Pattern, Construction, System
Construction Grammar and Systemic Functional Grammar take different approaches to the study of lexico-grammar, based on language as a cognitive and as a social phenomenon respectively. This is the first book to bring the two approaches together, using corpus-based Pattern Grammar as an underlying descriptive framework, in order to present a comprehensive and original treatment of verb-based patterns in English. It describes in detail two processes: deriving over 800 verb argument constructions from 50 verb complementation patterns; and using those constructions to populate systemic networks based on 9 semantic fields. The result is an approach to the lexis and grammar of English that unifies disparate theories, finding synergies between them and offering a challenge to each. Pattern Grammar, Construction Grammar and Systemic-Functional Grammar are introduced in an accessible way, making each approach accessible to readers from other backgrounds. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.
- Demonstrates how Construction Grammar and Systemic Functional Grammar can be integrated
- Highlights the value of a corpus-driven approach to lexis and grammar for language theory
- Introduces Pattern Grammar, Construction Grammar and Systemic-Functional Grammar in an accessible way, making each approach accessible to readers from other backgrounds
- This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core
Product details
October 2025Hardback
9781009629027
240 pages
229 × 152 mm
Not yet published - available from October 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Background to Pattern Grammar and Construction Grammar
- 3. From Pattern to Constructions
- 4. Semantic Role Annotation
- 5. Background to Systemic Functional Grammar
- 6. Constructions in Meaning Networks: Causation
- 7. Semantic Fields: Cognition and Communication
- 8. Semantic Fields: Material and Relational
- 9. Discussion and Conclusion
- Index.