Arguments in Syntax and Semantics

Alexander Williams is Assistant Professor in the Departments of Linguistics and Philosophy at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he teaches semantics, syntax, and philosophy of language.

• Abbreviations; Introduction; Part I. Background: 1. Syntax; 2. Semantics; Part II. Kinds of Arguments: 3. Arguments in syntax; 4. Arguments in semantics; 5. Implicit arguments; Part III. Analysis of Argument Relations: 6. Thematic relations; 7. Agent and patient; 8. Role iteration; 9. Separation; 10. Event structure; 11. Linking and framing; Part IV. Case Studies: 12. Passives; 13. Resultatives; Glossary; References; Index.

'This is a superb book, so much clearer than anything I have seen in many years. It will definitely make a mark in the discussion. The author has a remarkable command of both syntax and semantics and is able to provide simple and exact explanations. Anyone familiar with the literature on plurals in particular can only marvel at the simplicity and clarity with which the problems are discussed here.' Marcus Kracht, Universität Bielefeld