Chapter 8 - The Syntax of Non-Finite ClausesExercise 5
Are the following sentences problematic for the theta theory? If they are, why? If they
are not, why not?
(1) a I want to leave now.
b John persuaded Bill to leave.
c I want Mary to leave now.
d Mary, I really like her.
e I expected Bill to win the race.Exercise 6
Explain why the following sentences are ungrammatical.
(1) a *Johni seems that it is likely ei to have met Mary.
b *Johni seems that Mary hates ei.
c *Ii believe ei to be clever.
d *It is believed Johni to have been killed ei in the accident.Exercise 7
Is the empty category in the sentences below a PRO or the trace of the DP John?
(1) a. Johni seems ei to be clever.
b. Johni tries ei to be clever.
c. Johni appeared ei to be clever.
d. Johni was believed ei to be clever.
e. Johni wanted ei to come.
f. Johni was likely ei to come.
g. Johni was too tired ei to come.
h. Johni was unable ei to come.
i. Johni was certain ei to come.
j. Johni was happy ei to come.Exercise 8
Decide where we have a PRO subject in the following structures and whether the
sentences instantiate subject control, object control or arbitrary control.
(1) a Jack wondered whether to trust Jill.
b The electrician promised the owner of the flat to do a good job.
c The teacher told the student to register for the course next semester.
d It is important to keep your word.
e I am glad to be back home.
f To err is human.
g Mary tried to feed the elephants.
h The teacher plans to write another study on causatives.