7. Syntax

Syntax

rules that language uses to combine words into phrases and to express logical relations between constituents of construction

syntactic relation: Constituency

Structure y is contained in structure x

• largest unit can be substituted by single form like pronoun

• can only be moved as whole

• if optional, can be emitted as whole

syntactic relation: Complementation

Structure x and structure y require each other to form structure z of higher level (e.g. this + week = this week)

syntactic relation: Modification

structure x is accompanied by optional structure y that provides additional information but does not change syntactic behavior (e.g. cold → very cold)

Syntax is recursive

Number of forms and levels in syntactic construction theoretically unlimited

Forms of English syntax

Phrases + clauses (intermediate level), words (lowest level), sentences (highest level)