Concluding Observations

Abstract

This chapter reviews and compares the main findings of the four case studies presented in this book, and provides comment on the issues that have arisen during the course of the four studies. In the case of the three chapters on subject control in adjectival complement structures, the Choice Principle was shown to have a statistically significant effect in all cases, and it was noted that the progress of the gerundial complement option is more advanced with the lesser-used adjective terrified than it is with the higher-frequency adjectives scared and afraid. Chapter 5, dealing with object control with the verb warn and apparent violations of Bach’s Generalization, presented evidence of the increasing frequency of the covert object pattern in British and American English, as well as arguments for the reasons behind the rise of these structures.