Basic English Syntax with Exercises

Suggested Answers for Check Questions

Heads select the number and type of complements they take but there only seem to exist restrictions related to compatibility of meaning with the meaning of the head for specifiers. Specifiers and complements (i) are both arguments of thematic heads, (ii) both receive theta-roles, but (iii) while it is possible for certain verbs to take more than one complement, there can only be a single specifier in a phrase.