A Linguistics Workbook, 4th Edition

Name

Section

4.7 English Syntax 7: S-Adverbs versus VP-Adverbs

In chapter 5 of Linguistics a distinction is made between S-adverbs and VP-adverbs

(see pp. 199-201). S-adverbs have scope over (i.e., modify) the entire sentence;

VP-adverbs have scope over (i.e., modify) just the VP. A test for determining

whether an adverb is an S-adverb or a VP-adverb is whether it can occur in the X

position in

It islwas X the case that Y.

If it can, then it is an S-adverb. For example, surely, which is an S-adverb, can

substitute for X (It is surely the case that Paula will succeed), whereas quickly,

which is not an S-adverb, cannot (*It is quickly the case that Paula will succeed).

Consider the following examples and answer questions A-D.

la. John listened to the music intently.

b. John listened to the music fiv2ally.

2a. Mary speaks French Juently.

b. Mary speaks French happily.

3a. Paul taunted her unfortunately.

b. Paul taunted her unjustly.

Questions

A. Which adverbs are S-adverbs? Provide evidence to support your decisions (i.e.,

provide the relevant example sentences). (Caution: Be sure that the sense of the

original sentence has not been altered in the "test" sentence.)