On the pre-theoretical notion phrasal head

This paper examines the multi-dimensional Grafting mechanism of van Riemsdijk (2006), which focuses on the pre-theoretical notion phrasal head, and whose effect is, in certain cases, to circumvent constraints imposed by the left periphery on long-distance movement. The constructions for which Grafting has been invoked are examined one by one and compared to specific alternatives based on bi-dimensional representations; it is argued that the Grafting analyses have no advantage over their competitors for accounting for the relevant projections and clause edges. Arguments come from Transparent Free Relatives, by refining proposals in Grosu (2003, and include a new approach to the far from simple construction and to two Lakovian amalgams.

Published online: 23 June 2010
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.156.11gro