On EPP effects and the properties of core functional categories

Abstract

In this paper I argue that EPP effects are not special to T but reflect more general formal properties of the Core Functional Categories (CFCs) C, T, and v. I argue that CFCs require a specifier that matches their formal features and provide cross-linguistic evidence that this requirement can be satisfied in similar ways in all three CFCs. I also suggest that this requirement is motivated by the need for Agree operations to apply in a uniform way, with an unvalued feature always functioning as a probe and a feature that enters the derivation already valued always serving as a goal. Finally, I explore the consequences of this approach for our understanding of EPP effects in null subject languages.