MULTIPLE EXPLETIVE CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

This article explores from a minimalistic point of view the so-called seem as if construction with expletive subjects, which we refer to as the multiple expletive construction. This construction involves more than one expletive there that is related to a single associate via remote and multiple agreement, i.e., finite verbs of both matrix and embedded clauses agree with the associate. The theoretical interest of this construction concerns questions as to whether there carries Case or not, and how the associate NP undergoes Case-checking and enters into an agreement relation with more than one checking head. I argue that the answer lies in considerations of structure building.