The degree cycle

The grammaticalization of the demonstratives this, that and thus is investigated with respect to their functions as degree adverbs using empirical data from dictionaries and historical and modern corpora. It is first argued that thus participates in the CP cycle. With respect to this and that, data relevant to the development of the degree adverb function is presented and possible relevant constructions identified. It is argued that the degree adverb function of that possibly occurs later than the historical dictionaries indicate. The degree adverb function of this is challenging to trace due to the apparent overlap with thus.

Published online: 09 March 2016
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.227.10woo