The document provides an overview of English syntax. It discusses key concepts like heads and modifiers in phrases, constituent structure, different types of constructions including active and passive voices, word classes, verbs and their subcategorization, clauses, and sentence structure. The summary focuses on the main topics and organization of the document to give a high-level understanding in 3 sentences:
The document introduces concepts of English syntax including heads and modifiers in phrases, constituent structure, word classes, verbs and their subcategorization, clauses, and sentence structure. It discusses the formation of phrases, clauses, and sentences from smaller linguistic units. The document also covers different types of syntactic constructions and how they can be transformed between active and passive voices.
5. Syntax deals with how words are put together to form phrases; how phases are joined to form clauses; and how clauses form sentences. Syntax enables speakers to compose complex messages in order to communicate effectively.
6. UNIT ONE : HEADS AND MODIFIERS The head of a phrase is the word that carries the most meaning. A modifier provides extra information about the head word. Houses These old houses The houses in my town
7. Modification According to Generative Grammar, Modification is the use of a word or structure to tell more about the person, thing, action or quality being modified.
8. **************** Heads and modifiers build different types of phrases Noun phrase : the large house Ad. phrase : very sad Prep. Phrase : in the garden Verb Phrase: w ork hard
9. The head word is the one that controls all other words in the phrase. The beautiful painting on the wall ‘ painting’ is the head word ‘ beautiful ’ and ‘ on the wall ’ are modifiers which draw attention to a particular item.
10. Types of Modifiers Modifiers are of two types: Complements are obligatory Adjuncts are optional Martha bought a book for Mike last week C (DO) Ad (PP
11. Phrases and Clauses A phrase is a unit of meaning, which enables speakers to refer to persons, things, actions, events , places, times and other situations. A clause is a larger structure formed basically by two main constituents: noun phrase (subject) and verb phrase (predicate).
12. UNIT TWO: Constituent Structure The way words form larger structures showing meaning. A constituent is a word or string of words expressing meaning. Ecuadorian tropical forest has a rich variety of animals NP: E cuadorian tropical forest VP: has a rich variety of animals
13. Tests to identify phrases 1. Transposition. Constituents can be moved from one position in the clause to another without altering meaning. Last Sunday, I went to the church I went to the church last Sunday
14. 2. Substitution It shows that a single word can substitute for a string of words hanging together as a constituent. We put the books on the desk We put the books there
15. 2. Substitution A single word can substitute for a string of words hanging together as a constituent. We put the books on the table We put the books there
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17. Unit three: Constructions Phrases, clauses and sentences are built out of smaller units according to particular patterns: The player jumped into the field NP VP player = play + er The player = det + noun Jumped into the field = verb + PP Into de field = P + NP
18. Criteria regarding constructions: Different constructions enable speakers to signal what they are doing with a particular structure to perform different speech acts as assertions, questions, or commands. Speakers and writers need a variety of constructions with different functions to use the language effectively in speaking and writing.
19. Copula Verb BE, look, seem, etc. Non-copula Other ordinary verbs Types of constructions
20. Both, copula and non-copula constructions cn be declarative, interrogaive and imperative Martha bought a new car Did Martha buy a new car? Buy a new car Non-copula clauses including transitive verbs can be transformed into passives. A new car was bought by Martha
44. Sentences contain more than one clause Compound Mary cooks lunch and Sam sets the table Complex Sam believes that his house is haunted
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46. Relative Clauses They modify nouns The book which you gave Laura is interesting. The boy who is at the door is very smart
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49. In complement clauses, the word THAT can not be replaced by a WH-word: Liz likes the idea that I will quit smoking * Liz likes the idea which I will quit smoking
50. Thank you God Bless You Questions? Mgs. Rosario María Burneo [email_address] Phone: 2570275 Ext.2326 Tutoring: 13:00 to 15:00, Monday - Friday