Abstract
On the basis of an asymmetry between VP-deletion and pseudogapping, Merchant (2008a) concludes that ellipsis is conditioned by syntax. This article demonstrates that both pseudogapping and VP-deletion potentially allow voice mismatch. The unacceptable cases of voice mismatch in these constructions are attributed to a discourse factor (Kehler 2000, 2002). Nevertheless, since sluicing does not allow voice mismatch (Merchant 2001, 2007) even in the same context that allows voice mismatch in VP-ellipsis, Merchant's (2007, 2008a) conclusion is still valid. A syntactic condition on ellipsis is proposed, based on a semantic condition from Takahashi and Fox 2005. Kehler's discourse explanation is phrased in a revised format.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 470-490 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Linguistic Inquiry |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Conditions on ellipsis
- Pseudogapping
- Sluicing
- VP-ellipsis
- Voice
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language