Object gap constructions

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.

Published online: 19 December 2008
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.134.04obj