Linguistic Inquiry
Winter 1999, Vol. 30, No. 1, Pages 119-131
(doi: 10.1162/002438999553986)
Middles and Reflexivity
Article PDF (128.62 KB)
Abstract
This article investigates the argument structure of middle predicates. It argues that middle verbs syntactically project the entire argument grids of their active counterparts; however, middle verbs, like passive verbs, project the external (Agent) arguments of their active counterparts as adjuncts. These demoted Agent arguments can appear, in middle constructions, as the objects of for-PPs.