Valency and Argument Structure in Syntax

TLDR: In this article, the authors explain the valency and argument structure of the predicate and show that the argument structure can also be altered or rearranged without involving a change of valency.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to explain the valency and argument structure of the predicate. The article begins with definitions of valency and argument structure. This then leads to illustration of a number of ways in which arguments are removed from, or added to, the argument structure, whereby changes in the valency of the basic predicate may be brought about. The article demonstrates that the argument structure can also be altered or rearranged without involving a change of valency. Also illustrated is how languages may keep the valency of the derived predicate from exceeding that of the basic predicate. The article addresses the question of whether or not identical coding of nominals – especially in the context of valency increasing – entails doubling of grammatical relations. Finally, a brief discussion of how valency-changing operations are handled or represented in current grammatical theories is provided.