Advances in Role and Reference Grammar

PREPOSITION ASSIGNMENT IN ENGLISH 283

and into, as the logical choice for (20), based on the semantics of the verb,
insert, and our practical knowledge of locks. The same general LS thus
underlies both prepositions. Given the assumptions of the Prototype
Approach to categorization, the shared semantic structure of the two
lexemes in these contexts does not present a problem. In categorizing the
polysemes which instantiate the predictive functions of a given preposition,
we accept the assumptions of Rosch's Prototype Approach. We assume that
polysemes share some, but not necessarily all, semantic components. The
atomic predicates, like stative and activity verbs, are listed in the lexicon,
specifying these predicative functions. The LSs of case-marking or non-pre­
dicative functions are based on the predicative forms, plus the sentential
operators and connectors used in the verb classification system.

2.3 Prepositional classification

The prepositional analysis proposed in this study is based on a three-way

distinction of prepositional functions.

2.3.1 Class one: Non-predicative prepositions

Class one prepositions are those which mark verbal arguments in LS. Three

sub-classes are distinguished:

(a) those prepositions which are both syntactically and semantically

necessary, e.g., the locative preposition in a sentence with put,

where the syntactic valence of the verb equals the semantic val­

ence of three;

(b) those which are semantically necessary but may be syntactically

unrealized, e.g., serve with/to, where with marks the theme not

specified and to marks the locative not specified in (23a,b).

(23) a. John served the guests.

b. John served the wine

In these contexts, the semantic and syntactic valences of the verb serve, dif­

fer.

(c) those prepositions which are syntactically and semantically

optional but which mark arguments of the verb when they are

realized, e.g., break against, where against specifies a locative

argument of the verb not realized in sentence (24a).