Generative Grammar Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which type of sentence is characterized by a command or request?

  • Exclamatory Sentence
  • Imperative Sentence (correct)
  • Declarative Sentence
  • Interrogative Sentence

    • Tag questions typically end with a statement followed by a question phrase that confirms or clarifies.

    True

    What is the primary function of an interrogative sentence?

    To ask a question

    In sentence inversion, the subject and auxiliary verb are often ______.

    <p>switched</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the sentence type with its description:

    <p>Tag Question = A question added to a statement to confirm information Echo Question = A repetition of a question for clarification Imperative Sentence = A command or request Interrogative Sentence = A sentence that asks a question</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly represents a possible form of sentence inversion?

    <p>Does he sing well?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Imperative sentences can only be in the present tense.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of echo questions?

    <p>To seek clarification or repetition of information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an imperative sentence?

    <p>Please close the door.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Interrogative sentences are used to make statements.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a tag question?

    <p>A tag question is a short question added at the end of a declarative sentence to confirm information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sentence 'She loves pizza, ___ she?' is an example of a ______ question.

    <p>tag</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sentence demonstrates inversion?

    <p>Never have I seen such beauty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Echo questions repeat part of a previous question to seek clarification.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are interrogative sentences primarily used for?

    <p>Interrogative sentences are primarily used to ask questions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the sentence types to their appropriate functions:

    <p>Declarative = Makes a statement Interrogative = Asks a question Imperative = Gives a command Exclamatory = Expresses strong emotion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a prescriptive grammar rule?

    <p>Do not use 'impact' as a verb.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Prescriptivists believe that language changes are typically beneficial.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common prescriptive rule regarding sentence structure?

    <p>Do not end a sentence with a preposition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to prescriptive rules, one should not use 'hopefully' as a ______ adverb.

    <p>sentence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following sentence structures with their definitions:

    <p>Tag Questions = Questions added to the end of a statement for confirmation Echo Questions = Repeating part of a preceding question for clarity Imperative Sentences = Commands that instruct someone to do something Interrogative Sentences = Questions that seek information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of how not to use a plural pronoun?

    <p>If anyone comes in late, they should go quietly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Using 'novel' to mean 'new' has historically been accepted in prescriptive grammar.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a reason prescriptivists are concerned about language change?

    <p>They believe change often leads to decline in language standards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Sentence structure

    • A sentence can be broken down into a noun phrase (NP) and a verb phrase (VP) using the following rules:
      • NP -> DET N Number
      • VP -> Verb NP Number Tense
      • NP Number can be either singular or plural
      • Tense can be either present or past
    • The rules can be represented by a tree diagram - the derived structure is an underlying structure, and elements of the sentence have an abstract meaning.

    Generative Grammar

    • Generative grammar can incorporate information about grammatical rules, for example, a transitive verb like "hit" requires an NP, and it can also account for the functional relations of a sentence, e.g., subject, object, and main verb.
    • Transformational Rules can convert a specific sentence type into another type, such as an active sentence into a passive sentence, or explain morphological operations such as number agreement between the subject and verb.

    Prescriptive Grammar

    • Prescriptive grammar sets rules about how language should be used.
    • Examples of prescriptive grammar include:
      • Not splitting infinitives (e.g., "to reluctantly leave")
      • Not ending a sentence with a preposition (e.g., "Who did she go with?")
      • Not using a plural pronoun with a singular antecedent (e.g., "If anyone comes in late, they should go quietly to the rear")
      • Not using double modals (e.g., "I might could help you")
    • Prescriptive grammarians believe that they preserve the values and virtue of language from ignorant and lazy corruption. They are often concerned about language change.
    • There is no evidence that language change equates to linguistic decline - changes are often driven by adaptations, style, fashion, and fad.

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    Related Documents

    A Grammar of the English Language 2015 PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the foundational concepts of sentence structure, including noun phrases and verb phrases. It explores the principles of generative grammar, transformational rules, and the differences between descriptive and prescriptive grammar. Test your understanding of these critical linguistic concepts!

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