Basic English Syntax with Exercises

Exercise 5

Thematic role assignment must be local. A Θ-role assigning head must be in a local configuration to the DP it assigns Θ-role to. Explain how the underlined nominal constituents can get Θ-role.

(1)aWhich book did John buy?
bShort stories, I don’t like.
cShort stories I expect nobody likes.
dMary seems to hate big cats.
eI know the researcher who is believed to have invented cold fusion.

Suggested answer