Optimal Constructions∗

This paper deals with a well-known problem in the discussion of argument linking, the flexibility that we find with particular verbs, and the constraints governing the integration of verbs with so-called argument structure constructions. We will show that traditional approaches as well as construction grammar need additional machinery to deal with variable argument linking. I will present an optimisation approach to variable argument linking that uses construction grammar as format for morphosyntax. Section 1 introduces the phenomenon. Section 2 introduces the concept of argument structure constructions from construction grammar. Section 3 provides a detailed analysis of the problem and offers an optimality theoretic account. Further aspects are discussed in sections 4 and 5. Section 6 briefly discusses formal aspects of the proposed constructionist model of OT syntax.