 Mary reminds me to do homewor

2 My asks me to bring his books.

3 Boss told manage to shut computer