Frank R. Palmer is a distinguished British linguist whose work delves deeply into the intricacies of English grammar and linguistic science. His research explores the fundamental ways language functions and is employed across diverse contexts. Through his extensive lectures and writings, Palmer offers profound insights into the structure and nuances of the English language. His contributions have significantly shaped the field of linguistics, inspiring future scholars with his thoughtful approach.
A long established and highly regarded account of all aspects of the English verb taking account of recent work on tense, phase and aspect, and of the author's own research. Theoretical discussion is kept to a minimum, but the arguments are always presented within a modern theoretical framework.
A detailed account of the many uses and functions of these verbs. The nature of modality, and some controversial issues, are also discussed.
When the first edition of Semantics appeared in 1976, the developments in this aspect of language study were exciting interest not only among linguists, but among philosophers, psychologists and logicians. Professor Palmer's straightforward and comprehensive book was immediately welcomed as one of the best introductions to the subject. Interest in Semantics has been further stimulated recently by a number of significant, and often contriversial, theoretical advances; and the publication of this second edition has enabled Professor Palmer to bring his survey thoroughly up to date. There is also an important new chapter on 'Semantics and logic', showing clearly and simply the influence that logical models have had on the study of meaning. Professor Palmer always illustrates his argument with helpful examples, and his non-technical explanations will be readily intelligible to the interested layman as well as to beginning students of language and linguistics.