This textbook contains all the information you need if you are starting your studies of English syntax and acquainting yourself with the art of syntactic argumentation. It is complete, accessible, designed with those who have no previous knowledge of the topic in mind. It is engaging and easy to follow.
- Mariangela Spinillo, University of Westminster, UK,
This acclaimed textbook introduces almost everything we need to know about English syntax. In remarkably simple and concise languages, this revitalized edition covers essential concepts of syntax, step-by-step procedures for syntactic argumentation, and even applications of the covered syntactic knowledge to semantics, language variation and processing. This is a must textbook for the study of English syntax.
- Jong-Bok Kim, Kyung Hee University, South Korea,
This book provides a complete and detailed overview of modern English syntax, and offers a thorough grounding in the essentials of sentence structure and syntactic argumentation. Clear, accessible and comprehensive, it contains a wealth of material to support readers in consolidating their learning and knowledge at every step, from basic concepts to more advanced topics.
Now in its sixth edition, this textbook includes:
- fully updated chapters
- refreshed learning materials
- a fully revised glossary, list of reference works, and bibliography
Equipped with lists of key concept, exercises and further reading suggestions in each chapter, as well as a detailed answer key at the end of the book, this highly accessible, engaging and supportive text covers all the topics needed for a confident understanding of English syntax.
Preface to the Sixth Edition
Part I: Grammatical Form and Grammatical Function
1. Introduction
2. Grammatical Form: Words, Word Classes and Phrases
3. Grammatical Function
4. More on Form: Clauses and Sentences
5. The Grammatical Form – Grammatical Function Interface
Part II: Elaboration
6. Predicates, Arguments and Thematic Roles
7. Cross-categorial Generalisations: X-bar Syntax
8. More on Clauses
9. Movement
10. Tense, Aspect and Mood
Part III: Argumentation
11. Syntactic Argumentation
12. Constituency: Movement and Substitution
13. Constituency: Some Additional Tests
14. Predicates and Arguments Revisited
Part IV: Application
15. Information Packaging
16. Grammatical Indeterminacy
17. Case Studies
Glossary
Reference Works: Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Grammars and Other Publications on the English Language
Bibliography
Answer Key for the Exercises
Index