Two Grammatical Models of Modern English (RLE Linguistics D: English Linguistics)

This book focuses on two major traditions in the study of Modern English grammar: old grammar in the Great Tradition of Sweet, Poutsma, Kruisinga, Curme, Jespersen and Quirk; and new grammar in applications to Modern English of Chomskyan generative syntax. The purpose is to promote the study of Modern English grammar through proper acquaintance with both these two approaches; and in general to promote positive evaluations of pluriformity in Modern English grammar. For the first time, this book brings together in one place general presentations of the two traditions, and of their mutual relations and perceptions. But it argues against the view that the one approach to grammar may use the other. It sees the two approaches as essentially incompatible: old grammar proceeds inductively and aims at comprehensive coverage of facts; new grammar is deductive and attempts to attain depth in its accounts of pertinent facts. As the case studies show, both approaches make contributions to the study of Modern English grammar precisely provided they retain their own distinctive natures. The core of book is its a-Z case studies. These are detailed comparisons, arranged alphabetically by title for ease of reference, of twenty-six problems in Modern English grammar, from both the old and new viewpoints.