A D V E R B I A L ADJUNCTS : A Critical consideration of work on their Classification
A D V E R B I A L ADJUNCTS : A Critical consideration of work on their Classification
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Date
1971-05
Authors
MOHMED, ALIYU
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study is conoerned with some of the problems of classifying
adverbial adjuncts in English, It attempts to investigate the
primary function of English adverbial adjuncts, and, on that basis,
to isolate the properties which uniquely distinguish adverbial
adjuncts from the rest of the major classes of English.
Chapter one relates the problem of delimiting adverbial adjuncts
to the wider problem of objectively classifying the 'parts of speech1
that characterise the English Language. A brief survey of scholarly
opinion connected with this problem is given to help evolve an
oolcotio and, it is hoped, pedagogioally rewarding scheme for
classifying adverbial adjuncts and related classes.
Chapter two examines various attempts by grammarians to cope
with the problem of identifying or defining adverbs. It also
investigates the nature and scope of adverbial modification and in
particular tries to establish the difference between the adjunctive
functions of adjectives and adverbs.
Chapter three studies the form of adverbial adjuncts, their
morphological structure, and how this is related to or derives from
their primary function as adjunctive modifiers.
Chapter four attempts a sub-olassifioation of adverbial adjuncts
drawing extensively upon existing work on the subject, commenting on
it and suggesting alternative, less fragmented solutions. It tries to
draw attention to the basic similarity between what on the surface might
appear to be conflicting views due to differences in terminology and
approach, and than attempts to synthesize, them.
Chapter five concludes the dissertation by setting down two
criteria for isolating adverbial adjuncts (oriterion of omissibility
and criterion of optionality) and a minor criterion (gradability) for
distinguishing between 'word-modifying' and sentence-modifying'
adjuncts. It also tentatively explores the possible rhetorical or
stylistic value of adverbial adjuncts, their purposeful use for
effective communication.
Finally, a bibliography containing most of the works oonsulted
and sources oited in the course of the dissertation is given at the
end.
Description
A dissertation presented to the University of London in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of Master of Philosophy in English and Education,
Keywords
A D V E R B I A L,, ADJUNCTS :, Critical,, consideration,, work,, Classification