The phrase and the problem of its definition. The phrase and the sentence

Семинар 5

1. The phrase and the problem of its definition. The phrase and the sentence.
Speaking about syntax we should distinguish between two levels: that of phrases (Minor Syntax) and
that of sentences (Major Syntax).
The phrase is a combination of two or more notional words which are organized according to the
laws of the given language and express a notion to signify it.
Like separate words, phrases have a nominative function, but they represent the referent of
nomination as a complicated phenomenon, be it a concrete thing (a beautiful flower), an action (to eat with
greediness), a quality (extremely difficult), or a whole situation (the fantastic view of the sea). The phrase is
used in the process of communication as a ready block of material. The phrase has the following features:
1) the phrase is a combination of two or more notional words;
2) the combination is syntactically organized and grammatically formed;
3) the phrase is usually less than a sentence and it goes into the sentence as its part;
4) components of the phrase semantically fit each other;
5) one component is independent (dominant), its head word;
6) the dependent word (adjunct) makes the meaning of the head word more exact and concrete, it
limits the head word;
7) the phrase is a realization of a concept or a notion;
8) the phrase has no communication value.
The phrase is a self-contained and grammatically formed unit of syntax which is less than a sentence.
The phrase is a nominative unit, not a communicative one. The phrase is included into the sentence becomes
its part. It is only in the sentence that it gets intonation and is charged with some part of communication. The
phrase may have at least 2 notional words and the number of its components is not limited. It is an open unit.
The usual number of its components goes up to 3 members.
2. Possible classifications of phrases (structural and semantic).
Speaking about the structure of phrases we should recognize:
1) elementary (simple) phrases: gold watch, to wait an hour;
2) compound phrases: white and red roses, rich in coal and oil;
3) complex phrases which may be of immediate extension (parallel): to run hastily downstairs, a fine
blue silk dress and successive extension: the demand for the development of economy of the country.
According to their head-word, phrases are divided into:
1) nominal groups (blue eyes, mother’s letter);
2) adjectival groups (kind to people, rich in oil);
3) verbal groups (to speak fluently, to answer quickly);
4) adverbial groups (very quickly, too slowly).
According to the position of their adjunct, phrases are divided into:
1) prepositional (a bright boy, a charming smile);
2) postpositional (a window of the room, to treat with respect).
According to the criteria of distribution, all word groupings may be classified into 2 big classes:
headed and non-headed.
If a word-group has the same distribution as one of its members it is called headed. E.g.: red rose, to
speak fast.
If the distribution of the word-group is different from either of its members it is regarded as non-
headed. E.g.: side by side, face to face.
Semantic relations between the components of the phrase may be those of:
a) the action and its doer (performer): E.g.: the president’s visit;
b) the action and its object: E.g.: introduction of a new method;
c) the action and its place: E.g.: life in London;