A Critical Account of English Syntax: Grammar, Meaning, Text - Paperback

by Keith Brown (Author), Jim Miller (Author)

Tackling the role of syntactic constructions in text, this companion brings out the connections between syntactic structures and semantics/pragmatics and the function of different clausal structures in written and spoken texts. It also draws attention to variation in standard written English, to the grammatical structures and discourse devices in spoken English, and to ongoing changes in English grammar. It focuses on the concepts of descriptive grammar as extended and refined over the last fifty years.

• Encyclopedic format gives immediate access the most relevant topic
  Cross-referencing allows students to follow a thread and explore the interrelationships between syntactic structures
• Innovative structure of the volume enables lecturers to decide the order in which they wish to discuss topics and to prescribe reading

This is a practical yet flexible reference that you can return to again and again, whether it be for learning, research or teaching.

Back Jacket

'Brown and Miller are observers par excellence of what Henry Sweet called the "real life of language". Their fascination with constructions that typify spoken and non-standard Englishes set this new book on English syntax apart. It will become a landmark in the writing of grammars for the twenty-first century.' Karen Corrigan, Newcastle University A descriptive and comprehensive account of English syntax and grammar Tackling the role of syntactic constructions in text, this companion brings out the connections between syntactic structures and semantics/pragmatics and the function of different clausal structures in written and spoken texts. It also draws attention to the variation in standard written English, the grammatical structures and discourse devices in spoken English, and the ongoing changes in English grammar. It focuses on the concepts of descriptive grammar as extended and refined over the last fifty years. Key Features - Encyclopaedic format gives immediate access to the most relevant topics - Cross-referencing allows students to follow a thread and explore the interrelationships among syntactic structures - Innovative content structure enables lecturers to decide the order in which topics are discussed and reading is prescribed This is a practical yet flexible reference book that can be returned to again and again, whether it be for learning, research or teaching. Keith Brown is an Affiliated Lecturer in the department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge. Jim Miller is Emeritus Professor and Honorary Fellow in Linguistics and English Language, The University of Edinburgh. Cover image: Cover design: [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN [PPC] 978-0-7486-9608-6 ISBN [cover] 978-0-7486-9610-9 Barcode

Author Biography

Affiliated lecturer, Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge

Jim Miller is Emeritus Professor at the University of Edinburgh, where he had a personal chair in Linguistics and Spoken Language. He works on the syntax and discourse organisation of spoken and written language, grammar and semantics, standard and non-standard languages, and literacy.