'This book has three outstanding virtues: it is comprehensible (a rare quality nowadays in books of this kind), it is truly comprehensive within its terms of reference, and it is laudably without all but the most necessary footnotes and references.' - Review of English Studies The authors have an easy fluent style, and they present their information in a readable way. This book achieves what its authors set out to do: to provide an introductory account of syntax without too much prior knowledge on the part of the reader. It is a volume which could be read with profit not only by those interested in language, but also those with literary interests.' - Lore and Language The second edition of this invaluable introductory text has been extensively revised to take account of recent developments in syntactic studies. Dealing with the whole range of syntax, this book explains, in a lucid and approachable way, why linguists have adopted certain solutions to problems and not others. Features: * Syntax is often taught solely within the framework of transformational grammar. This book introduces the basic concepts used in the description of syntax, independently of any single model of grammar. * Profusely illustrated with diagrams, there are sets of exercises for every chapter which can be used in class or by students working independently.