This article deals with the phenomenon of Focus Fronting and addresses the vexed question of its optional realization. A novel path for explanation is thus proposed, based on Intervention effects and, in particular, on Superiority at the External Merge of arguments in the vP shell. To this purpose, an original experimental test has been designed for a systematic comparison between Subject and Object Focus in corrective replies, from which evidence is provided for a significant difference between transitive, unaccusative and unergative verbs. Furthermore, a gradient approach is advocated for Intervention effects, based on the combination of different features. The incidence of alternative Focus constructions is also taken into consideration (i.e. postverbal Subject, cleft sentences and passives) and relevant asymmetries are treated in a comprehensive account.

Frascarelli, M., Carella, G., Casentini, M. (2022). Focus fronting and Argument Structure. QUADERNI DI LAVORO ASIT, 24, 179-235.

Focus fronting and Argument Structure

Mara Frascarelli
Formal Analysis
;
Giorgio Carella
Conceptualization
;
Marco Casentini
Investigation
2022-01-01

Abstract

This article deals with the phenomenon of Focus Fronting and addresses the vexed question of its optional realization. A novel path for explanation is thus proposed, based on Intervention effects and, in particular, on Superiority at the External Merge of arguments in the vP shell. To this purpose, an original experimental test has been designed for a systematic comparison between Subject and Object Focus in corrective replies, from which evidence is provided for a significant difference between transitive, unaccusative and unergative verbs. Furthermore, a gradient approach is advocated for Intervention effects, based on the combination of different features. The incidence of alternative Focus constructions is also taken into consideration (i.e. postverbal Subject, cleft sentences and passives) and relevant asymmetries are treated in a comprehensive account.
2022
Frascarelli, M., Carella, G., Casentini, M. (2022). Focus fronting and Argument Structure. QUADERNI DI LAVORO ASIT, 24, 179-235.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11590/423469
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