
Unrealized Arguments and the Grammar of Context
Cambridge University Press
Published on 4. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
74 pages
978-1-009-66383-0 (ISBN)
Description
In null instantiation (NI) an optionally unexpressed argument receives either anaphoric or existential interpretation. One cannot accurately predict a predicator's NI potential based either on semantic factors (e.g., Aktionsart class of the verb) or pragmatic factors (e.g., relative discourse prominence of arguments), but NI potential, while highly constrained, is not simply lexical idiosyncrasy. It is instead the product of both lexical and constructional licensing. In the latter case, a construction can endow a verb with NI potential that it would not otherwise have. Using representational tools of sign based construction grammar, this Element offers a lexical treatment of English null instantiation that covers both distinct patterns of construal of null-instantiated arguments and the difference between listeme-based and contextually licensed, thus construction-based, null complementation.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight
122 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-66383-0 (9781009663830)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Rui P. Chaves | Paul Kay | Laura A. Michaelis
Unrealized Arguments and the Grammar of Context
Book
09/2025
Cambridge University Press
€75.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Author
University of Buffalo
University of California, Berkeley
University of Colorado Boulder
Content
1. Introduction; 2. Null instantiation; 3. Formalization; 4. Conclusion; References.