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Universal 821: Rel N ⇒ gapping

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 821: Rel N ⇒ gapping

Original
While both prenominal and postnominal relative clauses may be formed by gapping, gapping is the overwhelmingly dominant mode of relative clause formation in prenominals.
Standardized
IF relative clauses are prenominal, THEN relativization is primarily by gapping.
Keywords
relative clause, order, gapping
Domain
syntax
Type
implication
Status
achronic
Quality
statistical
Basis
languages mentioned in Downing 1978, Keenan 1985b
Source
Keenan 1985b: 154, Downing 1978: 396
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Cf. Downing’s statement: “With few exceptions in prenominal relative clauses, the relative NP is obligatorily deleted in at least some positions.”

    1. May 2020

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