The syntax of adverbs in English.

Abstract

In this thesis I use the Principles and Parameters model of generative grammar to explain the surface distribution of adverbs in English. Using the current parameters and principals assumed for UG plus the rule of move $\alpha,$ I explain the distribution of both sentential and VP-adverbs. I propose that adverbs are predicates subcategorizing for their arguments at D-S. Like other predicates in English, adverbs are generated on the right of their subjects. Certain adverbs subcategorize for two arguments while other adverbs subcategorize for one argument. The selectional restrictions of the adverb are satisfied at S-S. Like other predicates, it is the maximal projection (AdvP) that governs its subject(s). Government is an m-command relationship. The AdvP can move to the left, either through substitution to an empty X$\sp\prime$ adjunction site or through adjunction to an XP. The maximal projection of the subject forms a barrier out of which the AdvP can not move. Maximal projections, except AgrP, are barriers. In English, the AdvP can not move if the adverb is subcategorized for by the verb. This thesis also compares the explanatory powers of my approach to recent syntactic approaches by Iatridou, Travis and Zagona. I also relate my findings to the semantic approaches by Jackendoff, Bellert and Rochette.