The English Language

by R. G. Latham

CHAPTER IV.

SYNTAX OF PRONOUNS.

[§ 498]. The syntax of substantives is, in English, simple, from the paucity of its inflections, a condition which is unfavourable towards the evolution of constructional complexities; the most remarkable exception being the phenomenon of convertibility noticed above.

The same is the case with adjectives. The want of inflexion simplifies their syntax equally with that of the substantives.

But with the pronouns this is not the case. Here we have—

1. Signs of gender; 2. Signs of case; 3. Signs of number, to a greater extent, and with more peculiarities, than elsewhere.

Furthermore, the pronouns exhibit in a great degree the phenomena of conversion indicated in p. [400].

[§ 499]. Pleonasm in the syntax of pronouns.—In the following sentences the words in italics are pleonastic.

1. The king he is just.