Reference no: EM133204027

Consider the sentences below, and (a) apply an 'it'-expletive sentence to test whether the underlined forms assign an external theta role, and (b) state briefly what you conclude from this test. 

Example with hints: John appears to like the book. 

To test whether 'appear' assigns an external theta role or not, you could use an 'it'-expletive sentence:

Test sentence: It appears that John likes the book

It's up to you to work out what you would conclude from this test sentence.

A. Mary is likely to go to the party.

(i) Test sentence: 

(ii) Does 'is likely' assign an external theta role? Justify your answer. 

B. Mariam thinks that the new phone is expensive.

(i) Test sentence: 

(ii) Does 'think' assign an external theta role? Justify your answer. 

C. Ali is certain to buy the expensive phone.

(i) Test sentence: 

(ii) Does 'is certain' assign an external theta role? Justify your answer.