Between Heads and Phrases

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 A Brief Introduction to Phrasal Verbs

2.1 Phrasal Verbs: The Definition of Phrasal Verbs

2.2 Syntactic peculiarities

3 Lexical status of particles in VPCs

3.1 Current Debate and Status quo

3.2 Towards A Solution to the Categorial Problem

3.2.1 Prepositions as Intransitive Prepositions

3.2.2 Adverbial Particles as a Separate Category

4 Syntax of Verb Particle Constructions

4.1 Particle Movement in Generative Grammar

4.1.1 Johnson (1991):Particle Verbs as Complex Heads

4.2 Small Clause Analysis in Particle Verbs

4.2.1 Elenbaas (2006): Lexical Decomposition Analysis in Particle Verbs

5 Diachronic Perspective of Phrasal Verbs

5.1 Grammaticalization and its mechanisms

5.2 A Brief Aside to the History of Phrasal Verbs

5.2.1 From Inseparable Prefix to Particle

5.2.2 Word order SOV > SVO

5.3 Semantic Change in the Particles in VPCs: Literal >Abstract

5.3.1 Aspect and S

5.3.2 Metaphorisation in Phrasal Verbs: Between Loss and Gain

6 Conclusion

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis examines the linguistic nature of particles in English Phrasal Verbs, specifically focusing on their challenging lexical status, syntactic behavior, and historical development within the X'-syntax framework.

• The syntactic and semantic interdependency of verb-particle constructions.
• The categorization of particles and their resistance to traditional parts-of-speech classification.
• Generative grammar approaches, including Complex Head and Small Clause analyses.
• The diachronic shift from inseparable prefixes to independent post-verbal particles due to word-order changes (SOV to SVO).

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the historical academic interest in particle verbs and identifies the primary challenge of describing these heterogeneous structures within generative grammar.

2 A Brief Introduction to Phrasal Verbs: This chapter defines phrasal verbs and details their complex syntactic behaviors, including word-order alternations and the idiomaticity gradient.

3 Lexical status of particles in VPCs: This chapter explores the difficult categorial classification of particles, debating whether they should be treated as intransitive prepositions or as a separate category.

4 Syntax of Verb Particle Constructions: This chapter analyzes various generative approaches to particle movement, including Complex Head, Small Clause, and Lexical Decomposition analyses.

5 Diachronic Perspective of Phrasal Verbs: This chapter traces the evolution of particles from Old English separable prefixes, highlighting the role of grammaticalization and word-order shifts in their modern usage.

6 Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the research findings, confirming that particles are semi-dependent semantic modifiers that resist uniform classification.

Keywords

Phrasal Verbs, Particle Movement, Generative Grammar, X'-syntax, Grammaticalization, Small Clause, Complex Head, Lexical Decomposition, Word Order, Syntax-Semantic Interface, Aspect, Aktionsart, Diachronic Linguistics, Metaphorization, Case Assignment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis focuses on the linguistic description of English Phrasal Verbs, specifically investigating how particles interact with verbs both syntactically and semantically.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

The work explores lexical categorization, generative syntactic models, historical language development, and the interface between syntax and semantics.

What is the main objective or research question?

The objective is to analyze why particles in phrasal verbs resist standard classification and how different generative frameworks account for particle movement and case assignment.

Which scientific methods are employed?

The author employs a comparative analysis of existing generative literature, combined with a diachronic examination of language change in Old and Middle English.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body covers the definition of particle verbs, the debate over their lexical status, analyses of particle movement within generative theory (Johnson, Kayne, Elenbaas), and the historical transition from pre-verbal prefixes to post-verbal particles.

What are the characterizing keywords of the work?

Key terms include Phrasal Verbs, Grammaticalization, Small Clause Analysis, Generative Grammar, and Syntax-Semantic Interface.

How does the author explain the difference between 'A-verbs' and 'B-verbs' as proposed by Aarts?

A-verbs are defined as spatio-resultative constructions that allow small clause complements, whereas B-verbs are idiomatic constructions with a tighter bond between verb and particle, thus excluding small clause analyses.

What is the significance of the shift from OV to VO word order?

The shift from Object-Verb to Verb-Object order is identified as a major trigger for the collapse of the Old English prefixal system, ultimately leading to the emergence of independent post-verbal particles.

How does Elenbaas's 'Lexical Decomposition Analysis' differ from previous approaches?

Elenbaas proposes a hybrid status for particles, where their movement is driven by the intersection of syntax, semantics, and discourse factors like focus and news value, rather than purely mechanical movement rules.