Constraining factors on the family of resultative constructions

Abstract

Drawing on the assumptions made in Construction Grammar(s), the present proposal addresses the debate between formulating broad-scale generalizations of the type postulated by Goldberg (1995) or finer-grained analyses, heavily based on lexical-class identification, as those put forward by Boas (2010Boas ( , 2011, who claims that Goldberg's account leads to the over-generation of ungrammatical examples. The position taken here is that, although Goldberg's theory has largely overlooked the role of verb meaning(s), generalizations in the form of constraints are still necessary to build a fully principled account of lexical-constructional fusion. Taking the family of resultative constructions as a case study, I employ the analytical tools (i.e. the apparatus of so-called internal and external constraints on constructional integration) developed by the Lexical Constructional Model in order to show that a fine-nuanced description can go hand in hand with the postulation of macro-generalizations.

Figurative and non-figurative motion in the expression of result in English

“…Goldberg, 1995 , p. 152). As was the case with AP resultatives, the CMC may be fi guratively exploited, as in They laughed the actor off the stage , which conveys self-instigated motion as a result of psychological impact being [ 7 ] Space constraints preclude us from off ering a detailed explanation of this family (see Luzondo, 2014 , for further discussion). We nevertheless wish to emphasize that all the constructions examined here have a place within such a network.…”

“…7Space constraints preclude us from offering a detailed explanation of this family (see Luzondo, 2014, for further discussion). We nevertheless wish to emphasize that all the constructions examined here have a place within such a network.…”

“…Results consistently showed that the hypothesis applied without exception. The organizational value of these schemas within the family of the resultative is also dealt with in Luzondo (2014).…”

Argument-structure and implicational constructions in a knowledge base

“…This section explores the family of the English resultative (cf. Goldberg and Jackendoff, 2004;Luzondo, 2014; Ruiz de Mendoza and Luzondo, 2014), whose members codify changes of state or location as the result of verbal action. A non-exhaustive list of the transitive members of this family is given in (1)-(6):…”