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HI-LING

LINGUISTICS IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

UNIT 2: VIOLATION OF MAXIMS

Lesson 4: Phrase Structure Rules

Definition: 

Phrasal structure rules are like building blocks for sentences, defining how words and phrases fit together. They describe the structure of a sentence in a hierarchical way, with smaller parts combining to form larger ones. Imagine a tree with branches representing different parts of a sentence. Phrasal structure rules help us understand which words or phrases can go where and how they create meaning. These rules use symbols to represent different types of language elements, like nouns or verbs, and show how these elements can be put together. They also allow for repetition and flexibility in constructing sentences. So, they're like the grammar rules that guide how we organize words to express our thoughts clearly and effectively.

Key Concepts

  • Phrases: A phrase is a closed grammatical unit of the size between a word and a clause. You can think of phrases like puzzle pieces that fit into sentences to make them clear and meaningful. Phrases are made up of a head, which defines their grammatical nature e.g in ‘the old man’ the man (noun) is the head of the noun phrase.

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  • Phrase structure grammar: Phrase structure grammar is generative – meaning that it helps us form new sentences.

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  • Phrase structure rules: There are several phrase structure rules that help us combine words in to various types of phrases (noun phrase NP, verb phrase VP, adverb phrases AdvP, ect.) and then also help us assemble these phrases to form complete sentences. 

Heads up:

As phrase structure rules are generative, they are closely linked to the creation of our own and new sentences. In order to demonstrate how these rules affect our use of language, we are going to start off this lesson by creating our own sentences. It might be helpful to keep your procedure in sentence construction in mind, especially when working on Unit 1 later on.

Activity 1:

 

Use words from the ‘Word-Box’ to create four sentences. Feel free to modify words according to your needs. E.g. changing 'drink' to 'drinks' is completely fine.  Experiment with different phrase length and structure, but make sure to use a minimum of 5 words per sentence!

Remember that these are just a few possible solutions. Your sentences can look completely different! A) I have a very shy dog. B) The bald chef wants shiny hair. C) Yesterday, my brother was talking loudly. D) Our new house is being built in the big city.

Phrase Structure Rule

NP -> D N: This rule describes the structure of a noun phrase (NP), which typically consists of an optional determiner (D), a noun (N). 

Syntax Tree Example

VP -> V : This rule describes the structure of a verb phrase (VP), which consists of a verb (V). A verb phrase is often followed by a NP (noun phrase) and/or a PP (prepositional phrase).

AdvP -> Adv : This rule describes the structure of an adverbial phrase (AdvP), which consists of an adverb (Adv).

AdjP -> Adj: This rule describes the structure of an adjectival phrase (AdjP), which consists of an adjective (Adj) and is often (but not necessarily!) followed by a noun.

PP -> P NP: This rule describes the structure of a prepositional phrase (PP), which consists of a preposition (P) followed by a noun phrase (NP).

Activity 2:

 

Identify the phrase structure of the sentences which you created at the start of the lesson. 

Illustrate the structure of your sentences using syntax trees, similar to the example above.

Click the button below for examples of our own sentences and syntax trees!

Final thoughts for this lesson

  1. Understanding Sentences: I now know how sentences are put together and that there's a method to analyze them.

  2. Thinking Analytically: Breaking down sentences has improved my analytical skills and attention to detail.

  3. Syntax Trees: I have learned a specific method of breaking down a sentence into its smaller components

Bibliography:

Carnie, A. (2021). Syntax: A generative introduction. John Wiley & Sons.

Kim, J. B., & Sells, P. (2008). English syntax: An introduction. Stanford, CA: CSLI publications.

McHugh, A. (n.d.). An intro to phrase structure rules. Linguistics Network. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://www.linguisticsnetwork.com/an-intro-to-phrase-structure-rules/

Shapiro, L. P. (1997). Tutorial: An introduction to syntax. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 40(2), 254-272.

Van Valin, R. D. (2001). An introduction to syntax. Cambridge university press.

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