ASC guideline

In this section, we will provide more detailed descriptions and examples of the ASC types that we included in the current study. Note that all examples in the following subsections come from the training section of the treebank.

ATTR

• The attributive (ATTR) ASC includes two arguments, namely a theme and an attribute. The attribute is prototypically represented by a noun phrase, an adjective phrase, or a prepositional phrase. Most commonly, the copular verb be is used. The verbs seem and look also appear frequently with this construction in the EWT/ASCT.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V_copular-NP/AdjP/PP

  • Semantic frame (example): X_theme is Y_attribute

  • Examples sentences

    • it_theme was an evolution_attribute

    • I_theme am sure_attribute

    • your dog_theme … is in the same room_attribute

INTRAN_S

• The intransitive simple (INTRAN_S) ASC includes a single argument and typically denotes either what agent does or what happens to a theme. In the training set, the verbs go, work, and live appear frequently with this construction in the EWT/ASCT.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V

  • Semantic frame (example): X_agent act; X_theme happens

  • Examples

    • I_agent am working from our Hong Kong office

    • Martin’s box_theme is working wonderfully

INTRAN_MOT

• The intransitive motion (INTRAN_MOT) ASC involves two arguments including a mover/theme and a path (Goldberg, 1995). The path is prototypically denoted via an adverbial particle or a prepositional phrase. The verbs go, come, and get appear frequently with this construction in the EWT/ASCT.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V-AdvPr/PP

  • Semantic frame (example): X_theme moves Y_path

  • Examples

    • the morbidity rate_theme is going up_path

    • I_theme went across the bay_path

INTRAN_RES

• The intransitive resultative (INTRAN_RES) ASC involves two arguments including a patient and a result. The result denotes a patient’s changed state. The verbs become, come, go appear frequently with this construction in the EWT/ASCT.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V-NP/AdjP

  • Semantic frame (example): X_patient becomes Y_result

  • Examples

    • the spine_patient will become flexible_result

    • these weapons_experiencer have gone_result

TRAN_S

• The transitive simple (TRAN_S) ASC involves two arguments that describe an action done by a subject to an object, thus prototypically includes an agent and a theme/patient as arguments. This construction may include several subcategories (as well as a various semantic arguments) such as mental activities, explanations of a subject’s state, and communication activities such as speaking or writing (Biber et al., 1999). The most frequent verbs within this construction in the EWT/ASCT are have, do, and get.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V-Obj

  • Semantic frame (example): X_agent acts on Y_patient

  • Examples

    • they_agent are targeting ambulances_theme

    • I_agent thought the US government was looking for me_theme (mental activity)

    • I_experiencer love my gym_stimulus (state)

    • he_agent claimed that they have the means to stage_topic

DITRAN

• The ditransitive (DITRAN) ASC prototypically includes three arguments of agent, recipient, and theme, evoking the notion of literal or metaphorical transfer. This construction is inclusive of the transfer of a topic during communication. The verbs give and send appear frequently, and the verbs tell and ask appear commonly when the construction is used in a communication situation.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V-Obj_indirect-Obj_direct

  • Semantic frame (example): X_agent causes Y_recipient to receive Z_theme

  • Examples

    • you_agent feed your rabbits_recipient non-veg items_theme

    • I_agent told the little girl_recipient that she would have to accompany me to school_topic (communication)

CAUS_MOT

• The caused-motione (CAUS_MOT) ASC is one of the complex transitive constructions, which include three arguments. The construction involves an agent that causes a theme to move along a path designated by a directional phrase (Goldberg, 1999). Semantically, this construction is inclusive of both direct and indirect causation. The verbs put, take, and send appear frequently with this construction in the EWT/ASCT.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V-Obj-PP

  • Semantic frame (example): X_agent causes Y_theme to move Z_path/goal

  • Examples

    • I_agent took it_theme there_destination (direct causation)

    • the body_agent brings stability_theme to the region_goal (indirect causation)

TRAN_RES

• The transitive resultative (TRAN_RES) ASC is the other type of the complex transitive constructions. The construction involves an agent, a theme, and a result wherein the agent causes the theme to become the result. We also include verb-particle constructions wherein the paired particle has a figurative meaning of the resultative state. The verbs let, make and get appear frequently with this construction in the EWT/ASCT.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-V-Obj-NP/AdjP

  • Semantic frame (example): X_agent causes Y_theme to become Z_state

  • Examples

    • the vessel_agent changed its name_patient at sea to Horizon_result

    • no preacher_agent has ever blow himself_theme up_C-V

PASSIVE

• The passive (PASSIVE) ASC contains short passive (a form without an expressed agent in by-phrase and long passive (with an expressed agent). We also include past particle pre-modifiers and post-modifiers in this ASC type. The verbs do, attach, and make appear frequently with this construction in the EWT/ASCT.

  • Syntactic frame (example): Subj-auxV_{past participle} (-by-PP)

  • Semantic frame (example): X_theme undergo V (by Y_agent)

  • Examples

    • you_theme are invited_Vpassive to join with members of the forum

    • …coined_Vpassive by Bill Gates_agent

    • … overlooked_Vpassive problem_theme (past participle pre-modifiers)

    • she guided me through a very difficult period dealing with a family member’s suicide coupled_Vpassive with elder abuse

* Notes

• Each ASC type is tagged next to the main verb head of argument structure construction (e.g., He sneezed_{CAUS_MOT} the foam off the table).

• Multiple, overlaping ASCs may be present in a particular utterance. For example, a clausal argument of an ASC will represent an additional ASC (e.g., [But the best way is_ATTR [to use_{TRAN_S} coupons]]).