Apparent Counterexamples to the Coordinate Structure Constraint: A Canonical Conspiracy

There are many apparent counterexamples to the Coordinate Structure Constraint postulated by J. R. Ross ("Constraints on Variables in Syntax," Massachusetts Instit Technology Phd dissertation, 1967). Four types are pointed out: (1) the first conjuct is directional, the second expresses activity related to the direction, (2) the first conjunct V is go, the second is nonstative, (3) the first conjunct is formed as a copula + nonstative adj, the second contains a nonstative V, & (4) the first conjunct is an instrumental modifier of the second. These sentences all appear to arise from noncoordinate underlying structures which merge with coordinate structures in surface form. They do not exhibit intonational properties of true conjoined structures, supporting this claim. A conspiracy may be formed by the rules applying in these sentences' derivations to produce preferred canonical surface structures. These sentences are similar in that they occur in colloquial speech & adhere to a principle to avoid derived categories. T. Lamb