Abstract
In this chapter, I introduce background required for explaining the history of the English be-passive construction, in addition to general terminology and classification of the passive in English. I also analyse aspectual change in English, focusing particularly on the perfective aspect. Some specific constructions relating to the aspectual development are discussed, i.e. the progressive passive and the perfective passive. As we will see in due course, these constructions can be considered important indicators of the grammaticalisation.
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© 2008 Junichi Toyota
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Toyota, J. (2008). Be-passive: Overview and Aspectual Change. In: Diachronic Change in the English Passive. Palgrave Studies in Language History nad Language Change. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230594654_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230594654_2
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-36319-3
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-59465-4
eBook Packages: Palgrave Language & Linguistics CollectionEducation (R0)