THE ANALYSIS OF THE INFINITIVE

Abstract

Two types of Infinitive are taken as starting point for this analysis: Sentential Infinitives and Nominal Infinitives. This analysis concentrates on the Sentential Infinitive. The solution for the analysis of this type of infinitive can be found in the problem of control. An analysis is then undertaken within the framework of Core Grammar: the Infinitive is taken as S which is rewritten as N² followed by V². The N² in this type of analysis is always an element PRO which has no phonetic matrix, but does have a set of features. Different attempts are then made to justify this analysis with data from Xhosa and Sotho.