Studies in Generative Grammar, 29-2, 413-439. In this article I first introduce how the Skolemized choice function applies to small pros, and then point out the serious problems raised by the Skolemized choice function approach to pro analyses. Next I argue that the Skolemized choice function approach cannot be taken as a blind strategy to overcome the weakness of the pro-analyses although a choice function may be regarded as a useful tool to derive sloppy readings even in the cases where there exist neither overt linguistic antecedents nor extra-linguistic information. Finally, I propose an alternative pro-analysis in which a small pro is polysemous with closely related multiple anaphoric functions essentially listed in the lexicon where there are four anaphoric functions such as (i) a pronominal pro (ii) a reflexive pro (iii) an N’-substitute pro like one (iv) a deictic pro with a demonstrative use.
1. Introduction
2. The Choice function Approach
3. Problems with the (Skolemized) Choice function approach
4. Polysemous small pro anaphora
4. Conclusion