Structuring Events

Susan Rothstein is Professor of Linguistics at Bar-Ilan University. She has published widely on such issues as syntax, semantics, and the syntax–semantics interface. She is author of Predicates and Their Subjects (2000), and editor of Events and Grammar (1998) and Perspectives on Phrase Structure: Heads and Licensing (1991).

"This is the most important book on lexical aspect since David Dowty's seminal Word Meaning and Montague Grammar." Angelika Kratzer, University of Massachusetts–Amherst "As well as providing a clear introduction to the subject, this excellent book extends our knowledge of the lexical aspectual properties of verbs and verb phrases in new and original directions. Rothstein's careful exploitation of the flexibility of event-based semantics in providing a solid foundation for the interpretation of verbal aspect establishes the theory as central to any explanation of this often difficult – but ever fascinating – topic." Ronnie Cann, University of Edinburgh "This outstanding book represents a new breakthrough in the general theory of lexical aspect. The discussions of the previous research are distinguished by clarity as well as new challenges and insights. In a highly engaging way Rothstein also advances new solutions to some of the most thorny issues – including aspectual shifts, progressive achievements, and resultative predication – which will shape the future research in lexical aspect." Hana Filip, Stanford University "Rothstein’s book contains many observations, deep intuitions and exciting analyses which will doubtless be very influential in a variety of areas. Empirically, the book contains a treasure trove of interesting data that will no doubt be mulled over for years to come." Lingua

• Preface vii1. Verb Classes and Aspectual Classification 12. Progressive Achievements 363. Resultative Predication 594. The Structure of Accomplishments 915. The Interpretation of Derived Accomplishments 1236. Quantization, Telicity and Change 1487. Telicity and Atomicity 1578. Event Structure and Aspectual Classification 183References 198Index 202