05 Syntax Free Online FlashCards

What does syntax study?

Syntax studies how words combine into phrases and sentences, and how their arrangement contributes to interpretation.

What makes sentence structure hierarchical?

Sentences have hierarchical structure: words form groups, and those groups can function as units within larger groups.

What is a constituent?

A constituent is a word or group of words that functions as a unit in a sentence.

How does substitution test for a constituent?

Substitution replaces a word group with another form that can occupy the same position. For example, “the curious child” can be replaced by “she.”

What does the movement test look for?

Movement tests whether a group can be moved together. For example, “the box” can be fronted in “The box, the child opened.”

How can question and answer reveal a constituent?

If a group can serve as a natural answer to a question, that supports treating it as a constituent. “The box” answers “What did the child open?”

How does coordination provide evidence for constituency?

Coordination joins groups of similar type with “and” or “or.” A group that coordinates naturally with another can be a constituent.

Why should analysts use multiple constituency tests?

Constituency tests provide evidence, not infallible rules. A test may fail in a particular construction, so analysts compare multiple diagnostics.

What role does a phrase’s head play?

A phrase’s head is its central word: it determines the phrase’s category and contributes key properties. For example, a noun heads a noun phrase.

How does a complement differ from a modifier?

A complement completes or is selected by a head; a modifier adds information. In “read the book carefully,” “the book” complements “read,” while “carefully” modifies the event.

What does a clause typically contain?

A clause typically contains a predicate and its associated participants. A sentence may contain one clause or combine several.

How do clause coordination and embedding differ?

Coordination joins clauses, as in “The child opened the box and the adult read the note.” Embedding places one clause inside another, as in “The child said that the box was open.”