Abstract: This paper argues that the analogy of raisings with passives is problematic both empirically and theoretically. It is shown that the inner configuration is totally different in the two cases. Crucially, while the passive predicate may select a clausal complement, the raising predicate selects a clause in all cases. Given that expletives must move overtly in order to be interpreted, the expletive subject it cannot be inserted directly in the surface subject position in either construction. It is proposed that in the case of passive the expletive it is raised from the object position; while in the case of raising, it is raised from the predicative position of a small clause.
Publication Year: 2004
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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