English Constructions
English Constructions
Adele E. Goldberg and Devin Casenhiser
Princeton University
Abstract
Constructions have been defined variously in the literature, but the traditional use of the term corresponds to a conventional pairing of form with (semantic or discourse) function. This article provides examples of uncontroversial instances of constructions, clarifies some of the debates surrounding the term currently, and also briefly explores a broad based range of constructionist theories that have converged on the basic idea that traditional constructions play a central theoretical role in language.
1. A brief history of “constructions”
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