Object gap constructions
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Irena Botwinik-Rotem
Abstract
The embedded constituent of Hebrew object gap constructions (e.g., the Tough Construction) is nominal rather than verbal, introduced obligatorily by the prepositional element le- (to). I show that the gap in Hebrew is unlikely to be created by Op-movement. Rather, based on the properties of the nominal, I propose that the object gap nominal in Hebrew is formed by Externalization of the internal argument. Departing from the familiar analysis of the English Tough Construction, I argue that to of the English object gap constituent is not a T(ense) head, and that this constituent does not have a subject position. Consequently, I suggest that the English object gap constituent is a projection of to, whose specifier is the landing site for Op-movement.
Abstract
The embedded constituent of Hebrew object gap constructions (e.g., the Tough Construction) is nominal rather than verbal, introduced obligatorily by the prepositional element le- (to). I show that the gap in Hebrew is unlikely to be created by Op-movement. Rather, based on the properties of the nominal, I propose that the object gap nominal in Hebrew is formed by Externalization of the internal argument. Departing from the familiar analysis of the English Tough Construction, I argue that to of the English object gap constituent is not a T(ense) head, and that this constituent does not have a subject position. Consequently, I suggest that the English object gap constituent is a projection of to, whose specifier is the landing site for Op-movement.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgement vii
- Current issues in generative Hebrew linguistics 1
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Part I. The structure of the lexicon
- Morphologically conditioned V-Ø alternation in Hebrew 27
- The special status of nif'al in Hebrew 61
- Object gap constructions 77
- Active lexicon 105
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Part II. Grammatical features and inflectional morphology
- Definiteness agreement with PP modifiers 137
- Predication and equation in Hebrew (nonpseudocleft) copular sentences 161
- Morphological knowledge without morphological structure 197
- The interaction between question formation and verbal morphology in the acquisition of Hebrew 223
- On child subjects in a partially pro -drop language 245
- Resumptive pronouns as a last resort when movement is impaired 267
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Part III. Semantics, pragmatics and discourse
- Bare minimizers 293
- Hebrew negative polarity Items – šum and af 313
- A two-layered analysis of the Hebrew exceptive xuc mi 337
- Codifying apparent inconsistencies in discourse 353
- Index 389
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgement vii
- Current issues in generative Hebrew linguistics 1
-
Part I. The structure of the lexicon
- Morphologically conditioned V-Ø alternation in Hebrew 27
- The special status of nif'al in Hebrew 61
- Object gap constructions 77
- Active lexicon 105
-
Part II. Grammatical features and inflectional morphology
- Definiteness agreement with PP modifiers 137
- Predication and equation in Hebrew (nonpseudocleft) copular sentences 161
- Morphological knowledge without morphological structure 197
- The interaction between question formation and verbal morphology in the acquisition of Hebrew 223
- On child subjects in a partially pro -drop language 245
- Resumptive pronouns as a last resort when movement is impaired 267
-
Part III. Semantics, pragmatics and discourse
- Bare minimizers 293
- Hebrew negative polarity Items – šum and af 313
- A two-layered analysis of the Hebrew exceptive xuc mi 337
- Codifying apparent inconsistencies in discourse 353
- Index 389
