2. Definitions
A preposition is something you should never
end a sentence with.
It is quite wrong to carelessly split infinitives.
And you should never begin a sentence with a
conjunction.
3. Definitions (2)
Parsing – classifying parts of speech:
independent clause
Lennon was a great singer
{noun} {verb} {article} {adjective} {noun}
4. Resources
Recent educational discussion has highlighted
the significance of the schematic nature of texts,
but the appropriateness of these resources
depends in turn upon on the selection of appropriately
patterned grammatical resources.
The close relationship between discourse structure and
grammatical structure is at the centre of the systemic
description of language in use. The very idea of a change in
the stage of the text in fact means that grammatical resources
have been differently deployed.
(Williams, 1994: 5)
5. Example
Wednesday, 29 March, 2000, 18:05 GMT 19:05 UK BBC News Online
Jelly set for a hard time
Once it was among the nation's favourite puddings. Served with
ice-cream or in a rabbit-shaped mould, it would have children
screaming with delight at tea parties.
But now, it seems, Britain's love of jelly has gone decidedly
wobbly.
Sales have plummeted and now a family pub chain has pulled the
dessert from its menus.
The Brewers Fayre chain is no longer offering jelly on its menus
because customer research found children aren't eating it.
"While the research found a big demand for ice cream and donuts,
the days of jellies as the first choice kids' dessert look seriously
numbered," says the firm.
A spokeswoman says children are turning away from jelly partly
because there are so many other goodies on offer, and partly
because they don't see it at home.
6. Stages in text / grammar changes
Wednesday, 29 March, 2000, 18:05 GMT 19:05 UK BBC News Online
Jelly set for a hard time
Once it was among the nation's favourite puddings. Served with ice-
cream or in a rabbit-shaped mould, it would have children screaming
with delight at tea parties.
But now, it seems, Britain's love of jelly has gone decidedly wobbly.
Sales have plummeted and now a family pub chain has pulled the
dessert from its menus.
The Brewers Fayre chain is no longer offering jelly on its menus
because customer research found children aren't eating it.
"While the research found a big demand for ice cream and donuts,
the days of jellies as the first choice kids' dessert look seriously
numbered," says the firm.
A spokeswoman says children are turning away from jelly partly
because there are so many other goodies on offer, and partly
because they don't see it at home. …
7. THREE DIMENSIONS OF LANGUAGE
FORM MEANING
V + ed: completed
How is it What does it action:
talked
formed? mean? ‘past tense’
(Accuracy) (Meaningfulness)
USE
When and why
is it used?
(Appropriateness)
Distance: chronological, past events He finished the meal at 1.04 pm
sociological, politeness Could you help me?
psychological, hypothetical reality If I were you, I would buy a Mac.
Celce-Murcia, M. and Larsen-Freeman, D. (1999), The Grammar Book. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.
8. Looking at Grammar from Different Perspectives
30,000 m Broad meanings underlying very general patterns,
Highly for example: English = S-V-O clause pattern
Abstract Generalisations about the meaning of forms:
e.g. passive voice, past tense, progressive aspect
Meanings signalled across a limited range of examples in
Text contexts of use, for example:
10,000 m
Types The passive can be used to disclaim responsibility in letters in
reply to customer complaints.
Highly specific and context-dependent meanings signalled from
Ground
Specific moment to moment in language use.
sentences The past tense in this sentence indicates social distance.
(adapted from Batstone, R. 1994. Grammar. Oxford University Press.)
