This textbook is a concise, readable introduction to current work in syntactic theory, particularly to ChomskyÕs minimalist programme. It gives an overview of theoretical concepts and descriptive devices. The discussion is based on varieties of English (Modern Standard, Belfast, Shakespearean, Jamaican Creole) and does not assume prior knowledge of syntax. There are exercises and a glossary. It is an abridged version of RadfordÕs major new textbookSyntactic Theory and the Structure of English: A Minimalist Approach  (published simultaneously by Cambridge University Press).