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Abstract

The aim of this book is to examine instances of non-finite sentential complementation patterns involving subject and object control. This chapter introduces the concept of complementation and variation between complement patterns in English, with a focus on sentential complements of verbs and adjectives. An important notion related to the description of non-finite complements is the idea of the understood subjects of infinitival and gerundial complements, which plays a crucial role in the notions of subject control and object control. Another aspect of English grammar featured prominently in the book is the possibility of omitting the object noun phrases in complementation patterns with object control. This chapter also outlines the main research questions in the five case studies presented in Chaps. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, with Chaps. 2, 3, and 4 dealing with subject control complement patterns, and Chaps. 5 and 6 involving instances of object control. The chapter also describes the key points in the methodological choices made as regards selecting the data for the analyses and framing the scope of the studies.

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Kaunisto, M., Rudanko, J. (2019). Introduction. In: Variation in Non-finite Constructions in English. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19044-6_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19044-6_1

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Pivot, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-19043-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-19044-6

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