Getting at the passive: Functions of passive-types in English

Thompson, Dominic (2012) Getting at the passive: Functions of passive-types in English. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

To describe a transitive event, the English language allows a choice of two Voices. The canonical form is the active-voice, and the alternative is the passive-voice, which offers its own semantic and syntactic functions. The passive-voice can also be divided into two further variants: be-passives and get-passives. Though theories are numerous, literature from both Linguistics and Psychology falls short in describing the functions and uses of these two forms.

In this thesis, I present a rethink of passive syntactic representation, simplifying its description under a single structural unit. The proposed pvP theory allows for the variation between the two passive-types, while accounting for the features that are shared by all passive forms.

I also present several experiments that explore the differing semantics and syntax of be-passives and get-passives. The results of these studies show a clear preference for the be-passive over the get-passive, especially in self-reporting and tasks that allow self-correction. However, it is also clear that, though there is overlap between them, each form serves its own purposes and exhibits preference for use in specific contexts.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: passive, get, syntax, semantics, function, priming, paraphrasing, eye-tracking, behaviour
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Supervisor's Name: Scheepers, Dr. Christoph and Sereno, Dr. Sara
• Date of Award: 2012
• Depositing User: Mr Dominic Thompson
• Unique ID: glathesis:2012-4050
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 01 Mar 2013 08:25
• Last Modified: 01 Mar 2013 08:29
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/4050