Hollow clauses


*Gap의 해석이 matrix clause 전체와 관련이 있기 때문에 hollow는 predicate의 성질보다는 matrix clause의 성질로 본다고 한다.

Here is a new book for you to read.

  • predicate: here is
    • head: is
    • locative complement(advp): here
  • subject(np): a new book for you to read.
    • determiner(dp): a
    • head(np): new book for you to read
      • head(n): book
      • modifier(adjp): new
      • modifier(hollow to-infinitival clause): for you to read __
        • subject: you
        • predicate(vp): read
          • head: read
          • direct object gap: book

Semantics: (Here) is ((a) (new) book) → (for (you) to read)

These students are very difficult for us to teach.

  • subject(np): these students
    • determiner(dp): these
    • head(n): students
  • predicate(vp): are very difficult for us to teach
    • head(auxiliary verb): are
    • predicative complement(adjp): very difficult for us to teach
      • modifier(advp): very
      • head(adj): difficult
      • complement(hollow to-infinitival clause): for us to teach __
        • subject: us
        • predicate(vp): teach
          • head(v): teach
          • direct object gap(np): these students

Semantics: (These students) are ((very) difficult) → (for (us) to teach)

Ed isn’t ready, but I am