Principles of phrasal architecture : category assignment in coordinate structures

Abstract

This paper considers the possibility that the architectural properties of phrase structure can be derived from general principles rather than merely stated as stipulations. After proposing and illustrating a set of independently motivated principles, I focus my discussion on a series of puzzles associated with the syntax of coordination. The approach adopted here is shown to make two surprising predictions about coordinate structure, the apparent validity of which provides support for the proposed principles and for the general approach to phrase structure that they represent.