Abstract
This paper presents a unified account of null operator structures, based on the hypothesis that the categorial status of empty categories (ECs) in A′ positions is determined by free assignment of the features [±a(naphor)] and [±p(ronominal)], essentially as suggested by Brody (1984) for ECs in A-positions. In so-called predicational structures, the null operator is ungoverned and can only surface as [+p]. As expected, it can be locally A-bound or discourse-licensed, just like argument PRO orpro. Null operators in adjunct clauses with parasitic gaps are governed, and can surface as [−a, −p] or [−a, +p]. The properties of these structures are only compatible with the assignment of the features [−a, −p]. This suggests that even though no general principle blocks [−a, +p] as a governed null operator, there are no licensing conditions for this category.
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This is a much revised version of a paper presented at the 8th West Coast Conference on Formal Linguistics, University of British Columbia, February 24–26, 1989. I am grateful to the participants for helpful comments. I am also indebted to the students in my Syntax Seminar, Spring 1991, who contributed significantly to the sharpening of the ideas contained in this paper. For extremely insightful comments on previous versions I am indebted to Margaret Browning, Dong-Whee Yang, and Karen Zagona, as well as theNLLT reviewers. Remaining errors are my sole responsibility. I am deeply appreciative of Carol Georgopoulos, who provided valuable editorial guidance.
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Contreras, H. On null operator structures. Nat Lang Linguist Theory 11, 1–30 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993019
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993019