Little old problems: Adjectives and subjectivity in the English NP

Abstract

This paper concentrates on the concomitances between semantics and syntax in the NP modifier slot. Through a corpus-based study of the behaviour of old in two-adjective premodifying strings (e.g. good old man, old dark coat), the paper provides empirical support to Matthews' claims regarding the complexity of the NP internal syntax, and points to the need for a careful exploration of how processes of subjectivisation map onto the diachrony of complex NPs in English. © The author 2009.