182 L. MICHELLE CUTRER
actor of the matrix clause remains possessor of the item and thus is the only
available agent to perform the action encoded by the infinitive.
3.1.2.2.2 Transfer verbs
We have already seen how the object gap is controlled with transfer verbs.
Control of the subject gap remains to be accounted for.
(32) a. John will give you the letter to read.
b. John will send you the book to read.
In both examples above, it is the recipient you which is the controller of the
subject gap. Verbs such as give and send are "transfer of possession" verbs.
"Transfer of possession" verbs indicate a transfer of possession of an object
from one person to another. With "transfer of possession" verbs, the reci
pient is always controller of the subject gap of the linked core. This follows
from the semantics of the verb. The verb indicates a transfer of some item
to a new possessor; the new possessor of the item transferred is now in a
position to act upon the object. The verb encodes the fact that the old pos
sessor has given up ownership and thus, the ability to act upon the item.
Once the agent has given up possession of the theme or object, it is the reci
pient which is the available effector for the dependent predicate, because it
is the recipient who possesses the object which is affected by the action
designated by the complement predicate.
Within RRG this can be formulated as follows: with transfer verbs the
lowest ranking potential actor argument in terms of the actor/undergoer
hierarchy is controller of the subject gap. The theme or item transferred
already controls the obligatory post-verbal gap. The recipient is the lowest
ranking potential actor of the two remaining arguments, recipient and
agent. The agent is no longer available as a candidate for controller of the
non-matrix verb, because he/she is no longer possessor of the item transfer
red. In transferring the matrix object, the matrix actor gives up the ability
to be controller or actor of the linked core.3.1.2.2.3 Recipient control with possession and use verbs
Many possession and use verbs, such as build, cook, and bring, also partici
pate in a second type of construction, where a recipient is present, indicat
ing a transfer to posession.