Introduction to Linguistics: SYNTAX I.
1. Introduction
Syntax: The system of rules and categories that underlies sentence formation in human language. This
component of grammar is both creative and systematic.
2. Categories and Structure
2.1 Word-level categories
 Lexical categories
 Non-lexical/Functional categories
a. Cancer is destroying his body's ability to produce white blood cells.
b. But tariffs on such key goods as steel, agricultural produce, vehicles, and textiles average
between 25 and 50 percent.
How can we determine a word’s category?
a. meaning
b. inflection
c. distribution
2.2 Phrase structure
XP→(Specifier) X (Complement)
specifier:
head:
complement:
NP→(Det) N (PP)
VP→(Aux) V (NP)
AP→(Deg) A (PP)
PP→(Deg) P (NP)
Can you see the toy under the table?
I will call you.
I am not quite sure of the facts.
We are almost in the house.
X’ schema/theory:
3. Sentences
S → NP VP
e.g. The baby is sleeping.
Revised rule:
IPNP I’
I’I VP
e.g. The teacher left.
3.1 Tests for Phrase Structure
The Substitution Test
The children stopped [PPat the corner], and we stopped there too.
The Movement Test
We had a BBQ [PPon Sunday]. [PPOn Sunday], we had a BBQ.
The Coordination Test
John [VPenjoyed the book] and [VPliked the play].
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Introduction to Linguistics: SYNTAX I.
3.2 X' Categories
on the roof
drink some wine
The XP Rule:
XP→(Specifier) X'
The X' Rule:
X'→ X (Complement)
4. Complement Options
The XP Rule (revised):
XP→(Specifier) X (Complement*)
eat (a sandwich)
almost (in the house)
Subcategorization frames for verbs (provide info about complement options):
eat vs. devour
put
buy
open
Complement options for other categories
a. the memory of a friend, an argument with Stella about politics
b. curious about China, fond of chocolate
c. in the house, down into the cellar
Complement clauses
He asked me whether I wanted to play golf this afternoon.
Identify the following concepts in the example above:
complement clause:
matrix clause:
complementizer:
e.g. ‘My husband hopes[CPthat the team will win].’
Some verbs permitting CP complements:
believe, know, think, tell, promise, hope, remember
Other categories with CP complements:
proof that Eric will leave
certain that Eric will leave
5. Transformations
MERGE

DEEP STRUCTURE (DS)

MOVE

SURFACE STRUCTURE (SS)
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Introduction to Linguistics: SYNTAX I.
Move operations
(i) Inversion: Move I to C.
(ii) Wh Movement: Move wh phrase to the specifier position under CP.
Do Insertion: Insert interrogative do into an empty I position.
Inversion
Can your son walk?
DS: Your son can walk.
Transformation: Can your son _ walk?
Do Insertion
That guy works. ->Does that guy work? (insertion rule above!!!)
DS formed by Merge  structure after Do Insertion  SS after Inversion
Activity 1 Draw a tree structure for the following examples that complies with the X’ schema.
a. full of mistakes
b. a film about pollution
c. the success of the program
Activity 2 Draw the appropriate tree structure for each of the following sentences.
a. Those guests should leave.
b. The student lost the debate.
c. The manager may offer a raise.
Activity 3 Draw two phrase structure trees for the following sentence to show that it is
(structurally) ambiguous.
The boy saw the man with a telescope.
HW Draw a tree structure for the following sentence.
a. Bill reported that a student asked whether the eclipse would occur.
b. Will the boss hire Hillary?
c. Might the player leave the team?
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