Definition
Here are two senses for zero:
- A zero is a constituent proposed in an analysis to represent an element held to be present at an abstract level but not realized in the data.
- A zero is a unit proposed as a contrast to an element that might otherwise be present.
Examples
- A zero morph (Ø) proposed for the plural of sheep.
- A zero conjunction proposed for he said Ø he was coming, in contrast with he said that he was coming.
- A zero realization of a semantic argument proposed for the second clause in I eat breakfast before 7 A.M.; John eats Ø about 8 A. M.
Sources 3
- Crystal 1980, 388
- Robins 1971, 212
- Fleming 1988, 41