Generative Syntax (LIN321) - Complete Study Pack
This pack contains:
1. Extensive course notes on Generative Syntax (LIN321)
2. Exam answers with seven worked tree diagrams
3. Quick revision cheat sheet for last-minute review
Part I: Extensive Course Notes
Introduction to Generative Syntax
Generative syntax is the branch of linguistics concerned with the rules, principles, and structures
that govern sentence formation in natural languages. Developed within Chomsky’s framework, it
explains how humans can generate an infinite number of grammatical sentences from a finite set of
rules.
Goals of Generative Syntax
1. To explain how sentences are generated from underlying rules. 2. To distinguish between deep
structure (meaning) and surface structure (form). 3. To represent sentences hierarchically using
tree diagrams. 4. To account for syntactic variation across languages.
Core Concepts in Generative Syntax
- Constituency and Constituency Tests - Phrase Structure Rules (PSR) - X-bar Theory - Deep vs.
Surface Structure - Transformations (movement, passives, dative shift, etc.)
Subtopics in LIN321
1. Introduction to Syntax & Generative Grammar 2. Phrase Structure Grammar 3. Constituency and
Constituency Tests 4. X-bar Theory 5. Transformational Grammar (NP-movement, Wh-movement,
Passive, etc.) 6. Binding Theory (Principles A, B, C) 7. Theta Theory (Thematic Roles: Agent,
Theme, Experiencer, etc.) 8. Case Theory (Nominative, Accusative, etc.) 9. Government and
Binding Framework (GB Theory) 10. Minimalist Program (recent developments)
Why Generative Syntax Matters
- Helps us understand language universals and variation. - Useful in language teaching, NLP, AI,
translation, and speech processing. - Explains how humans produce and interpret infinite
sentences.
Part II: Exam Answers with Tree Diagrams
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. We had said it many times
4. Mary must have been known by then
5. Australia was beaten by Nigeria Super Falcons (Passive)
6. Nigeria Super Falcons beat Australia (Active)
7. Hannah bought James ten bags of rice
Part III: 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.
