Linguistics 322

Exercises

Week 12

Answer Sheet

Exercise 10:

 

1.   Draw a tree diagram showing the derivation of

a)   Do not slowly cut down the tree.

The primary task here is to explain how not is adjoined to the dummy verb do. Note that the insertion of the default dummy verb indicates that something must be strong. Th peak of the imperative intonation contour is on the dummy verb, which suggests that the feature [+Imp] is strong--here because of the negative. The negative feature needs T in clauses which have tense, but imperative do not include tense. Hence, the negative selected the imperative over the strong verb as its host, which makes it strong. Note that in L222 we learned that Neg cannot be adjoined to main (strong) verb. Hence, Imp becomers strong to force the dummy verb insertion. Since it is strong, a barrier is set up at M so that a chain can be formed linking Neg-M to M-V. This blocks Neg from being copied to V.

 

b)   John is happy.

 

c)   If John were happy, he wouldn't be taking syntax.

 

 

• You may abbreviate NPs in (1a & b), except, do indicate and mark the Case features, since it is relevant to the exercise. Be sure to indicate agreement Be sure to include any links that may occur, and barriers to them. Draw or indicate each step indicating which rule has been applied. In (1c) draw a complete diagram (except for the NPs) of the embedded sentence only.

This page updated 25 NO 2000.