ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-133-026 · ATLAS 251

Pseudocleft

A cleft-like construction that equates a free relative clause with a focused expression.

Explanation

A cleft-like construction that equates a free relative clause with a focused expression. An open semantic slot is established and then visibly filled with its focus.

Example

What I need is peace and quiet.

Counterexample

I need peace and quiet is not a pseudocleft construction.

Distinction

Delimiting focus: “I need peace and quiet” is not a pseudocleft construction.

Effect on thought and perception

An open semantic slot is established and then visibly filled with its focus.

Resonance

Pseudocleft makes a directed relationship perceptible: An open semantic slot is established and then visibly filled with its focus.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Pseudocleft“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-026. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-026

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-026

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