Published June 1, 2018 | Version v1
Preprint Open

"Do-support" is kinda dumb : A reanalysis of English auxiliary structures

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon Leeds Beckett University

Description

This article proposes a novel reanalysis of English "do-support" as an unnecessary insertion rule, arguing that finite verb forms are surface-level replacements for underlying auxiliary + base structures (e.g., "eats" for "does eat").  It critiques traditional analyses for inefficiency and presents trees, tables, and examples to demonstrate uniformity across auxiliaries, questions, negatives, emphasis and ellipsis.  Part of the Grammar 2.0 framework rejecting legacy categories.  Originally self-published; uploaded for open access and archival priority.
 
Keywords: do-support, English syntax, auxiliary replacement, pedagogical grammar, verb inflection reanalysis
 
Subjects: Linguistics, English Language, Syntax, Grammar, Applied Linguistics, English Syntax

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References

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