Conceptualising transitivity networks through pattern-based constructions

This project brings together insights from three approaches to the lexis and grammar of English. From Corpus Linguistics and Lexicography comes the concept of Pattern Grammar; from Cognitive Linguistics comes Construction Grammar; and from Systemic-Functional Linguistics come transitivity networks.

The project will run in two phases:

Phase 1 (2022-23): The project identifies a comprehensive set of constructions in English based on observed verb patterns.

Phase 2 (2023-24): The project models transitivity choices in key meaning areas, with constructions as the end point of those networks.

Project team:

  • Susan Hunston (PI)
  • Abbie Ip (RA)
  • Cerys Lewis and Mohammad Afraz Ahmed of Research Software Group (Website development)

More information:

Acknowledgements

The project is funded by the Leverhulme Emeritus Fellowship scheme (EM2022-022). Phase 1 of the project draws on the book Collins COBUILD Grammar Patterns 1: Verbs (HarperCollins 1996) by Gill Francis, Susan Hunston and Elizabeth Manning.