Zero morphology and change-of-state verbs

Abstract This paper discusses a theory of conversion (zero derivation) in terms phrasal spellout. In this approach, there are no zero morphemes. Instead, the ‘silent’ meaning components pronounced cumulatively within overt As an empirical case, we discuss adjective/verb ambiguity as narrow . verbs, these roots have both inchoative and causative sense. Following Ramchand (2008), assume that such deadjectival causatives contain three parts: adjective denoting state, change-of-state component proc , init Adopting Nanosyntax propose verbs like spell out complex node with all abstract heads. The between inchoative, falls consequence Superset Principle (Starke 2009), which states lexical entry can any subtree it contains. Since sense correspond to proper parts one, derive readings without need postulate zeroes. We show how assumptions allow us capture broad range patterns, focussing mainly on English Czech.