Universal #1980
Legacy number: 1980
| Number | 1974 |
| Original | Existential verbs of indefinite subjects tend toward clause-initial position. |
| Standardized | Existential verbs of indefinite subjects tend toward clause-initial position. |
| Keywords | verb, existence, definiteness, subject, order |
| Domain | syntax, semantics |
| Type | unconditional |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | statistical |
| Basis | ? |
| Source | Clark 1970, cited by Ferguson 1972: 92 |
Discussion
Counterexamples
Ferguson 1972: 92:"... the 'universal tendency' ... meets greater resistance the more firmly established verb final order is in the language", e.g., Bengali
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