This introduction to the theory of syntax aims to teach readers (either undergraduates or scholars from other disciplines) how to do syntactic analysis. The author uses an inductive approach to allow students access to the intricate Government and Binding Theory.

This introduction to linguistic methodology - to "doing" linguistics - uses syntax as an example. It can thus be used as a primary text in introductory syntax courses. It is also, however, intended for scholars and students of other disciplines, such as psychology, philosophy, and computer science, who wish to acquire enough knowledge of linguists' methods to be able to solve problems. Napoli's book is unique in employing an inductive approach to teaching this material. Students are presented with data from the start, and led to considerations of the data that enable them to develop a theory of grammar. The organization is designed to allow students access to the intricate theory of Government and Binding without intimidation or mindless memorization. Extensively classroom tested, each chapter of the text is enhanced by numerous problem sets (covering English, Japanese, and Romance languages), reflecting Napoli's conviction that in order to truly understand syntactic analysis, one must do syntactic analysis. The book also includes both a general bibliography and a bibliography for the problem sets.