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What are the type of structures
In the structural approach, we have four kinds of structure namely sentence patterns, phrase patterns, formulas, and idioms.
Sentence pattern
As defined by French, “the word pattern means a model from which many things of the same kind and shape can be made like houses which look the same or shoes made alike or several lorries all of the same sizes and shape through perhaps of different colours.
A sentence pattern is therefore a model for a sentence which will be of the same shape and construction although made up of different words.” The sentence may be of different designs e.g., I am his brother. Is he a boy? She is my friend. Laila was not my neighbour.
Phrase Pattern
A phrase is a word or a group of words which express an idea. Some of the phrase patterns are out of sight, in the bag, in the school, on the table, under the bed, etc.
Formulas
Formulas mean a group of words used regularly on certain occasions e.g.; how do you do? ; Good morning; Thank you; my pleasure; Good bye etc.
Idioms
These are the group of words taught as a whole and not as separate entities, otherwise, they lose their real meaning e.g. something fishy about it, born with a silver spoon, caught red-handed etc.