Nonfinite supplements in the recent history of English

This book explores subjectless ing- and ed-supplement constructions in English from a corpus-based perspective, examining their presence, absence, and diachronic variation. Supplements are nonfinite clauses that do not fulfill a core syntactic function, but are typically linked to the main clause in different respects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften

This book delves into the fascinating realm of subjectless ing- and ed-supplement constructions in the recent history of English, taking a corpus-based approach. Supplements, as part of the clausal periphery, do not serve a core syntactic function within the matrix clause. Their presence or absence generally does not have significant syntactic, semantic, or grammatical implications for the clause's structure or interpretation. Despite their peripheral position, supplements exhibit notable connections to the main clause in various ways. By examining these nonfinite supplements, we gain a deeper understanding of the periphery of the clause, distinguishing between more and less prototypical supplements and exploring the diachronic variations in Late Modern English and Present-Day English along the characteristics that define this construction.

Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of the English language, certain constructions have emerged as intriguing and complex. Among these, subjectless ing- and ed-supplement constructions have garnered significant attention due to their unique grammatical properties and their role in shaping the language. These constructions, which do not have a subject or object as their main constituents, have undergone significant changes over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of language.

Definitions and Characteristics:
Supplements, as defined, are constructions in the clausal periphery that do not fulfill a core syntactic function within the matrix clause. They are typically found in the position of postmodifiers, prepositional phrases, or adverbs, and they do not carry the main verb's tense, aspect, or mood. Their presence or absence does not typically have syntactic, semantic, or grammatical consequences for either the structure or the interpretation of the clause.

Peripheral Status and Connections:
Despite their peripheral status, supplements are prototypically linked to the main clause in different respects. They often exhibit semantic or pragmatic relationships with the main clause, contributing to its meaning or function. For example, prepositional phrases with ing- or ed-supplements can express spatial or temporal relationships, while adverbs with ing- or ed-supplements can modify the verb's tense, aspect, or mood.

Analysis and Variation:
The analysis of subjectless ing- and ed-supplement constructions allows for a better characterisation of the periphery of the clause in terms of more and less prototypical supplements. It also sheds light on the diachronic variation in Late Modern English and Present-Day English along the features that characterize the construction. By examining the distribution and usage of these constructions in different corpora, researchers can gain insights into the historical development and linguistic changes that have shaped the English language.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book explores subjectless ing- and ed-supplement constructions in the recent history of English from a corpus-based perspective. By examining these constructions in detail, we gain a deeper understanding of the grammatical complexities and the role they play in shaping the language. The analysis of these nonfinite supplements provides valuable insights into the periphery of the clause, diachronic variation, and the dynamic nature of language.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783034342261
Edition number: New ed