Auxiliaries as Heads

4 important questions on Auxiliaries as Heads

What is the main function of auxiliaries in verb phrase structure?

  • They serve as the Head, rather than Dependent
  • They often take non-finite clauses as their Complement
  • This contrasts with how lexical verbs operate

How does the type of non-finite clause used depend on the Head verb?

  • The type relies on whether the verb is auxiliary or lexical
  • OUGHT and INTEND license infinitivals with to
  • CAN and HELP license infinitivals without to

How are auxiliary and lexical verbs divided in examples?

  • Verb phrases are split into parts like was + checking
  • For example, was attacked is distinct from was checking
  • This applies similarly to other verbs in the examples
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What distinguishes the clauses used by BE and GET in the example?

  • BE allows two types: gerund-participle and past participle
  • GET licenses a clause with the past participle form
  • This variation shows differences in Head verbs

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