Cognitive-Semantic Analysis of Causative Constructions in English: Syntactic Models and Their Functional Features
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Causative verbs play a significant role in linguistic research, reflecting the complex interplay between syntax and semantics. Causativity, as a linguistic phenomenon, is associated with the expression of cause-and-effect relationships, where one participant (the causer) initiates an action performed by another participant (the causee). Causative verbs are studied within various linguistic frameworks. One of the key approaches is Leonard Talmy's theory of force dynamics, which views causativity as an interaction between Agonist and Antagonist. Within the framework of generative grammar causative constructions are analyzed as the result of syntactic transformations, where the causer occupies the subject position and the causee—the object's. Cognitive linguistics emphasizes the semantic and conceptual basis of causativity, considering it a reflection of cognitive processes. This article analyzes analytical causative constructions such as John made Jack run, where the relationship between the nominal part (John) and the verb (made) is treated as primary predication, while the relationship between Jack and run is treated as secondary predication. Based on the analysis, six syntactic models of causative constructions are identified, each characterized by a specific set of causative verbs and morphological forms of the resultant element. These models reflect a variety of ways to express causativity, ranging from direct coercion to more complex interactions, such as persuasion or manipulation. Unlike modal verbs, causative verbs exhibit greater flexibility in combinability: they can be used not only with infinitives but also with other morphological classes and forms, such as gerunds, present and past participles, adjectives, and nouns. This expands their functional capabilities and allows for more precise expression of nuances in causative relationships. The article emphasizes the importance of semantic analysis in the study of causativity, demonstrating how the same syntactic structure can express different types of relationships depending on the context and semantics of the elements used.
Source: Litera
Author: Zara Vartanovna Kostanian
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408677390