VLC001: PP - The Prepositional Phrase

PP - The Prepositional Phrase

Prepositional phrases nicely illustrate the principles of the X'-scheme. The specifier, typically an adverb, is highly optional and relatively exceptional. Yet, its existence in some cases justifies the presence of the specifier node. P' expands into the prepositional head and a NP.

Many languages use postpositions instead of, or in addition to, prepositions. In such cases, for example in German, the linear ordering of the elements within PP may be different:

(PP ( Spec: genau )
  (P' ( NP: den Fluss )
    ( Postposition: entlang ) ) )
        (right the river along)

The rule system
1.	PP	⇨	Spec P'
2.	P'	⇨	P NP