LEFT PERIPHERAL DELETION, OBJECT GAPPING AND THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF SERIAL VERB CONSTRUCTIONS

Abstract

This paper is mainly concerned with left peripheral deletion, object gapping and the internal
structure of serial verb constructions (SVCs). SVCs arise from the deletion of the conjunction
between two clauses and left peripheral deletion. Left peripheral deletion triggers the movement of
VP1‟s Spec to the Spec of IP and the occurrence of VP2‟s Spec as pro, as a result of which VP1
asymmetrically c-commands VP2. Object gapping triggers the ATB movement of VP2 to generate
various types of SVCs. It is argued that the differences between coordinative constructions, pivotal
constructions and SVCs lie in their internal structure but not in the verb position.