GRADIENCE AND VARIATION IN FOCUS CONSTRUCTIONS IN BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE

Abstract

In this paper we exemplify and analyze eight different types of cleft constructions in Brazilian Portuguese. We show that the differences among the constructions, with regard to their morphosyntactic properties, are quantitative, which explains their potential mutual interchangeability. We show that some of the constructions display a higher degree of grammaticalization and function as focus marker in simple clauses.

Keywords

• construções de foco
• português brasileiro
• variação e intercambialidade.