Verbs in locative constructions and the generative lexicon

Abstract

A necessary condition for verbs in the locative inversion construction is proposed which is to be defined with reference to the event and qualia structures of verbs in the Generative Lexicon. The condition requires that the lexical representations for verbs include a headed subeventual structure designating a result state, the quale for which means that something is at some place. Unergative verbs, as well as unaccusative ones, meet the condition when they undergo the operation of co-composition with locative/directional phrases. Crucial evidence for the condition is provided by consideration of the Japanese counterpart to the English locative inversion construction, especially of the Japanese locative construction with unergative verbs, which necessitates the obligatory attachment to verbs of the affix representing a state.