Universal #172
Legacy number: 172
| Number | 172 |
| Original | In languages with ergative/absolutive distinction, the frequency prediction holds: if the verb agrees with the ergative, then it agrees with the absolutive. |
| Standardized | When alignment is ergative/absolutive, IF the verb agrees with the ergative, THEN it agrees with the absolutive. |
| Formula | Verb agreement: Erg ⇒ Abs |
| Keywords | agreement, verb, alignment, ergative, absolutive |
| Domain | inflection, syntax |
| Type | implication |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | statistical |
| Basis | languages mentioned in Croft 1990 |
| Source | inferred from Croft 1990: 106 |
Discussion
Notes
If absolutives were subjects, then this would but be an instantiation of the subject preference for verb agreement.
Comment
If absolutives were subjects, then this would but be an instantiation of the subject preference for verb agreement.
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