Syntax : A Linguistic Introduction to Sentence Structure

Brown, E. K., Miller, J. E.

ISBN 10: 0091386217 / ISBN 13: 9780091386214

Published by Penguin Random House, 1980

About this Item

Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.

Seller Inventory # 6674120-6

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Syntax : A Linguistic Introduction to Sentence Structure
• Publisher: Penguin Random House
• Publication Date: 1980
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0091386217
• ISBN 13: 9780091386214
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 2 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

Paperback in good condition. Minor edgewear and sunning to the cover. A few faint marks to the page block and upper leading corner of the half title page. Small bump and crease to the lower leading corner of the front cover and opening few pages. All text is clear. CM

From the Back Cover

The study of syntax is fundamental to linguistics and language study, but it is often taught solely within the framework of transformational grammar. This book is unique in several respects: it introduces the basic concepts used in the description of syntax, independently of any single model of grammar. Most grammatical models fail to deal adequately with one aspect of syntax or another, and the authors 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. This book will train students, of either linguistics or language, to understand and make the best use of any grammar they encounter. Secondly, the book deals with the whole of syntax from immediate constituents and relations between sentences. It also examines concepts like subject and object, agent and patient, topic, comment and theme. Thirdly, there is a section on morphology, and a discussion of the relationship between syntax and morphology. As a book which explains, in a lucid and approachable way, why linguists have adopted certain solutions to problems and not others, this will be an invaluable introductory text. It is profusely illustrated with diagrams, and there are sets of exercises for every chapter which can be used in class, or by students working independently. This second edition has been extensively revised to take account of recent developments in syntactic studies.