Syntax Unveiled: Obscure Yet Brilliant Terms Every Syntax Scholar Should Know
Exploring the hidden architecture of sentence structure in English.
Move over, subjects and predicates. These rare syntactic terms dive into the deeper mechanisms of phrase structure, movement, constraints, and interpretation—especially in English syntax.
1. EPP Feature (Extended Projection Principle)
Specifies that clauses must have a subject, even if semantically empty.
Example: It is raining.
2. Raising
The subject of an embedded clause appears in the main clause.
Example: He seems [ __ to be happy] → subject "he" raised.
3. Control Structure
The subject of an embedded clause is “controlled” by the matrix clause.
Example: She promised to help → she is subject of both actions.
4. Wh-Island Constraint
A syntactic barrier that prevents extraction of wh-elements from within another wh-clause.
Example: What did you wonder who bought __? → ❌
5. Tough Movement
An unusual transformation involving adjectives and infinitives.
Example: This book is tough to read.
6. C-command
A hierarchical relationship used in binding and scope.
Essential for explaining pronoun reference: John c-commands himself in John likes himself.
7. Adjunction
Attaching optional modifiers to a phrase without changing its core meaning.
Example: The red balloon (adjunction of red to NP balloon).
8. Empty Category
Unspoken syntactic positions left behind by movement.
Example: In Who did you see __?, the blank is an empty category.
9. Binding Theory
A system that explains how pronouns and anaphors relate to their antecedents.
Example: Himself must refer to the nearest c-commanding subject.
10. PRO
A silent pronoun in non-finite clauses that receives a theta role.
Example: John tried [PRO to leave].
11. Specifier
A syntactic slot filled by determiners, subjects, etc., providing specificity to phrases.
Example: The dog (specifier of NP).
12. X-Bar Theory
A theory that breaks down phrases into hierarchical levels: specifier, head, and complement.
Example: [DP [D the] [NP cat]]
13. Quantifier Raising (QR)
A theoretical movement of quantifiers to higher syntactic positions for interpretation.
Example: Everyone didn’t leave → ambiguous without QR.
14. A-Movement vs A'-Movement
A-Movement = argument positions (e.g., subject raising);
A'-Movement = non-argument positions (e.g., wh-movement).
Example: What did you say __? (A'-movement)
15. Locality Constraint
Principle that syntactic operations (like movement) must target the closest possible element.
Related to Minimal Link Condition and Phase Theory.
Syntax Isn’t Just Sentence Order
It’s about unseen structures, movement, and meaning. These rare gems give you tools to decode even the most complex clauses in English.
