The status and distribution of clausal arguments: The case of Mandarin Chinese

Based on a hitherto neglected set of data, this paper offers a novel analysis of Mandarin clausal arguments whereby they can appear in the form of DP-shelled CPs or bona fide CPs but not as DPs unconditionally. That is, the apparent category mixture puzzle arises for Mandarin clausal arguments since they have the option of occurring embedded within a null DP projection as long as this DP is formally licensed by the EPP or by selection. The study adds another new perspective for the controversy as to whether CPs are natural arguments and also shows that there might be much more complex structure to CPs than meet the eyes.