Lecture E: Phrase functions and clause functions Syntax Week 4

functions of phrases and clauses What do the words in a phrase do? What do phrases inside phrases do? What do the phrases in clauses do?

English rule: VP  V (NP) (NP) (PP)* Awa Pit rule: VP  (NP) V

The head of a phrase A head is: always grammatically obligatory (a phrase may consist of the head only) the element within a phrase that relates to elements outside the phrase.

All phrases have heads The head of a NP is a Noun The head of a AdjP is an Adjective The head of a VP is a Verb and so on… Do clauses have heads? yes, but rather than the head being a word, it’s a VP.

What else does a phrase consist of besides a head? A phrase may also contain one or more words (or phrases) which are not grammatically obligatory. These elements are called dependents

Dependents Different phrases have different types of dependents Types of dependents can be classified by their position in the phrase Before the head - Pre-head dependent After the head - Post-head dependent or by their function in the phrase Which functions occur in which phrases? Which phrase types can be used in which functions?

Functions in the Noun Phrase The Determiner Pre-head dependent Always occurs first in the NP NOTE The determinER is a function, which is most frequently filled by words of the class determinaTIVE. The determiner function may also be filled by a genitive (or possessive) NP

Examples of Determiners

The Pre-head Modifier in NP Occurs before the head, but after the determiner, if there is one. Usually filled by AdjP May also be filled by a reduced NP There may be more than one PreHM in a NP

Examples of PreHMs in NP

The Post-head Modifier in NP Occurs following the head Typically filled by PP or S There may be more than one PostHMs in a NP

Examples of PostHMs in NP

the small boy Detr:Detv PreHM:AdjP Head:N with the large dog PostHM:PP

The Complement in NP Similar to PostHMs in many respects: Has a post-head position Usually filled by PP or S The difference between a complement and a modifier lies in the relationship with the head. There are ways to test this difference.

Distinguishing between (post-head) Modifiers and Complements Restrict the possible reference of an NP. Give additional information about the head, such as an attribute or property. eg. Which cat did you see? The cat with white fur.

Complements: Complete the structure/meaning associated with the head. Usually cannot be left out of the phrase. eg. My insistence on punctuality is well known. *My insistence is well known. *Which insistence? (Insistence on what?)

Modifiers: Complements: Can be filled by PPs beginning with a variety of prepositions. eg. The boy with the dog /in the tree /outside the house /on the swings. Complements: Have little or no flexibility in the choice of preposition - it is controlled by the head noun. eg. My interest in /*on /*at /*with syntax

Nouns which take complements are often related to verbs. Some of these verbs are also followed by a PP with the same preposition as found in the NP complement. eg. My insistence on punctuality I insist on punctuality If the verb does not take a following PP, the noun usually takes a PP complement starting with of. eg. I dislike spandex My dislike of spandex

Functions in the Adjective Phrase The Pre-head Modifier in AdjP Basically restricted to degree adverbs eg. very, extemely, rather, so and too.

The Complement in AdjP Similar to complement in NP Typically a PP or S Has close relationship to head - completes the structure/meaning of the head Restrictions on the type of complement, depending on the head Adj eg. mad about /at /*on /*in /*with intrigued by /that /*at /*in

Functions in the Adverb Phrase The Pre-head Modifier in AdvP Can only be filled by a degree adverb The Complement in AdvP Filled by a PP or S Point to note: A complement is only allowed in AdvP when there is also a PreHM. eg. too quietly to hear

Functions in the Preposition Phrase The Pre-head Modifier in PP Filled by AdvP (head-only) eg. just around the bend, right beside you The Complement in PP Usually filled by NP, but also PP or S eg. outside the house, over behind the couch, before you leave the room

Hierarchical structure - phrases within phrases