Change and Continuity in the English Language: Studies on Complementation Over the Past Three Hundred Years

Focusing on English predicate complementation, this book presents a detailed diachronic analysis spanning the past three centuries. It utilizes a unique combination of authoritative sources, including computer corpora and unpublished works, to explore the evolution of verb syntax. Through systematic categorization of predicates and examination of their alternations, the study highlights both changes and continuities in the language. This innovative approach establishes a new research field in English linguistics, providing valuable insights into its historical development.