On [V] on v

Abstract

Based on the expression of temporality in the nominal domain and its syntactic representation via the functional projections of Nominal Tense and Nominal Aspect, this article argues against the proposal that an extending-into-time perspective distinguishes the categorial feature [V] on little v from [N] on little n at LF. It demonstrates that supralexical causation, instead of temporality, is the necessary interpretive perspective encoded in [V] on v and that little n and Voice do not share the causal nature of v. The force theory of causation is then employed to define causation in terms of a causal mechanism (i.e., a configuration of forces and a position vector). The force-theoretic approach to the causal nature of v explains how different flavors of this categorizer, that is, vCAUSE, vBECOME, vDO and vBE, refer to different patterns of force and position vectors in the causal apparatus provided by [V] on v.

Keywords

• little v
• little n
• Voice
• temporality
• causation
• force theory