Word-order variation and coherence in German infinitival complementation

Abstract This study provides a synthesis of corpus-based and experimental investigations word-order preferences in German infinitival complementation. We carried out systematic analysis present-day corpora to establish frequency distributions different options: extraposition, intraposition, ‘third construction’. then examined, firstly, whether what extent corpus frequencies processing economy constraints can predict the acceptability these three variants, subject raising control verbs form clearly distinguishable subclasses infinitive-embedding terms their behaviour. Secondly, our looks into issue coherence by comparing ratings for monoclausal coherent biclausal incoherent construals intraposed infinitives, examining gives rise local and/or global difficulty. Taken together, results revealed that (i) whilst extraposition pattern consistently wins over all other variants verbs, neither nor processing-based approaches variation account low-frequency (ii) there is considerable verb-specific regarding both between within two sets under investigation, (iii) although intraposition rated above latter not any more difficult process than former. Our findings indicate occurrence processing-related interact with idiosyncratic lexical properties individual determining speakers’ structural preferences.