I’m gambling on horses. The function of the prepositional phrase as either participant or circumstance at different lexical items in Swedish.

Abstract

This study sheds new light on the term verbal group and problems about its definition when followed by a preposition. These constructions often show semantic vagueness, and therefore it is problematic to decide whether the preposition following a verb should be considered part of the verbal group, or rather part of a prepositional phrase. A consequential problem arises, namely that it is therefore often hard to categorize the prepositional phrase as circumstantial adjunct or its rection as participant in the clause. The study accounts for and problematizes phrasal and prepositional verbs in Swedish and how phrasal-prepositional verbs may be interpreted within the SFG framework. By using perspectives from below (form), from above (meaning) and from round about (syntax), different problematic cases are discussed, and reasons for regarding the preposition as part of the verbal group in some cases and as part of a prepositional phrase in others.

The article suggests that the preposition should be considered as part of the verbal group in those contexts where its meaning is weak and rather modifies the meaning of the verbal group. The rection in those cases should be analysed as a participant. In those cases when the preposition clearly realises meaning of a participant as in passives or as realisation of a beneficiary participant, the prepositional phrase should be analysed as a participant. In cases when the prepositional phrase clearly mediates meaning of a circumstance, it should be regarded as a circumstantial function.