The X is ( is ) construction
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Evelien Keizer
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to propose a Functional Discourse Grammar analysis of constructions of the form (the) {thing/point/fact etc.} is (is) (that) that reflects both the semi-fixed nature of these constructions and their specific discourse-pragmatic functions. First, it is argued that the sequence (the) {thing/X} is (is) (that) functions as a pragmatic-rhetorical marker in a presentative (non-specificational) construction. On the basis of authentic data, it is further argued that, in terms of form and function, there is no reason to assume that the thing is construction differs significantly from constructions with other head nouns, nor from constructions with double is. Finally, a Functional Discourse Grammar analysis of these constructions is proposed which fully exploits the model’s different levels of representation, as well as the presence of different kinds of primitives (lexemes, operators, frames, templates). In addition, a new feature will be introduced, that of the semi-fixed (morphosyntactic or phonological) template, to deal with the dual, semi-fixed nature of thing is/X is constructions.
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to propose a Functional Discourse Grammar analysis of constructions of the form (the) {thing/point/fact etc.} is (is) (that) that reflects both the semi-fixed nature of these constructions and their specific discourse-pragmatic functions. First, it is argued that the sequence (the) {thing/X} is (is) (that) functions as a pragmatic-rhetorical marker in a presentative (non-specificational) construction. On the basis of authentic data, it is further argued that, in terms of form and function, there is no reason to assume that the thing is construction differs significantly from constructions with other head nouns, nor from constructions with double is. Finally, a Functional Discourse Grammar analysis of these constructions is proposed which fully exploits the model’s different levels of representation, as well as the presence of different kinds of primitives (lexemes, operators, frames, templates). In addition, a new feature will be introduced, that of the semi-fixed (morphosyntactic or phonological) template, to deal with the dual, semi-fixed nature of thing is/X is constructions.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Abbreviations vii
- Introduction 1
- A new approach to clausal constituent order 15
- The interaction between tense and evidentials of event perception and deduction in Brazilian Native languages 39
- Spatial adpositions between lexicon and grammar 67
- On the representation of roots, stems and finals in Blackfoot 95
- Conceptual representation and formulation 125
- External possessors and related constructions in Functional Discourse Grammar 155
- Time reference in English indirect speech 189
- The X is ( is ) construction 213
- Raising in Functional Discourse Grammar 249
- Objective and subjective deontic modal necessity in FDG – evidence from Spanish auxiliary expressions 277
- Name index 301
- Language index 305
- Subject index 309
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Abbreviations vii
- Introduction 1
- A new approach to clausal constituent order 15
- The interaction between tense and evidentials of event perception and deduction in Brazilian Native languages 39
- Spatial adpositions between lexicon and grammar 67
- On the representation of roots, stems and finals in Blackfoot 95
- Conceptual representation and formulation 125
- External possessors and related constructions in Functional Discourse Grammar 155
- Time reference in English indirect speech 189
- The X is ( is ) construction 213
- Raising in Functional Discourse Grammar 249
- Objective and subjective deontic modal necessity in FDG – evidence from Spanish auxiliary expressions 277
- Name index 301
- Language index 305
- Subject index 309
