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Syntax Exercises
Basic exercises in syntax:
1. Draw a labelled tree diagram for the following English phrases. (Hint: what part of speech is the leader for the phrase?)
a. ancient pyramids
b. in the early evening
c. concocted a potion
d. bought the books that the course required
e. the fascinating members of the reptile kingdom
a.
NP
/ \
Adj N
ancient pyramids
b.
PP
/ \
P NP
| /
| \
P Det Adj N
in the early evening
c.
VP
/ \
V NP
| /
\
V Det N
concocted a potion
d.
VP
/
\
V
NP
/ \
NP
CP
/
\ /
\
Det N
C S'
/
\
NP
VP
/ \
|
Det N
V
bought the book that the course required
e.
NP
/
\
NP
PP
/ |
\ /
\
Det Adj N
P NP
/ | \
Det
Adj N
the fascinating members of the reptile kingdom
2. Phrase Structure Rules
Rewrite the following sentences with Phrase Structure Rules. Hint: Locate your principal NP and VP before beginning.
a) Miriam swims.
b) The dog is barking.
c) Peter told the truth.
d) The wicked witch spilled the potion.
e) The runner with the best time won the prize.
f) The witch said that Sleeping Beauty took the potion.
answers:
a) Miriam swims.
S -> NP VP
NP -> N
VP -> V
b) The dog is barking.
S -> NP VP
NP -> Det N
VP -> Aux V
c) Peter told the truth.
S -> NP VP
NP -> N
VP -> V NP
NP -> Det N
d) The wicked witch spilled the potion.
S -> NP VP
NP -> Det Adj N
VP -> V NP
NP -> Det N
e) The runner with the best time won the prize.
S -> NP VP
NP -> Det N PP
PP -> P NP
NP -> Det Adj N
VP -> V NP
NP -> Det N
f) The witch said that sleeping beauty took the potion.
S -> NP VP
NP -> Det N
VP -> V CP
CP -> C S'
S' -> NP VP
NP -> Adj N
VP -> V NP
NP -> Det N