DP-Structure and Predication

Abstract

This paper purports to derive Safir's (1987) observation (an adjunct can modify a prenominal genitive NP(PGNP) only if the nominal describes an event or process) from independently motivated principles. The acceptance of DP-structure and the classification of nominals into three types make it possible to achieve the purpose. Only the PGNP of process nominals is an argument occupying the NP-SPEC position at DS whereas the PGNP of other nominals is a modifier occupying the DP-SPEC position. This division enables us to explain why an adjectival adjunct can modify only a PGNP of the nominal with an event or process reading without any ad-hoc revision of the condition in predicate linking.