Evidence for phonological constraints on nuclear accent placement*

1. INTRODUCTION. The distribution of pitch accents in speech is a topic of long-standing importance because it reflects the relationships among different levels of representation: phonology, syntax, semantics, and information structure. The broad tendency for accents to be located on new information is a classic observation, but formalizing the principles that govern accent placement in all cases has proven to be a difficult challenge. In this discussion note, we use experimental data to explore in depth the accent patterns on constructions with stranded prepositions. We extend the model of Schwarzschild 1999 to account for our findings. Function words are prosodically weaker than content words and do not ordinarily carry accents. However, Ladd (1980) notes an interesting class of exceptions. These are cases in which a preposition has been stranded at the end of an infinitival clause in which all other words are given. Ladd's dialogue (1) provides an example.