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Generative Syntax Cheat Sheet for LIN321

Generative syntax examines the rules enabling the creation of infinite grammatical sentences, based on Chomsky's Universal Grammar. Key concepts include constituency, phrase structure rules, transformations, and binding theory, which governs the relationships between pronouns and their antecedents. The cheat sheet also outlines theta roles and provides tips for constructing tree structures in exams.

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10 views1 page

Generative Syntax Cheat Sheet for LIN321

Generative syntax examines the rules enabling the creation of infinite grammatical sentences, based on Chomsky's Universal Grammar. Key concepts include constituency, phrase structure rules, transformations, and binding theory, which governs the relationships between pronouns and their antecedents. The cheat sheet also outlines theta roles and provides tips for constructing tree structures in exams.

Uploaded by

admiralessienub
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Generative Syntax (LIN321) - Quick Revision Cheat

Sheet

Definition
Generative syntax studies the rules & principles that allow humans to generate infinite grammatical
sentences. Rooted in Chomsky’s theory of Universal Grammar.

Core Concepts
• Constituency (phrases as units: NP, VP, PP, etc.) • Phrase Structure Rules: S → NP VP; NP →
(Det) (Adj) N (PP); VP → V (NP) (PP) • X-bar Theory: XP → Spec X′; X′ → X (Complement) • Deep
vs. Surface Structure: underlying meaning vs. spoken/written form • Transformations: Passive,
Wh-movement, NP-movement, Dative shift

Key Transformations with Examples


1. Passive: The boy kicked the ball → The ball was kicked by the boy 2. Wh-Movement: She bought
what? → What did she buy? 3. Dative Shift: Hannah bought ten bags of rice for James → Hannah
bought James ten bags of rice

Binding Theory (Pronouns/Reflexives)


• Principle A: Reflexives (himself, herself) must refer to antecedent in same clause • Principle B:
Pronouns (he, she) must not refer to local antecedent • Principle C: R-expressions (John, Mary)
cannot be bound

Theta Roles (Semantic Roles)


• Agent: doer of action (Mary) • Theme: entity affected (the book) • Experiencer: one who feels
(John in 'John likes music') • Goal/Recipient: target of action (James in 'She gave James a gift')

Sample Exam Tree Structures


1. The man said [that the Super Falcons will win today’s match]. 2. We elected him [the ninth
president of the Nigerian Senate]. 3. Mary must have been known by then.

Tips for Exams


✔ Always identify NP, VP, PP correctly before drawing trees. ✔ Mark tense/aspect/modal
auxiliaries in I-bar position. ✔ Remember complement clauses attach under VP or CP. ✔ Show
movement clearly with traces (t) in advanced trees.

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