Towards notions of comparative continuity in English and French

The present chapter investigates comparative clauses in English and French with a special focus on subject–verb inversion. It explores the derivation and diachronic evolution of such clauses and makes a case for continuity by defending a simple derivation that requires a so-called low subject, that is one that is not forced to the edge of the clause. Based on well-known options from the diachrony of English and French, I argue that the non-movement syntax proposed is the key continuous aspect against the background of several changes given in the histories of the two languages.

Published online: 29 July 2010
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.159.06ger