Re: very confused - syntax question

Raymond A. Brown wrote:

> Yes, 'oblique passive' would be the second one "X was given a prize", I
> guess?  That seems as good a term as any and works OK in English - thanks.
I have seen (but I don't remember where) the more specific term
"dative passive" for this construction.  It is certainly better
than the obviously prejudiced term "false passive", presumably
referring to the fact that Latin can't passivize in that way.

> 'unergative' has the virtue or unambiguity but, as Lars says, the word is
> ugly.
It fits well with the accepted term "unaccusative", though.

--
John Cowan      http://www.ccil.org/~cowan              cowan@ccil.org
   Schlingt dreifach einen Kreis um dies! / Schliesst euer Aug vor heiliger Schau,
   Denn er genoss vom Honig-Tau / Und trank die Milch vom Paradies.
                        -- Coleridge / Politzer