Basic English Syntax with Exercises

Suggested answer for Exercise 18

Thematic roles are always given at the level of D-structure, that is, before movement takes place. However, movements can be motivated by Case. It means that Case is relevant only at the level of S-structure, in other words, DPs usually get their Case in their surface positions.

a)Predicate:think
Thematic roles: experiencer(you)
propositional(Izzy will invite e)
DPs:younominative
Predicate:invite
Thematic roles:agent(Izzy)
patient(who)
DPs:Izzynominative
whoaccusative
b)Predicate:think
Thematic roles: experiencer(Terry)
propositional(that the car has been stolen)
DPs:Terrynominative
Predicate:steal
Thematic roles:patient(the car)
DPs:the carnominative
c)Predicate:fly
Thematic roles: agent(Frank)
source(New York)
goal(Amsterdam)
DPs:Franknominative
New Yorkaccusative
Amsterdamaccusative
d)Predicate:seem
Thematic roles: propositional(Sally to be selected by the committee)
DPs:Sallynominative
Predicate:select
Thematic roles: patient(Sally)
agent(the committee)
DPs:Sallynominative
the committeeaccusative
e)Predicate:expect
Thematic roles: experiencer(I)
DPs:Inominative
this girlaccusative (Exceptional Case marking!)
Predicate:rewrite
Thematic roles: agent(this girl)
patient(her essay)
DPs:her essayaccusative
f)Predicate:choose
Thematic roles: agent(Chuck)
source(these chicks)
DPs:Chuckaccusative
these chicksaccusative