Universal #420

Legacy number: 420

 Number  419
 Original  There is no language where, given a constituent class including both definite and indefinite members, the verb would agree with some or all of the indefinite members but with none of the definite members.
 Standardized  Provided there is a constituent class including both definite and indefinite members:
IF the verb agrees with some or all of its indefinite members, THEN the verb also agrees with its definite members.
 Formula  verb agreement (indefinite constituent) ⇒ verb agreement (definite constituent)
 Keywords  verb agreement, definiteness
 Domain  inflection, syntax
 Type  implication
 Status  achronic
 Quality  absolute
 Basis  languages mentioned in Moravcsik 1974 , Moravcsik 1978b
 Source  Moravcsik 1974 : 28, Moravcsik 1978b: 365, <a class="innerLink" href="browse.php?entry_id=2"><img src="../img/entry.gif" border="0">

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Discussion
Notes
If there is agreement with any subjects, or any direct objects, or any indirect objects, or any adverbials, there will be agreement with some or all definite subjects, some or all definite direct objects, some or all definite indirect objects, and some or all definite adverbials, respectively.
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
If there is agreement with any subjects, or any direct objects, or any indirect objects, or any adverbials, there will be agreement with some or all definite subjects, some or all definite direct objects, some or all definite indirect objects, and some or all definite adverbials, respectively.