Cover of Syntactic Theory: A Formal Introduction

Syntactic Theory: A Formal Introduction

This second edition of Syntactic Theory: A Formal Introductionexpands and improves upon a truly unique introductory syntax textbook. Like the first edition, its focus is on the development of precisely formulated grammars whose empirical predictions can be directly tested. There is also considerable emphasis on the prediction and evaluation of grammatical hypotheses, as well as on integrating syntactic hypotheses with matters of semantic analysis.

Read more

The book covers the core areas of English syntax from the last quarter century, including complementation, control, "raising constructions," passives, the auxiliary system, and the analysis of long distance dependency constructions. Syntactic Theory's step-by-step introduction to a consistent grammar in these core areas is complemented by extensive problem sets drawing from a variety of languages.

The book's theoretical perspective is presented in the context of current models of language processing, and the practical value of the constraint-based, lexicalist grammatical architecture proposed has already been demonstrated in computer language processing applications. This thoroughly reworked second edition includes revised and extended problem sets, updated analyses, additional examples, and more detailed exposition throughout.

Praise for the first edition:

"Syntactic Theory sets a new standard for introductory syntax volumes that all future books should be measured against."—Gert Webelhuth, Journal of Linguistics

Audience
adult
Length
epic · 608 pages

Click a tag to see books like this one that share it. Point at it (on a phone, tap it) for less of it instead.

Read it? Sign in to help tag it.

Liked Syntactic Theory: A Formal Introduction? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked Syntactic Theory: A Formal Introduction. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. Minimalist Syntax Shares linguistics, syntax, textbooks
  2. Core Syntax: A Minimalist Approach Shares linguistics, syntax, nonfiction
  3. Introduction to Government and Binding Theory Shares linguistics, syntax, nonfiction
  4. Syntax: A Generative Introduction Shares linguistics, syntax, textbooks

“If you want more of the same, start with these.”

  1. Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go (Beginner and Elementary Go Books)
  2. The Hidden Curriculum: Practical Solutions for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations
  3. James Bond Encyclopedia
  4. Pocket Dictionary of Signing, Revised and Expanded

“If it was the linguistics that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. Aspects of the Theory of Syntax
  2. Describing Morphosyntax: A Guide for Field Linguists
  3. What Is Morphology?
  4. Introducing Phonology

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. Introducing English Grammar
  2. Cognitive Linguistics: An Introduction
  3. Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling, Third Edition
  4. Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application