English Syntax and Argumentation

Palgrave Modern Linguistics

by Bas Aarts

This successful textbook gives students a thorough grounding in the basics of sentence structure and acquaints them with the essentials of syntactic argument. Now updated and expanded, the third edition features an additional chapter on grammatical indeterminacy, a case study on subordinating conjunctions and prepositions, and new exercises.

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction, School

323 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

About the author

Bas Aarts is Professor of English Linguistics and Director of the Survey of English Usage at University College London, UK. His research interest is in the field of syntax, more specifically verbal syntax. He has published widely in the field and is one of the founding editors of the journal English Language and Linguistics.

Reviews

[Kyo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Sometimes unnecessarily complicated, especially concerning the linguistic jargon was a bit excessive at times. I had already covered almost all of the content for another class, but this was a strange mix of very basic stuff ('what is a verb?') and complicated stuff.

The added chapters about discourse were interesting and clear though, and throughout the book most examples are well-given and well-explained.

[Suzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah okay, so I didn't finish this book (it's not my fault that I didn't have to learn everything from this book!!), BUT I still think it was quite interesting (especially the part about the tree diagrams). The only downside of this book is that it can be a little inconsistent sometimes.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

We use a different method to draw the three at my university and I prefer that; it is much more consistent and logical. Apart from that, Aarts' book is clear and fairly easy to follow. I liked syntax much better than I thought I would. We did not really delve into the argumentation part, though, so I can't say much about that.

[Nikola Janevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I come to over and over again. It is the first book that helped me understand English Grammar instead of memorizing grammar rule. It focuses a lot on Function which I love. I highly recommend it but be prepared it is not for a serious learner of the English syntax.

[and · Rating 3 out of 5]

read only chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4 for my english language exam.

[nacpanatlenem · Rating 4 out of 5]

zdałam sesję więc kocham tą książkę MAY I NEVER LOOK AT THIS EVER AGAIN, RESPECTFULLY

[Dave Wiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me understand clauses easier