Unrealized Arguments and the Grammar of Context

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Rui P. Chaves (University of Buffalo) Paul Kay (University of California, Berkeley)

Unrealized Arguments and the Grammar of Context

Rui P. Chaves (University of Buffalo), Paul Kay (University of California, Berkeley), Laura A. Michaelis (University of Colorado Boulder)

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English

Cambridge University Press
04 September 2025

Psycholinguistics; Semantics; Grammar, syntax; Cognition & cognitive psychology

Series: Elements in Construction Grammar

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.

By: Rui P. Chaves (University of Buffalo), Paul Kay (University of California, Berkeley), Laura A. Michaelis (University of Colorado Boulder)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Weight: 250g
ISBN: 9781009663830
ISBN 10: 1009663836
Series: Elements in Construction Grammar
Pages: 74
Publication Date: 04 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. Introduction; 2. Null instantiation; 3. Formalization; 4. Conclusion; References.