Syntactic Theory

An introduction to a body of ideas that have been central to syntax. It considers how they have been developed in two broad frameworks: government binding theory and phrase structure grammar. This second edition is updated in the light of developments in syntax theory. Syntactic theory is central to the study of language. This innovative book introduces the ideas which underlie most approaches to syntax and shows how they have been developed within two broad frameworks: principles and parameters theory and phrase structure grammar. While other texts either concentrate on one theory or treat them as totally separate, here both approaches are introduced together, highlighting the similarities as well as the differences.Thoroughly updated in the light of major recent developments, this second edition includes expanded explanations of the main characteristics of the two theories, summaries of the main features, exercises reinforcing key points and suggestions for further investigation.