1. Syntax Phrase and Clause in Present-Day English

2. The X’ phrase system Any X phrase in PDE consists of: – an optional specifier – X’ (X-bar) which is the head + complement The noun phrase “those children” NP Det N’ those N children

3. Phrases in PDE Noun phrase – Specifiers may be determiners Verb phrase – Specifiers may be adverbs or auxiliary verbs Adjective phrase – Specifiers may be degree words or qualifiers Prepositional phrase – Specifiers may be degree words or qualifiers

4. Verb phrase diagrammed The phrase is “nearly finished” VP Adv V’ nearly V finished No complement

5. Adjective phrase diagrammed The phrase is “very happy” AP Qual / Deg A’ very A happy No complement

6. Propositional phrase diagrammed The phrase is “over the rainbow” PP P’ P NP(comp) over Det N’ the N rainbow no specifier!

7. One Phrase May Fit Inside Another A VP may have an NP as its complement, as in “walked the dog” VP V’ V NP (compl) walked Det N’ the N dog