Discusses notion of restriction/nonrestriction as a pervasive deep structure feature of English; and the categorization of a given clause, phrase, or word as restrictive or nonrestrictive depends more on lexis or the user's understanding than syntax. (Author/BK)

Shows how particular features of language are exploited for purpose of humor and reveals the general persuasiveness of incongruity as an element of humor. Features include polysemy, syntactic structures and meaning, deep and surface structure, hyperbole and metaphor, speech patterns, problems of communication, and connectors or linking words. (BK)

Briefly explains definition and use of "excepting" in English and concludes the reputation of "excepting" should be rehabilitated to be used as a preposition when it is interchangeable with "except" or as a quasi-preposition preceded by "not,""without," or "always" and not replaceable by…

Presents study of use of English 'except' and 'except for.' Concludes 'except' and 'except for' can be used to mean 'with the exception of,' but when it is used to mean 'if it were not for' only 'except for' can be used. Also, it is not advisable to begin a sentence with 'except' unless it is followed by 'for.' (Author/BK)

The author suggests the addition of the word "dared" to Harold Palmer's original list of anomalous finites. (CHK)

Considers the various usages of 'interesting' in English as a problem confronted by non-native English speakers learning the language. (LG)

The construction "won't" is ambiguous: it can be a prediction by the speaker based on his assumptions, or it may be a report of what the expressed subject of "won't" said. "I talked to them and they won't come" could mean "I predict they won't come" or "they refused to come." (PJM)

Attempts to show that conditional sentences are based on two separate binary choices: the choice between "open" and "theoretical" and the choice between "event condition" and "truth condition." Truth conditions, unlike event conditions, are concerned not with what might or might not happen but with what…

Certain verbs in English can be followed by both "ing" and by a "to"+ infinitive, with a difference in meaning. The "ing" ending is used for events or states already in existence at the time of the preceding verb. The infinitive points ahead to a later time. Examples are given. (PJM)

Discusses future-tense form possibilities in English and their pedagogical implications. Six possibilities are discussed: (1) the future tense proper, signalled by "if" + present or mental state verbs; (2) declaration of intent, with "I'll" or "we'll"; (3) "Shall I/we" questions; (4) "will you"…

Discusses the didactic implications of the object + infinitive pattern for English as a foreign language. The pattern is divided into several subgroups, the object taking different types of infinitives. The significance of the first and second objects, of objects as antecedents, and of the second object being a clause is detailed. (PJM)

The behavior of the "It's...who..." type of construction and its relation to defining and non-defining relative clauses is examined. Reference is made particularly to suprasegmental features. Parallels are drawn to French relative constructions. (SCC)

Teaching of modal auxiliaries without developing in students an understanding of the concepts and unity underlying their use may undermine the original objective of communication in language. The use of a classification matrix with a set of sample sentences is suggested as an effective method of presentation. (MSE)

Instead of teaching three divisions (when-type clauses, conditional clauses, and wish-clauses), two units may be used (possible situations and contrary-to-fact situations). Suggestions are made for interesting class practice. (MSE)

Explains how grammars and textbooks can present the formal tense relations of English in a concise, uncomplicated way. (PM)