2

What is the function of “the doctor” in the following sentences? Is it a constituent of the matrix clause or of the infinitival clause?

  1. I wanted the doctor to examine my daughter.
  2. I persuaded the doctor to examine my daughter.
  3. I expected the doctor to examine my daughter.
  4. I told the doctor to examine my daughter.
  5. I would hate for the doctor to examine my daughter.
2
  • 1
    In (2) and (4), the doctor functions as the indirect object of the matrix verb, and also as the subject of the infinitive; persuade and tell are B-Equi predicates. In (1), (3), and (5), however, the doctor does not originate in the matrix clause; rather, in (1) and (3) it's a B-Raised subject of the infinitive; want and expect govern Raising, not Equi. In (5), the doctor is the unraised subject of the infinitive, marked as such by the undeleted for complementizer. Jan 25, 2020 at 17:47
  • 1
    @JohnLawler Thanks for such a succinct yet clear answer. Might I trouble you to please put it in the answer box?
    – tchrist
    Jan 25, 2020 at 17:49

1 Answer 1

1

In a comment, John Lawler wrote:

In (2) and (4), the doctor functions as the indirect object of the matrix verb, and also as the subject of the infinitive; persuade and tell are B-Equi predicates.

In (1), (3), and (5), however, the doctor does not originate in the matrix clause; rather, in (1) and (3) it's a B-Raised subject of the infinitive; want and expect govern Raising, not Equi.

In (5), the doctor is the unraised subject of the infinitive, marked as such by the undeleted for complementizer.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.