Suggested Answers and Hints - Chapter 3
Q4 An endocentric phrase has a head that lends its properties to the whole
projection, while an exocentric phrase lacks such a head, hence the properties of an
exocentric phrase do not necessarily follow from the properties of the elements it
contains. It must be pointed out that all phrases are assumed to be endocentric. It is
possible to rely on the discussion on imperatives in the text and exemplify a potential
candidate for an exocentric construction.
Q5 a) yes; b) no; c) no; d) no; e) no; f) no
Q6 Heads select the number and type of complements they take but there only
seem to exist restrictions related to compatibility of meaning with the meaning of the
head for specifiers. Specifiers and complements (i) are both arguments of thematic
heads, (ii) both receive theta-roles, but (iii) while it is possible for certain verbs to take
more than one complement, there can only be a single specifier in a phrase.
Q7 The rule by itself might seem to general and would seemingly allow (generate)
ungrammatical sequences. However, given the restriction that movement cannot
change basic X-bar configurations (structures), the vast majority of potentially arising
ungrammatical structures disappears.
Q8 There are two levels of representation assumed, D-Structure and S-Structure. At
D-Structure elements occupy their base-position, i.e. for arguments a position where
they can receive a theta role from the predicate. However, a D-Structure position may
not be a position where they can receive case from a case assigning element, hence
elements may potentially be moved to another position which we call S-Structure
position. This is what happens in passive constructions, as we will see in more detail
later on in the book. Thus, we can say that the two levels of representation are linked
via movement.
Q9 A theta-marking head theta marks arguments in its immediate vicinity, that is,
arguments which are associated with the specifier position and the complement
position of the phrase headed by the theta-marking head.
Q10 Nominative: subjects of finite clauses; accusative: subjects of non-finite
clauses, complements of verbs and prepositions, e.g. Peter/He loves Mary/her; Peter
saw John/him climbing up the tree; Peter often talks about Mary/her.
Q11 In both of these constructions there is no argument associated with the subject
slot. In addition, the arguments present in them remain Caseless unless they leave the
D-Structure position where they receive their respective theta-roles. As the subject
position is empty but it can be case-marked, passivisation or raising can occur,
depending on whether the structure contains a passive verb or a raising verb or a
raising adjective.