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Syntactic Theory » Focus and Content » Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG) » Constituent Structure » Valence Principle

Syntactic Theory


The Valence Principle

This principle is used to allow for shorter formulations of the grammar rules.

In Sag/Wasow/Bender 2003 it is formulated as a default, i.e. as a principle that applies only if nothing else prevents it from applying.

The formulation in Sag/Wasow/Bender 2003, p.158:

The Valence Principle:
Unless the rules says otherwise, the mother's value for the VAL features (SPR, COMPS, and MOD) are identical to those of the head daughter.

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