The document describes the X-bar schema, which models the structure of phrases. The schema states that all phrases have a three-level structure consisting of a head (X), its projection (X'), and the maximal projection (XP). A phrase contains a head, and may also contain a specifier attached at the XP level and a complement attached at the X' level. The document provides examples of phrases consisting of different combinations of heads, specifiers, and complements. Modifiers are also discussed and are shown to attach at the XP level as sisters of X'.

1. X’ SCHEMAX’ SCHEMA

2. A typical phrase can be brokenA typical phrase can be broken
down into three parts:down into three parts:
1. HEAD1. HEAD
2. SPECIFIER2. SPECIFIER
3. COMPLEMENT3. COMPLEMENT

3. XPXP
(Specifier)(Specifier) XX’’
XX (Complement)(Complement)
HeadHead
(X(X’ is pronounced “X-bar”)’ is pronounced “X-bar”)
THE X’ SCHEMA

4. The XThe X’ schema captures four generalizations:’ schema captures four generalizations:
1.1. All phrases have a three-level structure (X, XAll phrases have a three-level structure (X, X’ and XP)’ and XP)
2.2. All phrases contain a head, X.All phrases contain a head, X.
3.3. If there is a complement, it is attached at the intermediate xIf there is a complement, it is attached at the intermediate x’ level,’ level,
as a ‘sister’ of the head.as a ‘sister’ of the head.
4.4. If there is a specifier, it is attached at the XP level.If there is a specifier, it is attached at the XP level.

5. HEADHEAD
1.1. The head is obligatory nucleus around which a phrase is built.The head is obligatory nucleus around which a phrase is built.
2.2. Four categories that can function as head- nouns, verbs,Four categories that can function as head- nouns, verbs,
adjectives and prepositions.adjectives and prepositions.
3.3. A head may form a phrase all by itself although phrases usuallyA head may form a phrase all by itself although phrases usually
consist of two or more words.consist of two or more words.
4.4. When a head phrase forms by itself, the structure has a singleWhen a head phrase forms by itself, the structure has a single
straightstraight “branch” form which only the head hangs.“branch” form which only the head hangs.

6. Phrases consisting just a head:Phrases consisting just a head:
NPNP VPVP
NN’’ V’V’
NN VV
booksbooks eateat

7. APAP PPPP
AA’’ P’P’
AA PP
(She is) certain(She is) certain (He went) in(He went) in

8. SPECIFIERSPECIFIER
The type of specifier that appears in aThe type of specifier that appears in a
particular phrase depends on the categoryparticular phrase depends on the category
of the head.of the head.

9. HeadHead SpecifierSpecifier ExamplesExamples
N Determiner (Det)N Determiner (Det) the, athe, a
V Qualifier(Qual)V Qualifier(Qual) never, seldomnever, seldom
A Degree word (Deg)A Degree word (Deg) very, quitevery, quite

10. Some phrases consisting of a specifierSome phrases consisting of a specifier
and a head:and a head:
NPNP VPVP
NN’’ V’V’
DetDet NN QualQual VV
thethe booksbooks nevernever overeatovereat

11. APAP PPPP
AA’’ P’P’
DegDeg AA DegDeg PP
quitequite certaincertain almostalmost inin

12. COMPLEMENTCOMPLEMENT
Consider examples of slightly more complex phrases:Consider examples of slightly more complex phrases:
1.1. NP- aNP- a picturepicture of the oceanof the ocean
2.2. VP- alwaysVP- always watchwatch the moviethe movie
3.3. AP- quiteAP- quite certaincertain about Maryabout Mary
4.4. PP- seldomPP- seldom inin the housethe house

13. In addition to a specifier and theIn addition to a specifier and the
underlined head, these phrases alsounderlined head, these phrases also
containcontain complementcomplement..
Complement provides information aboutComplement provides information about
entities and location whose existence isentities and location whose existence is
implied by the meaning of the head.implied by the meaning of the head.
Eg: never trust a rumourEg: never trust a rumour
in the housein the house

14. A vegetarian would neverA vegetarian would never eat [a hamburger]eat [a hamburger]
headhead
In [the house]In [the house]
headhead

15. a VP consisting of a specifier, a head and aa VP consisting of a specifier, a head and a
complement:complement:
VPVP
VV’’
NPNP
NN’’
QualQual V DetV Det NN
never trust a rumournever trust a rumour

16. Other phrases consisting of a specifier, a head andOther phrases consisting of a specifier, a head and
a complement:a complement:
NPNP
NN’’
DetDet NN PPPP
The books about the warThe books about the war

17. APAP
AA’’
DegDeg AA PPPP
quitequite certaincertain about Maryabout Mary

18. PPPP
PP’’
DegDeg P NPP NP
almost in the housealmost in the house

19. Always drive the carAlways drive the car

20. Question: How do we analyseQuestion: How do we analyse
phrases with coordinators?phrases with coordinators?
 Eg:Eg:
 upup andand downdown the stairsthe stairs
 Tolbi and AyyoiTolbi and Ayyoi
 This man and that childThis man and that child

21. COORDINATEDCOORDINATED
STRUCTURESSTRUCTURES
 Properties of coordination:Properties of coordination:
1.1. A category at any level can be coordinatedA category at any level can be coordinated
Eg:Eg: upup andand downdown the stairs (P + P)the stairs (P + P)
the boythe boy andand the girlthe girl (NP + NP)(NP + NP)
2. The category of the coordinate structure must be2. The category of the coordinate structure must be
identical to the category of the elements being conjoined.identical to the category of the elements being conjoined.
NP + NP NPNP + NP NP

22. 3. The category of the conjoined elements3. The category of the conjoined elements
must be identicalmust be identical
Eg NP + NP, but not NP + APEg NP + NP, but not NP + AP
The little girl and very shy??The little girl and very shy??

23. The coordination schemaThe coordination schema
 XXnn
XXnn Con XCon Xnn

24. The coordination schema forThe coordination schema for
coordinated NPcoordinated NP
 NPNP
NP Con NPNP Con NP

25. This man and that childThis man and that child
 NPNP
 NPNP NPNP
 Det NDet N’ Det N’’ Det N’
 N Con NN Con N
 This man and that childThis man and that child

28. MODIFIERSMODIFIERS

29. WHERE DO WE PLACEWHERE DO WE PLACE
MODIFIERS?MODIFIERS?
The tall man ??The tall man ??
MODIFIER

30. Characteristics of modifiersCharacteristics of modifiers
 1. Are attached at the XP level of phrase1. Are attached at the XP level of phrase
structure, as sister of X’structure, as sister of X’
 2. Can appear at the lesft or rignt side of2. Can appear at the lesft or rignt side of
the phrasethe phrase
 3. Commonly consist of :3. Commonly consist of :
AdvPAdvP
APAP