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)

9781009291675, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 September 2025

366 pages
24.3 x 16.7 x 2 cm, 0.63 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]