Continuing Syntax
Hierarchy and Locality

A thorough exposition of hierarchy and locality, Continuing Syntax covers all the main components of contemporary syntactic theory.

Ian Roberts (Author)

9781009291668, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 September 2025

366 pages
28 x 19 x 2.5 cm, 0.749 kg

'A long-awaited textbook taking students to a higher level of syntax, connecting some traditional models with more current updates to the theory. Clear explanation of the technicalities makes it a very accessible read, and the generous dose of the trees helps students grasp the structural nuances. A great service to the field!' Marcin Dadan, University of Florida

A logical and clear exposition of hierarchy and locality by a leading figure in the field, Continuing Syntax takes students from an introductory level of syntactic theory to an understanding of cutting-edge research in the field. A comprehensive range of topics is covered, including configurationality, head-movement, clause structure, nominal structure, subjacency, barriers and phases, ensuring that students have a thorough understanding of all the main components of contemporary theory. The many example sentences, extensive glossary, end-of-chapter exercises and annotated further reading lists allow readers to embed and extend their knowledge as they progress through the book. A self-contained work ideal for intermediate-level students, this volume also builds on the author's Beginning Syntax, and lays the foundation for a third volume, Comparing Syntax, which introduces formal syntactic typology.

Preface
1. Goals and basic assumptions
2. Hierarchy I: phrase structure and grammatical functions
3. Hierarchy II: c-command, head-movement and locality
4. Hierarchy & categories I: refining the structure of the clause and the VP
5. Hierarchy & categories II: the structure of nominals
6. Case and the nature of infinitives
7. Features, case and agreement
8. Hierarchy and linear order
9. The origins of hierarchy: bare phrase structure
10. Wh-movement: unbounded dependencies, islands, subjacency and barriers
11. Covert movement, copy theory and reconstruction
12. Phases and phase impenetrability
13. Types of locality: phases and relativised minimality
14. The syntax of silence I: ellipsis
15. The syntax of silence II: empty pronouns
16. Wrapping up: parameters, features and futures.

Subject Areas: Grammar, syntax & morphology [CFK]