Pre-modal Verb Constructions in Old English

This work aims to propose synchronic head-initial solutions for the two major puzzles of Old English pre-modal constructions, that is, the coexistence of lexical and modal interpretation and complicated ordering patterns. Concerning the dual nature of pre-modal verbs, it is argued that lexical- and modal-type pre-modal verbs have different thematic structures. A lexical-type pre-modal verb constitutes a two-place predicate and selects an external argument controlling the empty pronominal subject of an infinitival clausal complement. A modal-type pre-modal verb, on the other hand, lacks its own external argument and allows the subject of an infinitival clausal complement to undergo movement into a specifier of a higher T. Diverse ordering patterns of pre-modal verb complexes result from leftward operations. An infinitival main verb moves onto a complex of a finite pre-modal verb and a light verb v, as long as the operation is required for a verbal affixation. The complement of an infinitival main verb undergoes raising implemented by the EPP features of a light verb v. The head-initial analysis also provides an appropriate explanation for Old English causative and perception verbs with an infinitival complement.