Keywords

Syntax

L222.5

Chapter 5: Verb and Adjective Phrases

adverb (modifier)

verbal: adjoined to VP

left, right; monosyllabic only to the right.

VP --> {VP AP, AP VP}

For some Canadian speakers, the above rule is non-iterative.

The same speakers allow both a manner and a temporal adverb to modify the verb.

Now

Let Adv-m represent manner adverbs (slowly)

Adv-t represent temporal adverbs (often, never, always).

VP --> {VP AP-t, AP-t VP}

VP --> {VP AP-m, AP-m VP}

complement of V

argument

VP --> V {{NP) (PP) (CP), (AP)}

easy to passivize out of

John decided on the boat (to buy the boat)

The boat was decided on by John.

John decided on the boat on land (where he decided)

*Land was decided on.

*Land was decided on the boat on.

(Not always a safe test:

?*My neighbour's swimming pool was swum in.

My neighbour's swimming pool looks like it was swum in.

adjunct to VP

VP --> VP AP

VP --> VP PP

modifiers of the verb

temporal (at noon)

locative (in the kitchen)

manner (in a careful manner)

tend to have adverb counterparts

 

qualifier

Go to 222 Course Outline.

Go To Keywords 222 Spring 1999