More Syntax

1
More Syntax

• Introduction to the Study of Syntax 2
• Advanced Phrase Structure, Recursion, and Complex
  Clauses
• tt

2
Basic Clause Structures
S
Adjunct
Subject
Predicate
VP
NP
Operator
he
Aux
VP
Object
Predicator
will
NP
V
take
a cab
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Basic Clause Structures
S
Adjunct
Subject
Predicate
VP
Operator
Aux
VP
Perhaps
Object
Predicator
will
V
take
a cab
4
Basic Clause Structures
S
Adjunct
Subject
Predicate
VP
Operator
Maybe
she
Aux
VP
Object
Predicator
will
V
take
5
The formulation of rules
? reads can be rewritten as
6
The notion of recursion
7
Complex Clause Structures
S
Adjunct
Subject
Predicate
VP
Operator
S
S
Aux
VP
Object
Predicator
V
S
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Complex Clauses
Adverbial
Subject
Predicate
Verbal
Object
S S Because they have studied diligently NP
the students VP may pass NP their
exams
S S That they have studied diligently VP
pleases NP me
S NP The students VP claim S that they
have studied diligently
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S
Predicate
Subject
VP
NP
V
Pro
pleases
me
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S
Predicate
Subject
VP
NP
V
The students
claim
12
Finite non-finite
Every sentence (main, or root, clause) must
contain a finite verb!
A finite verb is a verb marked for tense
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Non-finite clauses
Subordinate (embedded) clauses may be finite or
non-finite
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Types of non-finite clauses
Subject
Predicate
Verbal
Object
Subject complement
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Types of non-finite clauses
Subject
Predicate
Adverbial
Verbal
Object
Present participle clause
S S Having studied diligently NP the
students VP may pass NP their exams
Past participle clause
S S Given enough time NP the students
VP may pass NP their exams
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Predicate
Subject
Infinitive clause accusative with infinitive
NP
VP
Object
D
N
V
The
professor
wants
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Predicate
Subject
Infinitive clause
NP
VP
Object
D
N
V
The
professor
wants
The professor is the logical subject of to
work
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S
Predicate
Subject
VP
VP
Aux
V
NP
will
please
D
N
the
students
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It can be interesting to study young people
S
Predicate
Subject
VP
S
VP
Aux
V
AP
can
be
interesting
20
Young people who study can be inter-esting
S
Predicate
Subject
VP
VP
Aux
V
AP
can
be
interesting
21
S
Predicate
Adjunct
Subject
VP
NP
VP
Aux
N
D
V
NP
may
students
the
pass
their exams
22
S
Predicate
Adjunct
Subject
NP
VP
VP
Aux
N
D
students
the
V
may
pass
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Test yourselves on these

• a. John is eager to please
• b. John is easy to please

• a. John persuaded Jill to see a doctor
• b. John promised Jill to see a doctor