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Syntax-Passive Transformations and Nominalization

The document discusses passive transformations and nominalization. Passive sentences can be identified by the promotion of the object of the active sentence to subject in the passive. The former subject is either demoted to a by-phrase or removed. Nominalization refers to turning a verb into a noun, such as changing "her arrival was planned" to "planning of her arrival." Nominalization is often expressed through gerunds or subordination.

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671 views2 pages

Syntax-Passive Transformations and Nominalization

The document discusses passive transformations and nominalization. Passive sentences can be identified by the promotion of the object of the active sentence to subject in the passive. The former subject is either demoted to a by-phrase or removed. Nominalization refers to turning a verb into a noun, such as changing "her arrival was planned" to "planning of her arrival." Nominalization is often expressed through gerunds or subordination.

Uploaded by

emaben
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Passive Transformations and Nominalization


Consider the pairs of sentences in (1) through (3): (1) a. Kim took some great photos with that old camera. b. Some great photos were taken (by Kim) with that old camera. (2) a. We stole that Ming vase yesterday. b. That Ming vase was stolen (by us) yesterday. (3) a. Three cups of tea have revived the nurse. b. The nurse has been revived (by three cups of tea).

The passive in English can therefore be recognized by the following following signs: Subject of the active sentence > demoted to a by-phrase or deleted; removed from the core. Object of the active sentence > promoted to subject of the passive. passive. Passive contains auxiliary be + past participle of the main verb.
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How do we know for sure that the NPs some great photos, that Ming vase and the nurse really are the subjects of the passive sentences?
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SubjectSubject-verb agreement Test for subjecthood pronominal forms Applies to a transitive clause (the active clause) and forms an intransitive clause. Object promoted > subject. Former subject demoted > oblique argument, or is deleted; removed removed from the core. Changes occur in the morphology of the verb to signal passivization. passivization.
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Nominalization
It means making something into a noun noun; process of turning a verb into a noun. e.g.She planned to arrive at six o oclock. Her arrival was planned for six o oclock. They killed the terrorists after the attack. Killing of the terrorists happened after the attack.

In many cases nominalization is expressed in subordination (use of gerund): He likes to fight for money. He likes fighting for money.

Basic Sentence Pattern


1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

He was feeling disappointed at only obtaining average grades in the morphology exercises. Student counselors know that money troubles can cause considerable stress. Opposition politicians are pressing for election debates to receive better television coverage. Students often complain to their high school teachers that the state education system promotes universal mediocrity. Some scientists believe that climatic changes result from ozone depletion due to excessive carbon dioxide emission.

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6. 7. 8. 9.

Many people wonder why doctors and medical people make so much fuss fuss about water. While they were sitting in the corridor, a young man with extremely extremely big eyeglasses approached slowly. When she mentioned that she was Jo's friend, he couldn't believe his luck. Vanessa tiptoed back to Zak's room, hitting her forehead on the giant plastic dinosaur hanging from the door to scare robbers.

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