Edge-Based Clausal Syntax

This book presents a novel perspective on English grammatical objects, arguing for three distinct types with unique syntactic properties. Edge-Based Clausal Syntax reshapes our understanding of sentence structure.

In Edge-Based Clausal Syntax, Paul Postal presents a compelling argument for the existence of three distinct types of English grammatical objects, each exhibiting unique syntactic properties. He challenges the conventional understanding that a phrase structured as [V + DP] must always denote a direct object. Instead, Postal posits that these structures can represent various grammatical relations, fundamentally altering the landscape of syntactic analysis in English.

The author meticulously examines how these different grammatical objects behave under various syntactic tests, including passives, middles, and wh-movement, to illustrate their distinct properties. By doing so, Edge-Based Clausal Syntax not only critiques traditional views, particularly those of Chomsky, but also offers a new framework for understanding sentence structures. Postal's innovative approach conceptualizes sentence structures as complex graphs, where nodes and edges represent grammatical relations, allowing for a more nuanced analysis of seemingly identical structural positions.

Ultimately, Postal's work reveals that the contrasting behaviors of direct objects, often perceived as irregular or chaotic, are in fact manifestations of underlying structural regularities. This fresh perspective on English syntax invites readers to reconsider established theories and encourages further exploration into the intricate nature of grammatical relations. Edge-Based Clausal Syntax is a significant contribution to the field of linguistics, challenging readers to rethink their assumptions about sentence structure and grammatical objects.