{"product_id":"diachronic-change-in-the-english-passive-scholarly","title":"Diachronic Change in the English Passive - Scholarly","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Diachronic Change in the English Passive the reviewer finds a focused, scholarly treatment aimed at linguists and advanced students. The book presents a coherent history of the English passive and places the passive within a broader network of related constructions, making it most valuable for readers who want to trace functional and structural motivations behind passive formation. The single biggest reason to buy is its integrated argument that the passive cannot be understood in isolation but must be analyzed alongside related constructions to reveal historical change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traces the development of the English passive across periods, giving readers a clear sense of historical progression and evidence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComparative constructions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Examines related constructions alongside the passive so readers can identify structural motivations for change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheoretical integration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connects descriptive data to functional and structural explanations, helping scholars move from observation to analysis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoherent argument:\u003c\/strong\u003e Presents a sustained thesis about the passive rather than a scattershot collection of facts, which aids comprehension and retention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Serves as a focused reference for researchers investigating voice alternations and historical syntax.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is best suited for historical linguists, graduate students in syntax or historical grammar, and researchers exploring voice and constructional change in English. Its emphasis on linking functional motivation to structural change assumes readers are comfortable with technical discussion and cross-construction comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders seeking an introductory grammar or a general audience history of English would be better served elsewhere, since the presentation is scholarly and expects prior familiarity with linguistic terminology and research practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClearly argues that the passive must be studied with its related constructions, offering a valuable analytical perspective.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides a coherent historical narrative that helps readers follow change over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUseful as a reference for specialists interested in voice and historical syntax.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot aimed at casual readers or beginners, so the technical depth may limit accessibility for general audiences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiachronic Change in the English Passive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePalgrave Studies in Language History and Language Change\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ. Toyota\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHistorical development of the English passive and related constructions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFunctional and structural analysis of passive formation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAudience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResearchers, graduate students, historical linguists\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiachronic Change in the English Passive is a focused, well-argued volume that delivers real value for specialists who need a coherent account linking functional motivations and structural change. Scholars and advanced students studying voice, constructional change, or historical syntax will find it a worthwhile addition to their reference library because it integrates data and theory rather than treating the passive as an isolated curiosity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book include modern usage guidance?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. The book is historical and analytical in scope, so it does not function as a modern usage guide; it explains development and motivation over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the book suitable for undergraduates?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. Advanced undergraduates with coursework in syntax or historical linguistics may benefit, but most introductory students will find the technical material demanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the main contribution?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. The main contribution is showing how related constructions illuminate both functional and structural reasons for creating the English passive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J. Toyota","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48190671618267,"sku":"1349363197","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61hDGeErBGL._SL1360.jpg?v=1769519053","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/diachronic-change-in-the-english-passive-scholarly","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}