1. Complex sentences
embedding phrases in phrases, phrases in clauses, clauses in clauses
Kuiper and Allan Chapter 8.1

2. Phrases within phrases
Phrases can contain other phrases as constituents.
This process is infinite.

3. Embedding within phrases
Data
the person on the seat inside the theatre
the person [PPon [NPthe seat [PPinside [NPthe theatre]]]]
recursion NP
DET N PP P NP
DET N PP P NP
DET N
the
person on
the
seat
within
the
theatre

4. Recursivity in possessives
PRON my
aunt 's
dog 's
lead

5. Clauses within clauses
Data
a. Sally hoped that Paul would meet her today.
b. Gerry understood why the jury found him guilty.
c. Horace cried after his dog died.
Note that the underlined constituents are clauses, i.e. they have subjects and predicates.

6. Functions of embedded clauses
Data
a. Joanna knew [that Henry would come].
b. the expectation [that Henry would come]
The identical embedded clause can perform different functions.
In a. it is a direct object.
In b. it is a modifier of a noun in a noun phrase.

7. Representing the structure of embedded clausesNP
DET N S'
the
cat
which lives with Nellie

8. The internal structure of embedded clauses
The complementizer, or subordinating conjunction.
This constituent introduces the subordinate (or embedded) clause.
e.g. that, for, whether, whenever, while.
The actual clause follows.

9. Representing the internal structure of embedded clauses
COMP S NP VP

10. Functions of embedded clauses
subject
That weeds had invaded the garden lowered the price.
object
The agent knew that weeds had invaded the garden.
intensive complement
It seemed that weeds had invaded the garden.
modifier of noun (relative clause)
the garden which was invaded by weeds