An Analysis on the Structure of “Yue Lai Yue X”

成倩

【Abstract】In modern Chinese， the structure of “Yue Lai Yue X” is a common one， normally denoting X to have changes in degree， number， content and emotion. Construction Grammar has provided us with new method and perspective to study linguistic phenomena. The thesis will give a thorough explanation of the structure of “Yue Lai Yue X” from the perspective of cognitive linguistics. The thesis consists of the following two parts. Part One： It analyzes the constructive meaning and semantic category of “Yue Lai Yue X” construction. Part Two： By analyzing the structure in the way of syntax， the words occupying the position of X must fulfill two rules： they can express the meaning of change in degree， number， extent and emotion of time and they can be modified by adverb “hen” in grammar.

【Key words】“Yue Lai Yue X” construction； adjectives； verbs； nouns

1. Introduction

The structure of “Yue Lai Yue X” is a confirmed one with “Yue Lai Yue” functioning as invariable and “X” as variable. For example，

（1）Service trade has been more and more popular， rendering itself as a competitive and cooperative hot.

The structure can be interpreted as it that an object undergoes change concerning degree， number， content and emotion.

2. X in the structure of “Yue Lai Yue X”

The function of “Yue Lai Yue X” is similar to that of degree adverbs. The construction is mostly made up of adjectives and verbs， together with few nouns.

2.1 X is an adjective or adjectival phrase

In this case， it means that in one dimension， another object undergoes changes in degree， number， content and emotion.

2.1.1 Adjectives

In “Yue Lai Yue X” construction， the adjective X is the most common above all. For example，

（2）Later on， the disciples of the master have been fewer and fewer.

Monosyllabic adjectives can almost be classified in the construction， such as “high”. Some two-syllable adjectives can also be contained， such as “valiant”. Monosyllabic and polysyllabic state adjectives cannot be contained in the construction， such as “grey”.

2.1.2 Adjectival phrases

Some adjectival phrases also belong to “Yue Lai Yue X” construction. For example，

（3）People become happier and happier with their living conditions improved.

Only a few adjectival phrases belong to the “Yue Lai Yue X” construction， most of which are made of both the negation “No” and the relevant adjectives.

In conclusion， adjectives must be in accordance with the following two points： Firstly， adjectives must undergo changes in degree， content or number. Secondly， adjectives must probably be modified and limited by adverbs like “hen”.

2.2 X is a verb or verbal phrase

When X in “Yue Lai Yue X” construction is a verb or verbal phrase， it means that in one dimension， another object undergoes dynamic changes.

2.2.1 Verbs

A single verb can belong to “Yue Lai Yue X” construction， but a lot of limitations have been set about it. For instance，

（4）The figures will show more and more abundant content.

2.2.2 Verbal phrases

In terms of different kinds of verbal phrases， we can see the following examples

（5）It is said that Iraqis are becoming more and more abhorrent of the occupation of Americans.

（6）Although we have been divorced， I cannot help missing him.

In conclusion， verbs or verbal phrases must be in accordance with the following two points： Firstly， verbs or verbal phrases must undergo changes in degree. Secondly， verbs or verbal phrases must probably be modified and limited by adverbs like “hen”.

2.3 X is a noun

In “Yue Lai Yue X” construction， we rarely find nouns functioning as X. Nouns must conform to the condition that they can be modified by degree adverbs like “hen”.

2.4 X is a passive sentence

Some passive sentences can also belong to “Yue Lai Yue X” construction. For example，

（7）The significance of developing our brain is being more and more recognized.

In this case， the verbs in passive sentences have to express changes in psychological activities.

3. Conclusion

“Yue Lai Yue X” construction is a rather frequently used structure in Chinese. First of all， the thesis specifies the meaning of the structure—an object undergoes change in degree， number， content and emotion. Secondly， it classifies the meaning of the construction by summing up the different types of words occupying the position of X. By the preceding descriptive analysis， we can know some basic characteristics of “Yue Lai Yue X” construction and it will have some enlightening influence on the further study of this construction.

References：

[1]Goldberg，A.E.Construction：A new theoretical Approach to language[J].外國語，2003（3）：1-11.