Synopses & Reviews
An understanding of syntax is fundamental to the study of linguistics and language; syntax, however, is often taught solely within the framework of transformational grammar. Hence, this book is unique in introducing the basic concepts used in the description of syntax independently of any single model of grammar.
Keith Brown and Jim Miller argue that an understanding of the concepts used in any full description of language is crucial for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of formal grammars. Formal approaches to some of these concepts are critically examined. Their book deals with the whole of syntax--from immediate constituents and relations between sentences--and examines concepts such as subject and object, agent and patient, topic, and comment and theme. They include a section on morphology and a discussion of its relationship to syntax. As Syntax includes graded exercises which can be taught either in class or used independently, the volume is designed to train students of either linguistics or language to understand and make the best use of any grammar they encounter.
Synopsis
The second edition of this invaluable introductory text takes account of developments in syntactic studies. Dealing with the whole range of syntax, this book explains, in a lucid and approachable way, why linguists have adopted certain solutions to problems and not others.
This book introduces the basic concepts used in the description of syntax, independently of any single model of grammar. Profusely illustrated with diagrams, there are sets of exercises for every chapter which can be used in class or by students working independently.