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Continuing Syntax

Continuing Syntax

Continuing Syntax

Hierarchy and Locality
Ian Roberts, University of Cambridge
June 2025
Paperback
9781009291675
c.
$36.99
USD
Paperback
USD
Hardback

    A logical and clear exposition of hierarchy and locality by a leading figure in the field, Continuing Syntax takes students from an introductory level of syntactic theory to an understanding of cutting-edge research in the field. A comprehensive range of topics is covered, including configurationality, head-movement, clause structure, nominal structure, subjacency, barriers and phases, ensuring that students have a thorough understanding of all the main components of contemporary theory. The many example sentences, extensive glossary, end-of-chapter exercises and annotated further reading lists allow readers to embed and extend their knowledge as they progress through the book. A self-contained work ideal for intermediate-level students, this volume also builds on the author's Beginning Syntax, and lays the foundation for a third volume, Comparing Syntax, which introduces formal syntactic typology.

    • Makes formal theory accessible and interesting for students with a range of abilities and academic backgrounds
    • Provides a clear rationale for syntactic notation, allowing students easily to make the link between terminology and theory
    • The second in a three volume series covering all of the essential elements of syntax
    • End-of-chapter exercises, full glossary, and annotated further reading lists

    Product details

    June 2025
    Paperback
    9781009291675
    450 pages
    244 × 170 mm
    Not yet published - available from June 2025

    Table of Contents

    • Preface
    • 1. Goals and basic assumptions
    • 2. Hierarchy I: phrase structure and grammatical functions
    • 3. Hierarchy II: c-command, head-movement and locality
    • 4. Hierarchy & categories I: refining the structure of the clause and the VP
    • 5. Hierarchy & categories II: the structure of nominals
    • 6. Case and the nature of infinitives
    • 7. Features, case and agreement
    • 8. Hierarchy and linear order
    • 9. The origins of hierarchy: bare phrase structure
    • 10. Wh-movement: unbounded dependencies, islands, subjacency and barriers
    • 11. Covert movement, copy theory and reconstruction
    • 12. Phases and phase impenetrability
    • 13. Types of locality: phases and relativised minimality
    • 14. The syntax of silence I: ellipsis
    • 15. The syntax of silence II: empty pronouns
    • 16. Wrapping up: parameters, features and futures.