X-bar Flashcards
In syntactic trees, every node corresponds to what
a constituent
What is the x-bar theory
all phrases can be described with the same structure
What is the basic english phrase structure. and component
x-bar. Phrase head: obligatory nucleuse of the phrase. Phrases are endocentric.
specifier: edge of a phrase
sometimes required. typically not a phrase on its own
complement: provides info about the head. May be optional. A phrase on its own
what is closer to heads
complements. (sole purpose of X’ node).
Phrases can have many complements or many specifier?
many complements but one specifier.
What is merge operation
Constituents can be nested in other constituents. Recursion
what is syntax tree shorthand
triangle (constituent is not important)
give example of modals
will, can, might
True or false. all sentence have a tense
true. overt or covert.
what is a modal
it replaces tense. might, can, might
what is endocentricity
head is contained in the phrase
what is syntactic ambiguity
same string of words can correspond to different syntactic structures - different meanings
ex: i shot an elephant in my pyjamas
what are noun phrases
head: noun
specifier : determiner
complement: usually pp
what are verb phrases
head: verb
specifier : preverbal adverbs (never quit)
complement: NP, AdvP, PP
SEE table 5.5
What is an adjective phrases
head: adjective
specifier: degree word
complement: PPs -very tall
