Week 14. Finishing up from Week 14. Finishing up from last time and some last time and some

commentary…commentary…

CAS LX 522CAS LX 522Syntax ISyntax I

Previously, in LX522, …Previously, in LX522, …

Lexicon:Lexicon: holds the pieces that our sentences are holds the pieces that our sentences are built from, lexical items, built from, lexical items, bundled propertiesbundled properties like like [N], [past], etc.[N], [past], etc.

DS:DS: Assembled from lexical items and Assembled from lexical items and conforming to X-bar theory, matching up conforming to X-bar theory, matching up predicates (predicates (-assigners) and arguments.-assigners) and arguments.

SS/LF:SS/LF: Parts of the tree are moved around in Parts of the tree are moved around in order to satisfy requirements imposed by the order to satisfy requirements imposed by the lexical items that were not already satisfied at lexical items that were not already satisfied at DS.DS. SS:SS: Some requirements must be satisfied by SS Some requirements must be satisfied by SS

(“overt”), others just need to be satisfied (by LF). (“overt”), others just need to be satisfied (by LF). Those that don’t need to be satisfied by SS generally Those that don’t need to be satisfied by SS generally wait (“procrastinate”) until after SS (“covert”).wait (“procrastinate”) until after SS (“covert”).

Previously, in LX522…Previously, in LX522… Some example requirements:Some example requirements:

EPP (T needs a specifier), [+Q]-C needs a T, [+WH]-EPP (T needs a specifier), [+Q]-C needs a T, [+WH]-C needs a [+wh]-specifier, C needs a [+wh]-specifier, vv needs a V, … needs a V, …

DPs need Case, quantifiers must bind a variable DPs need Case, quantifiers must bind a variable from outside the clause, from outside the clause, whwh-words must be in -words must be in SpecCP, …SpecCP, …

Constraints on movement:Constraints on movement: Head movement constraintHead movement constraint Subjacency (Subjacency (whwh-island constraint, CNP constraint)-island constraint, CNP constraint) Proper binding condition (moved element c-Proper binding condition (moved element c-

commands its trace)commands its trace) Shortest move (where two movements could both Shortest move (where two movements could both

satisfy the same requirement, only the shorter satisfy the same requirement, only the shorter movement is grammatical).movement is grammatical).

Specific constructionsSpecific constructions

Now that we’ve got the basics of the Now that we’ve got the basics of the theory, let’s look at some other more theory, let’s look at some other more specific ideas we have about various specific ideas we have about various constructions.constructions.

vvP and the Agent P and the Agent -role-role

Recall that in order to properly analyze Recall that in order to properly analyze ditransitive verbs, we needed to suppose that ditransitive verbs, we needed to suppose that the VP is made of two “shells”, the the VP is made of two “shells”, the vvP and the P and the VP. The VP. The vvP is where the Agent P is where the Agent -role is -role is assigned. assigned. JohnJohnjj will will ttjj give giveii the book the book ttii to Mary. to Mary.

And given that we needed And given that we needed vv to assign the to assign the Agent Agent -role in these constructions, we might -role in these constructions, we might as well assume that there is only one way that as well assume that there is only one way that the Agent the Agent -role gets assigned: -role gets assigned: The Agent The Agent --role is only ever assigned to the specifier of role is only ever assigned to the specifier of vvPP..

vvP and the Agent P and the Agent -role-role

Whenever there is an Whenever there is an Agent Agent -role -role (transitives, (transitives, unergatives, unergatives, ditransitives), there ditransitives), there is also a is also a vv to assign to assign it.it.

v

v

vP

DP

V

V

VP

thesandwich

eat

DPBill

AgrOP and AgrOP and vvPP There seems to be a There seems to be a

correlation between a verb correlation between a verb being able to assign being able to assign accusative Case to its object accusative Case to its object and there being an external and there being an external argument (Agent). (Burzio’s argument (Agent). (Burzio’s Generalization).Generalization).

Translated into our terms, it Translated into our terms, it seems that AgrOP (which is seems that AgrOP (which is responsible for assigning responsible for assigning accusative Case) can only be accusative Case) can only be present if there is a present if there is a vvP P assigning the Agent assigning the Agent -role.-role.

v

v

vP

DPi

V

V

VP

thesandwich

eat

DPBill

AgrO

AgrO

AgrOP

ti

ECM and ECM and AgrOPAgrOP

In cases where an embedded In cases where an embedded subject seems to get accusative subject seems to get accusative case from the higher verb (I case from the higher verb (I want Bill off the boat, I want Bill off the boat, I consider Bill to be annoying), consider Bill to be annoying), this is due to raising the this is due to raising the embedded subject into the embedded subject into the higher clause’s AgrOP, as here.higher clause’s AgrOP, as here.

v

v

vP

DPi

V

V

VP

Bill

want

DPI

AgrO

AgrO

AgrOP

ti P

P

PP

DPthe boatoff

More on More on -roles and -roles and vvPP When there’s an Agent When there’s an Agent -role, it is assigned by -role, it is assigned by vv in a in a

vvP structure.P structure. We said we might even think of We said we might even think of vv as having a meaning as having a meaning

something like ‘CAUSE’ with the something like ‘CAUSE’ with the -role going to the -role going to the causer in Speccauser in SpecvvP.P.

What about Experiencers (where there is no What about Experiencers (where there is no agentiveness) like agentiveness) like John John in in John knows FrenchJohn knows French, , John John needs to leaveneeds to leave??

We’ll basically assume that there’s a We’ll basically assume that there’s a vvP P whenever whenever there is an external argument (generally either Agent there is an external argument (generally either Agent or Experiencer—that is, generally cognizant). This or Experiencer—that is, generally cognizant). This one doesn’t mean ‘CAUSE’ of course, it’s a different one doesn’t mean ‘CAUSE’ of course, it’s a different vv..

Object control verbsObject control verbs Recall that one kind of verb that Recall that one kind of verb that

embeds a clause with PRO is the embeds a clause with PRO is the object control verb (object control verb (I persuaded I persuaded John PRO to leaveJohn PRO to leave).).

These are like (well, they These are like (well, they areare) ) ditransitives, we need the ditransitives, we need the vvP P structure to even be able to structure to even be able to draw them.draw them.

You would draw them like this at You would draw them like this at DS, where DO later raises to DS, where DO later raises to SpecAgrOP (above SpecAgrOP (above vvP) to get P) to get case (case (John persuaded me PRO to John persuaded me PRO to leaveleave).).

TP

V

V

VP

DO

v

v

vP

SUB

vvP, VP, and adverbsP, VP, and adverbs

Recall that we needed to Recall that we needed to assume that V moves to assume that V moves to vv before SS to account for before SS to account for ditransitive verbs like ditransitive verbs like John John gave the book to Marygave the book to Mary..

However, also recall that However, also recall that in English, the verb still in English, the verb still has to precede adverbs…has to precede adverbs… *John cleaned carefully his *John cleaned carefully his

plate.plate.

IO

V

V

VP

DO

v

v

vP

SUB

vvP, VP, and adverbsP, VP, and adverbs There are lots of intricacies here, but the There are lots of intricacies here, but the

bottom line seems to be that sometimes bottom line seems to be that sometimes you can’t adjoin an adverb to V’you can’t adjoin an adverb to V’ In fact, it is very often when the adverb In fact, it is very often when the adverb

would separate the verb and an accusative would separate the verb and an accusative Case marked object, for whatever reason.Case marked object, for whatever reason.

But this also tells us that sometimes But this also tells us that sometimes (usually?) you can attach adverbs to (usually?) you can attach adverbs to vv’ ’ instead.instead. John intentionally gave the book to Mary.John intentionally gave the book to Mary. John gave the book intentionally to MaryJohn gave the book intentionally to Mary John threw the book perfectly to Mary.John threw the book perfectly to Mary. John perfectly threw the book to Mary. John perfectly threw the book to Mary.

IO

V

V

VP

DO

v

v

vP

SUB

Embedded non-finite Embedded non-finite clausesclauses

As mentioned earlier, the policy on As mentioned earlier, the policy on embedded non-finite clauses is that embedded non-finite clauses is that they are just TPs unless there is they are just TPs unless there is evidence of a CP.evidence of a CP.

Consider: Consider: I know what PRO to buyI know what PRO to buy.. We have evidence of a CP here, We have evidence of a CP here,

since since whatwhat must be occupying must be occupying SpecCP in the lower clause.SpecCP in the lower clause.

Embedded non-finite Embedded non-finite clausesclauses

The subject of a finite clause can get The subject of a finite clause can get nominative case in its clause.nominative case in its clause.

Subject moves to SpecAgrSP in a finite Subject moves to SpecAgrSP in a finite clause, gets case.clause, gets case.

In a non-finite clause, nominative case is not In a non-finite clause, nominative case is not available to the subject.available to the subject.

Policy: Policy: Nonfinite clauses do not have AgrSP.Nonfinite clauses do not have AgrSP. Note: Note: Nothing prevents a nonfinite verb from Nothing prevents a nonfinite verb from

assigning assigning accusativeaccusative case, so AgrOP can be in a case, so AgrOP can be in a nonfinite clause (plus, the evidence from French nonfinite clause (plus, the evidence from French in favor of AgrOP in the first place was about in favor of AgrOP in the first place was about nonfinite clauses).nonfinite clauses).

Object Object whwh-phrases and -phrases and CaseCase

Movement must always be upwards.Movement must always be upwards. WhWh-objects like -objects like whatwhat (in (in What should I What should I

buy?buy?) are DPs, and need to get Case like ) are DPs, and need to get Case like any other DP.any other DP.

WhWh-movement to SpecCP happens before -movement to SpecCP happens before SS (in English). Objects don’t SS (in English). Objects don’t needneed to get to get Case (move to SpecAgrOP) until after SS.Case (move to SpecAgrOP) until after SS.

But if the But if the whwh-word is already in SpecCP, it -word is already in SpecCP, it can’t move back down to SpecAgrOP.can’t move back down to SpecAgrOP.

The only option is for the object to stop off The only option is for the object to stop off in SpecAgrOP on its way up to SpecCP.in SpecAgrOP on its way up to SpecCP.

PassivesPassives

The effect of passivizing a verb like The effect of passivizing a verb like eateat is that it loses the external is that it loses the external -role -role ((vvP) and the ability to assign P) and the ability to assign accusative Case (AgrOP).accusative Case (AgrOP).

So, a passive form a verb is drawn So, a passive form a verb is drawn (at DS) without (at DS) without vvP and, thus, without P and, thus, without the associated AgrOP.the associated AgrOP. Remember: AgrOP goes with Remember: AgrOP goes with vvP—you P—you

don’t have AgrOP without don’t have AgrOP without vvP.P.

Auxiliaries, Auxiliaries, tense, & tense, & aspectaspect -ing-ing is an Asp (the is an Asp (the

progressive), selected by progressive), selected by bebe.. Others would include -Others would include -enen (the (the

perfect), selected by perfect), selected by havehave, and -, and -enen (the passive), selected by (the passive), selected by bebe..

Auxiliaries (Auxiliaries (bebe, , havehave) head ) head their own VP, but don’t assign their own VP, but don’t assign -roles to arguments, so -roles to arguments, so nothing starts out in their nothing starts out in their specifier.specifier.

This tree does not show the This tree does not show the vvP P for for writewrite, but the “official , but the “official structure” should have structure” should have theythey starting in Specstarting in SpecvvP, getting the P, getting the Agent Agent -role.-role.

Relative Relative clausesclauses

The structure of a The structure of a relative clause is like relative clause is like this.this.

A [+Q, +WH] CP is A [+Q, +WH] CP is adjoined inside the adjoined inside the NP, like an NP, like an adjective, or a PP adjective, or a PP modifier.modifier.

C[+WH][+Q]

C

CP

TP

I met ti

Nman

N

NPDthe

D

DP

SS

N

DPi

who

OpOp

Relative clauses can also make use of Relative clauses can also make use of OpOp, the silent , the silent whwh-word-word..

That is, That is, the book which Mary readthe book which Mary read and and the book Mary readthe book Mary read are really exactly are really exactly the same except that in one case you the same except that in one case you pronounce the pronounce the whwh-word, and in the -word, and in the other, you don’t.other, you don’t.

the book [the book [CPCP which whichii Mary read Mary read ttii ] ]

the book [the book [CPCP OpOpii (that) Mary read (that) Mary read ttii ] ]

Op, DFC, & Op, DFC, & RecoverabilityRecoverability

The The Doubly-Filled COMP filterDoubly-Filled COMP filter is the traditional “explanation” is the traditional “explanation” for why for why *the book which that Mary read*the book which that Mary read is bad. is bad.

Doubly-Filled COMP filter:Doubly-Filled COMP filter:*[*[CPCP whwh-word if/that/for…]-word if/that/for…]

Recoverability condition:Recoverability condition: The content of a null category The content of a null category must be recoverable.must be recoverable. the place [the place [OpOpii (that) Mary bought that book (that) Mary bought that book ttii ] ] the day [the day [OpOpii (that) Mary bought that book (that) Mary bought that book ttii ] ] the reason [the reason [OpOpii (that) Mary bought that book (that) Mary bought that book ttii ] ] the way [the way [OpOpii (that) Mary bought that book (that) Mary bought that book ttii ] ]

This is why you can’t just ask a regular This is why you can’t just ask a regular whwh-question -question with Op.with Op.

Summarizing some: DSSummarizing some: DS Lexical items must be arranged in Lexical items must be arranged in

conformance with the conformance with the -criterion and X-bar -criterion and X-bar theory.theory. Agent Agent -role is assigned by -role is assigned by vv.. AgrOP is only there if there is a AgrOP is only there if there is a vvP as well.P as well. Auxiliaries head their own VP and take AspP as a Auxiliaries head their own VP and take AspP as a

complement.complement. Finite clauses and main clauses always have Finite clauses and main clauses always have

a C and a T.a C and a T. Embedded nonfinite clauses only have a C if Embedded nonfinite clauses only have a C if

there is overt evidence for one.there is overt evidence for one. Nonfinite clauses do not have AgrSP.Nonfinite clauses do not have AgrSP.

Summarizing some: SSSummarizing some: SS

Universally (by SS in all languages):Universally (by SS in all languages): SpecTP must be filled (EPP).SpecTP must be filled (EPP).

Move the closest eligible DP.Move the closest eligible DP. vv moves to V. moves to V.

Special head movements (by SS in some Special head movements (by SS in some languages).languages). Main clause [+Q] C: T moves to C. Main clause [+Q] C: T moves to C.

(English)(English) Finite T: V moves to T (French, not English)Finite T: V moves to T (French, not English)

Summarizing some: Summarizing some: SS/LFSS/LF

Languages can choose whether other Languages can choose whether other things happen overtly (by SS) or just by things happen overtly (by SS) or just by LF.LF. SpecCP must be filled with a SpecCP must be filled with a whwh-phrase [+Q,-phrase [+Q,

+WH] C.+WH] C. All All whwh-phrases must be in SpecCP for [+Q, -phrases must be in SpecCP for [+Q,

+WH] C+WH] C All quantifiers must bind a (case-marked) All quantifiers must bind a (case-marked)

trace (moved to adjoin to AgrSP).trace (moved to adjoin to AgrSP). Object to SpecAgrOP for CaseObject to SpecAgrOP for Case Subject to SpecAgrSP for CaseSubject to SpecAgrSP for Case

So when is there a So when is there a vvP? P? When is there an AgrOP?When is there an AgrOP?

If the verb assigns accusative Case, there is an If the verb assigns accusative Case, there is an AgrOP, and below that a AgrOP, and below that a vvP (B’s G) assigning an P (B’s G) assigning an external external -role.-role.

Transitive active verbs have Transitive active verbs have vvP and AgrOP.P and AgrOP. Intransitive verbs don’t have AgrOP (they don’t Intransitive verbs don’t have AgrOP (they don’t

assign accusative Case—there’s no object). assign accusative Case—there’s no object). Intransitive verbs Intransitive verbs cancan have have vvP though, if they P though, if they assign an Agent/Experiencer assign an Agent/Experiencer -role.-role.

Passives and unaccusatives don’t have Passives and unaccusatives don’t have vvP (and P (and of course no AgrOP either, since they’re of course no AgrOP either, since they’re intransitive and don’t assign accusative Case).intransitive and don’t assign accusative Case).

When is there an AgrSP? When is there an AgrSP? When is there a CP?When is there a CP?

AgrSPAgrSP AgrSP is the structural correlate to “assigns nominative AgrSP is the structural correlate to “assigns nominative

Case.”Case.” Finite verbs assigning nominative Case; hence finite Finite verbs assigning nominative Case; hence finite

sentences have AgrSP.sentences have AgrSP. Nonfinite verbs do not assign Case to the subject; hence Nonfinite verbs do not assign Case to the subject; hence

nonfinite verbs do not have AgrSP, they are just TPs.nonfinite verbs do not have AgrSP, they are just TPs. CPCP

As announced before, finite clauses are always assumed As announced before, finite clauses are always assumed to be CPs; nonfinite clauses are assumed to be TPs to be CPs; nonfinite clauses are assumed to be TPs except if there is direct evidence that it is a CP (for except if there is direct evidence that it is a CP (for example, a wh-word, or overt C: example, a wh-word, or overt C: I know what to doI know what to do, , I I want for John to leavewant for John to leave).).

Variation we’ve seen:Variation we’ve seen: English:English:

Subject moves to SpecTP overtly.Subject moves to SpecTP overtly. DPs move for case covertly.DPs move for case covertly. (Topmost) auxiliary verb V raises to finite T overtly.(Topmost) auxiliary verb V raises to finite T overtly. Main verb V does not raise higher than Main verb V does not raise higher than vv.. First First whwh-phrase moves to SpecCP for [+Q, +WH] C -phrase moves to SpecCP for [+Q, +WH] C

overtly.overtly. All other All other whwh-phrases move to SpecCP covertly.-phrases move to SpecCP covertly. All quantifiers move to adjoin to top of the clause All quantifiers move to adjoin to top of the clause

(AgrSP or TP) covertly.(AgrSP or TP) covertly. T moves to [+Q] C.T moves to [+Q] C. SVO (head-first) word order.SVO (head-first) word order.

Variation we’ve seen:Variation we’ve seen: French:French:

Subject moves to SpecTP overtly.Subject moves to SpecTP overtly. DPs move for case covertly.DPs move for case covertly. Any kind of V (topmost aux or main V) raises to finite T Any kind of V (topmost aux or main V) raises to finite T

overtly.overtly. (Topmost) auxiliary verb V (Topmost) auxiliary verb V may may raise to nonfinite T overtly.raise to nonfinite T overtly. Main verb V Main verb V may may raise to AgrO overtly.raise to AgrO overtly. First First whwh-phrase moves to SpecCP for [+Q, +WH] C overtly.-phrase moves to SpecCP for [+Q, +WH] C overtly. All other All other whwh-phrases move to SpecCP covertly.-phrases move to SpecCP covertly. All quantifiers move to adjoin to top of the clause (AgrSP or All quantifiers move to adjoin to top of the clause (AgrSP or

TP) covertly.TP) covertly. T moves to [+Q] C.T moves to [+Q] C. SVO (head-first) word order.SVO (head-first) word order.

Variation we’ve seen:Variation we’ve seen: Irish, Arabic (VSO):Irish, Arabic (VSO):

Subject moves to SpecTP overtly.Subject moves to SpecTP overtly. DPs move for case covertly.DPs move for case covertly.

(possibly overt of object over visible AgrO in one special (possibly overt of object over visible AgrO in one special case)case)

Any kind of V (topmost auxiliary or main V) raises to AgrS.Any kind of V (topmost auxiliary or main V) raises to AgrS. Main verb V may raise to AgrO overtly.Main verb V may raise to AgrO overtly. SVO (head-first) word order.SVO (head-first) word order.

German (SOV V2):German (SOV V2): Any kind of V (topmost auxiliary or main V) raises to C in Any kind of V (topmost auxiliary or main V) raises to C in

a finite clause.a finite clause. SpecCP must be filled (V2).SpecCP must be filled (V2). SOV (head-final) word order.SOV (head-final) word order.

Variation we’ve seen:Variation we’ve seen: Japanese:Japanese:

All All whwh-movement to SpecCP covert -movement to SpecCP covert SOV (head-final) word order.SOV (head-final) word order. Possible to (optionally) scramble a DP to adjoin to Possible to (optionally) scramble a DP to adjoin to

AgrSP (like QR).AgrSP (like QR).

Some sentences from Some sentences from previous finals/practicesprevious finals/practices

2001PF:2001PF: Every father wants to know what the children Every father wants to know what the children

are watching.are watching. What had Bert’s mother said was stolen from What had Bert’s mother said was stolen from

the living room?the living room? Ralph’s puppy seems to like to chew the sofa.Ralph’s puppy seems to like to chew the sofa.

2001F:2001F: What had Bill expected to buy at Wal-Mart?What had Bill expected to buy at Wal-Mart? Every serious linguist will eventually need to Every serious linguist will eventually need to

know what Chomsky has written.know what Chomsky has written. My tape of Benton’s last episode appears to My tape of Benton’s last episode appears to

have been misplaced.have been misplaced.

Some sentences from Some sentences from previous finals/practicesprevious finals/practices

2000PF:2000PF: Who do you think bought the laptop which Mary Who do you think bought the laptop which Mary

said she sold?said she sold? Which student will Mary say took every Which student will Mary say took every

prerequisite?prerequisite? Mary said that John’s mother was chosen.Mary said that John’s mother was chosen.

2000F:2000F: Which test will Mary say that every student took?Which test will Mary say that every student took? Which senator said that Congress will pass which Which senator said that Congress will pass which

bill?bill? The pen which Larry’s assistant thought that The pen which Larry’s assistant thought that

Artie lost was found under the table.Artie lost was found under the table.