Syntax_2003_assignment 1

ASSIGNMENT 1 (UNIT 3)_ GROUP ……….

Names Tasks %

Questions for discussion:

1. Underline the NPs in the following sentences and decide whether they function as subjects or
complements.
(a) Andy broke the window of my room.
-> Andy: Subject
-> the window of my room: Complement
(b) Everyone said they wanted a long holiday.
-> Everyone: Subject
-> they: Subject
-> a long holiday: Complement
2. Draw phrase markers:
(a) himself
reflexive
(definite)
pronouns

himself

(b) Elizabeth

name

Elizabeth
(c) you

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definite

you
3. Give two examples of Degree adverbs (not mentioned in the T’s notes). Explain why you think they
are Degree adverbs.
- so, too. Because these adverbs are used to modify adjectives (specifying the degree of the attribute
expressed by the adjectives) and they can’t stand alone.
4. Give two examples of General adverbs (not mentioned in the T’s notes). Explain why you think they
are general adverbs.
-undoubtedly, carefully. Because these adverbs are formed by adjectives with the addition of “-ly”,
they can be modified by degree adverbs, to form ADVERB PHRASES (AdvPs) and an Advp can
contain only one General Adverb so they can stand alone.
5. Draw phrase markers:
(a) slowly

General
adverb

slowly
(b) very slowly

Adverb
Phrase

very slowly
(c) quite oddly disturbing (experience)
S

AdvP-b A

DEG Adv distubring

quite oddly

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6. Give two examples of gradable adjectives (not mentioned in the T’s notes). Explain why you think
they are gradable.
- cuter, too elegant. Because “cuter” is the adjective “cute” accept the “-er” inflection and “too
elegant” is the adjective “elegant” accept the modification of degree adverb “too”.
7. Give two examples of non-gradable adjectives (not mentioned in the T’s notes). Explain why you
think they are non-gradable.
- dead, fatal. Because these words don’t accept the “-er/est” infection or modification by degree
adverbs.
8. Underline the APs in the following sentences and decide whether they function as modifiers or
complements?
(a) It was quite icy last night and my thin blanket couldn’t help.
-> complement
(b) The best-selling book which made me sad was so very touchy.
-> modifier
9. Give two examples of Prepositions followed by an NP.
- beneath the ground
- next to the house
10. (a) Give two examples of Prepositions that can stand alone as Prepositional phrases in their own
right (i.e. single-word PPs).
- there, here.
(b) What meanings do these single-word PPs express?
- These single-word PPs express the location
11. Replace each PP by a single word:
- to/in a foreign country -> there
- on the upper floor-> upstairs
- on the day before today-> yesterday
- on the day after today -> tomorrow
12. Give examples of five co-ordinate conjunctions.
Note: What does FANBOYS stand for?
- for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
13. What is the most important principle about the two constituents linked by a co-ordinator?
- the two constituents / sisters must be of the same category.
14. Underline the coordinate constituents and state their categories (Note: (d) is ambiguous).

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(a) “towel”, “razor” -> Nouns

(b) “brothers”, “sisters” –> Nouns
(c) “stopped”, “offered” –> Verbs
(d) “dog”, “pets” –> Nouns
(e) “slowly”, “surely” –> Adverbs
(f) “during the performance”, “at the following party” –> Prepositions
(g) “was”, “refused” –> Verbs
15. Draw phrase markers:
(a) here and there

PP
P and P
here there
(b) now or in the future

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PP

P or PP

now P NP

in the future
(c) very hot but quite pleasant

AP

AP but AP

DEG A DEG A

very hot quite pleasant

(d) in Asia or Africa

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PP
PP or NP
P name name
in Asia Africa
(e) fast and very carelessly

AdvP

Adv and AdvP

fast DEG Adv

very carelessly