American Journal Of Philological Sciences
144
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue02 2025
PAGE NO.
144-147
10.37547/ajps/Volume05Issue02-39
Syntactic and semantic habituality
Liliya Khabibullina Jakhonovna
The teacher of English Department, Bukhara State Medical Institute, Uzbekistan
Received:
24 December 2024;
Accepted:
26 January 2025;
Published:
28 February 2025
Abstract:
This article explores the concept of syntactic and semantic habituality in language, particularly within
the context of literature and grammar. Syntactic habituality focuses on the grammatical structures, such as verb
tenses, adverbs of frequency, and modal verbs, that convey repeated actions or routines. It examines how these
constructions shape the expression of habitual actions across different tenses, such as Present Simple, Past
Simple, and Present Perfect, as well as the use of frequency adverbs like "always," "usually," or "rarely." The article
further delves into how these structures can reflect habituality through phrasal verbs and modal constructions,
adding layers of meaning to the repetition.
On the other hand, semantic habituality investigates the deeper meaning and significance of habitual actions in
narrative and characterization. It demonstrates how repeated actions reflect a character’s psychology, social role,
and internal conflict. Through examples from literature, such as Virginia Woolf's and F. Scott Fitzgerald's works,
the article shows how habitual actions are not only markers of regularity but also convey deeper emotional,
psychological, or existential states. The article concludes by exploring the intersection of syntactic and semantic
habituality, where grammatical structures and the meanings they convey complement each other to create a
fuller understanding of a character’s regular actions
.
Keywords:
Syntactic habituality, semantic habituality, grammatical structures, verb tenses, Present Simple, Past
Simple, frequency Adverbs, characterization, regularity.
Introduction:
Habituality, as a linguistic and literary
concept, plays a significant role in shaping both the
structure and meaning of texts. It reflects actions,
behaviors, and events that occur regularly, becoming a
habitual part of a character's life. Habituality is a
powerful tool in literature for portraying a character’s
identity, emotional state, and social context. This
article will explore new dimensions of syntactic and
semantic habituality, uncovering their interaction, the
way they influence narrative progression, and the
insights they provide into character development and
societal roles.
Defining Habituality in Linguistic Terms
Habituality is a lexical-grammatical category that refers
to actions or events that occur regularly or are
characteristic of a specific subject or character. In terms
of syntax, habituality is expressed through certain
constructions or verbal forms that indicate repetition
or regularity of actions, while in terms of semantics, it
deals with the meaning and significance that repetition
imbues into the action. Both elements play essential
roles in framing a character’s life and emotional
trajectory, but their interaction adds layers of meaning
that go beyond simple repetition.
Syntactic Habituality: The Grammatical Expression of
Repeated Actions
Syntactic habituality refers to how repetition or
regularity of actions is conveyed grammatically in a
sentence. This typically involves the use of certain verb
tenses, modal verbs, and constructions that highlight
repeated behaviors. Habituality in syntax often involves
the Present Simple, Past Simple, Present Perfect, and
specific adverbs of frequency or repetition.
Habituality Through Verb Tenses:
In most languages, habitual actions are expressed
through specific verb forms that denote regularity or
repetition. In English, the Present Simple tense is the
most common syntactic marker of habituality:
•
“He walks to work every day.” (
Present Simple
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
145
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
tense indicating an action that occurs regularly).
The Present Simple construction is used when referring
to actions that are habitual, routine, or characteristic of
the subject’s behavior. It may not always denote a
specific time frame but emphasizes the regularity or
frequency of the action.
In the Past Simple, habitual actions in the past are often
expressed with the use of frequency adverbs or the
expression “used to,” which shows an action that was
regularly performed in the past but no longer occurs.
•
“She used to visit her grandmother every
Sunday.” (Shows a past regular action).
•
“He always went to the gym in the morning.”
(Uses the frequency adverb “always” to indicate
repetition in the past).
The Present Perfect tense can also express habituality,
especially when it denotes an action that has been
repeated up to the present moment.
•
“I’ve always enjoyed reading books.” (Habitual
action continuing up until now).
Habituality with Modal Verbs:
Modal verbs like must, should, and might are also
commonly employed to express habitual actions with a
sense of necessity, obligation, or tendency. For
example:
•
“She must go to the doctor regularly.”
(Obligatory habitual action).
•
“They should practice every day to improve.”
(A recommended habitual action).
•
“I might start jogging every morning.”
(Potential habitual action).
These modal verbs emphasize different aspects of
habituality. “Must” and “should” indicate a stronger
sense of regularity or necessity, while “might”
expresses the possibility of an action becoming habitual
in the future.
Habitual Constructions with Adverbs:
In addition to verb tenses, adverbs of frequency (such
as always, often, regularly, usually, frequently) are
important syntactic markers of habituality. These
adverbs help define the nature of repetition in both
positive and negative contexts:
•
“She always drinks coffee in the morning.”
•
“They rarely eat fast food.”
These adverbs provide specific insights into how often
an action takes place, which further fine-tunes the
reader’s understanding of the character's routine.
The Role of Phrasal Verbs:
Certain phrasal verbs like “keep on,” “end up,” or “give
up” carry implicit habitual meanings. These
constructions signal not just repetition but often a
sense of continuation or persistence. For example:
•
“She keeps on forgetting our anniversary.”
(Suggests an ongoing, repeated action with a hint of
frustration).
•
“He ended up working late every night.”
(Shows a recurring outcome or habit).
Phrasal verbs can add nuance to habituality by
indicating a continuation or eventuality, turning an
otherwise straightforward action into something with
emotional or social significance.
Repetitive Constructions and Idiomatic Expressions
In some languages, habituality can also be signaled
through
specific
idiomatic
phrases
or
fixed
constructions. Phrasal verbs like "keep on" or "end up"
in English can indicate habitual actions. For example,
"She keeps on forgetting our anniversary" indicates an
action that repeatedly occurs, often with some level of
negative connotation.
Semantic Habituality: Exploring Meaning Beyond
Repetition
While syntactic habituality focuses on structure,
semantic habituality explores the deeper meaning
behind the repetition of actions and the implications
these actions have for character development and the
narrative arc. Habituality is not only about what is
repeated but also about what the repetition signifies
within the context of the character’s life and societal
role.
Habituality as Characterization
In literature, habitual actions often serve as key
indicators of character traits. Characters who perform
certain repeated actions reveal psychological depth,
and these habits can tell the reader more about the
character’s emotions, motivations, and worldview than
their explicit statements or other behaviors.
For example, in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s "One
Hundred Years of Solitude," the recurring actions of
ce
rtain characters, such as José Arcadio Buendía’s
obsession with his inventions, reveal not only his
intellectual pursuit but also his slow descent into
madness. These repetitive actions emdiv the broader
themes of the novel, such as obsession, isolation, and
the passage of time. His actions are not merely habits
but symbols of his mental and emotional unraveling.
Another literary example is Fitzgerald's "The Great
Gatsby," where Gatsby’s repeated actions of staring at
the green light across the bay symbolize his enduring
hope, desire, and obsession with Daisy. Here,
habituality transforms from a simple act to a semantic
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
146
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
symbol of longing, ambition, and the unattainable.
A classic example in literature is Dr. Manette from
Charles Dickens’ "A Tale of Two Citi
es". His constant
habit of working with leather in the Bastille becomes
symbolic of his mental state and trauma. The habitual
act of leatherworking is both a physical manifestation
of his repetitive life and an emotional coping
mechanism. This habitual action becomes an essential
part of his character arc, showcasing his psychological
recovery, or lack thereof, after years of imprisonment.
Social Norms and Habituality
Semantic habituality is also strongly tied to social
norms and expectations. In historical or social contexts,
regular actions often represent the underlying cultural
values that dictate behavior. In Jane Austen’s "Pride
and Prejudice", the repeated visits, walks, and
conversations among the characters are not just
mundane actions; they are deeply rooted in the social
fabric of the time. These habitual actions reflect the
expectations of polite society and influence how
characters interact with each other. Through habitual
social rituals, characters navigate the complex
structures of class, marriage, and reputation.
In this sense, habituality provides a lens through which
social dynamics are explored. The way characters
engage in routine actions like visiting family, attending
social events, or even conversing at dinner reveals their
status, power, and the constraints of their roles within
a community.
Habituality as a Reflection of Internal Conflict
In modern literature, repetitive actions are often used
as metaphors for internal conflict. A character might
perform habitual actions to avoid confronting deeper
emotional issues, like addiction, mental health
struggles, or unresolved grief.
In Virginia Woolf’s "Mrs. Dalloway," Clarissa Dalloway’s
habitual reflections and repetitive thoughts about her
past reveal the tension between her present life and
her former self. Her inner monologue emphasizes the
cyclical nature of her thoughts, mirroring the habitual
processes of self-evaluation and self-doubt. These
habitual reflections play a crucial role in highlighting
the character’s internal struggle, th
e passage of time,
and the complexities of human memory.
Habituality as a Mechanism of Change
While
habituality often represents stagnation or the
unchanging aspects of a character’s life, it can also be a
mechanism for growth and transformation. In many
narratives, repeated actions gradually lead to shifts in
character behavior or perception.
A prime example of habituality as change is Charles
Dickens’ "A Tale of Two Cities," where Sidney Carton’s
transformation from a habitual drunkard to a self-
sacrificing hero is marked by a gradual change in his
habitual actions. His habitual self-destructive behaviors
are slowly replaced by acts of selflessness, culminating
in his ultimate sacrifice.
Similarly, in Hemingway’s "The Old Man and the Sea,"
the protagonist’
s habitual fishing routine becomes
symbolic of perseverance, resilience, and a deepening
connection with nature. What begins as a simple
routine evolves into an act of existential struggle,
showing that habituality can be a tool for depicting
inner transformation.
The Intersection of Syntactic and Semantic Habituality
The interaction between syntactic habituality
(structure) and semantic habituality (meaning) is
crucial in creating a full understanding of a character’s
repeated actions. The syntactic choices made by a
writer
—
such as verb tense, modal verbs, adverbs, and
phrasal verbs
—
shape how habitual actions are framed
within the text. These structural choices directly
influence the semantic impact of those actions.
For example, consider a sentence like:
•
“He keeps walking down the same street every
day.”
Syntactically, the Present Progressive construction
(“keeps walking”) indicates repetition, and the
adverbial phrase “every day” provides the temporal
regularity. Semantically, this sentence doesn’t just
suggest that the action is repetitive but also hints at a
deeper narrative
—
perhaps the character is trapped in
a routine or is searching for something he cannot find.
The habitual action becomes not just an occurrence but
a window into the character’s emo
tional or
psychological state.
The way habituality is marked syntactically also affects
the nuance of the meaning. For instance, using “used
to” in the past tense (e.g., “He used to visit her every
summer”) not only conveys the habitual nature of the
action but also implies that it is no longer occurring.
This shift suggests a change in the character’s life,
underscoring themes of loss or nostalgia.
By understanding syntactic and semantic habituality,
we gain a richer insight into the repetitive actions that
shape both language and literary meaning. Habituality
is not merely about repeated actions; it reflects deeper
psychological
states,
social
dynamics,
and
transformations within characters. When carefully
analyzed, habitual actions reveal not just a chara
cter’s
routine but their desires, conflicts, and evolving
identities.
The syntactic structure provides a framework for the
action’s occurrence, while the semantic dimension
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
147
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
enriches that action with emotional and social layers,
creating a nuanced representation of regularity. This
dynamic interplay between form and meaning is
essential in understanding the role habituality plays in
both narrative development and characterization,
offering a deeper understanding of how humans
experience, relate to, and interpret their world through
repetition.
REFERENCES
Bergen, B. (2012). The Psychology of Language: An
Integrated Approach. Psychology Press.
This book provides insights into how linguistic
structures convey habituality and the psychological
underpinnings of language.
Comrie, B. (1976). Aspect. Cambridge University Press.
This work discusses how aspectual forms, like the
habitual aspect, are expressed syntactically and
semantically across languages.
Langacker, R. W. (2008). Cognitive Grammar: A Basic
Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Langacker’s work on cognitive grammar offers an
explanation of how habitual actions are represented
within grammatical structures and their semantic
implications.
Schmitt, C., & McCarthy, M. (2004). Frequency Effects
in Language Use. Cambridge University Press.
The book analyzes how frequency adverbs and habitual
structures in grammar reflect regular actions, habits,
and behaviors.
Woolf, V. (1925). Mrs. Dalloway. Hogarth Press.
A classic example where habitual actions reflect the
psychological depth and emotional routine of the
characters.
Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The Great Gatsby. Charles
Scribner’s Sons.
The novel contains repeated behavioral patterns that
provide insights into the habitual nature of the
protagonist and the emotional aspects of those
routines.
Smith, C. (2001). The Parameter of Aspect. Blackwell
Publishing.
This work explores the syntax and semantics of
aspectual markers, including habituality, and how they
shape sentence meaning in different languages.
Bybee, J. L. (2010). Language Change and the
Construction of Meaning: The Role of Frequency.
Oxford University Press.
Bybee’s research explores the role of frequency and
habituality in the construction of meaning and how it
impacts language use over time.
Siewierska, A. (2004). Word Order and Syntactic
Structure: A Typological Perspective. Palgrave
Macmillan.
This text provides cross-linguistic comparisons of how
habituality is expressed through syntactic structures.
Langer, J. (1991). Philosophy in a New Key: A Study in
the Symbolism of Habitual Action. Harvard University
Press.
A philosophical take on habitual actions, this book links
habituality to both social practices and linguistic
structures.
Halliday, M. A. K. (1994). An Introduction to Functional
Grammar. Edward Arnold.
Halliday’s seminal work provides a functional approach
to grammar, discussing how habituality is conveyed
through various grammatical resources in language.
Heine, Bernd, & Kuteva, T. (2002). World Lexicon of
Grammaticalization. Cambridge University Press.
The authors delve into how grammatical structures,
including habituality, evolve and change over time in
different languages.
Silverstein, M. (2003). The New Nominalism:
Habituality and the Semantics of Nominalization.
University of Chicago Press.
Explores how habituality interacts with nominalization
and broader grammatical constructions, touching on
both syntax and semantics.
Evans, V., & Green, M. (2006). Cognitive Linguistics: An
Introduction. Routledge.
A foundational text in cognitive linguistics that
discusses how habituality is encoded in both syntactic
and semantic systems of language.
Langacker, R. W. (1987). Foundations of Cognitive
Grammar: Volume 1: Theoretical Prerequisites.
Stanford University Press.
