Syntax I	Problem 3


A.  Write out the current Phrase Structure Rules we are assuming for
English (as of last class).

B.  For each of the following sentences, if it is generated by this grammar,
draw the tree(s) assigned to it by the grammar.
If there are any problems, discuss them.  If the grammar
does not generate the sentence (and it is grammatical), revise the
grammar so that the sentence is generated.  Then draw its tree.

Assume here and from now on that the Lexicon contains all the English
words you know; you may have to say something about particular lexical
entries, where a Subcategorization Restriction needs to be recognized.
Also assume the grammar contains the Determiner Rule and the Pronoun Case Rule,
if you have heard of those things.  Otherwise you may have more to worry about.
NOTE: Some of these sentences are ambiguous.  If the grammar has anything to say
about that, say what it is.

	(1) I stabbed a man with a pitchfork.
	(2) A man with a pitchfork stabbed me.
	(3) The flower in the pot on the windowsill turned brown in the sunlight.
	(4) Those children make me crazy with their chatter.
	(5) The monkey saw the cover of the book in the cage.
	 
D. Now consider these:

	(8)  I shot the duck in the water.
	(9)  I put the duck in the water.

Can you explain (does our grammar explain) why (8) is ambiguous
while (9) is not?  BIG HINT:  You'll need to think about subcategorization.

Don't forget to write your answers out in complete English sentences
and paragraphs, even (even especially) when the answer involves a tree
or a grammatical rule.