This paper examines the so-called presentational there constructions, which have been received far less attention than existential there constructions. I show that the stylistic properties of presentational there constructions are explained in syntact...
This paper examines the so-called presentational there constructions, which have been received far less attention than existential there constructions. I show that the stylistic properties of presentational there constructions are explained in syntactic component within a minimalist framework (Uriagereka 1999, Chomsky 2000). Particularly, I argue that the logical subject in presentational there constructions moves rightward as an instance of syntactic focus movement. I also investigate the nature of the Extended Projection Principle, based on the comparison of locative inversion constructions and presentational there counterparts. To the extent that this study is successful, it will undermine Kayne's (1994) Linear Correspondence Axiom according to which rightward movement is not allowed.