Modals in imperatives

Abstract Two competing views regarding the syntax-semantics of imperatives can be distinguished. A minimal view assumes that imperatives are properties in semantics, and their syntax is rather bare, while the modal approach maintains that imperatives are propositions that contain a (covert) performative modal in syntax. This paper supports the modal approach from data patterns in two Chinese languages. It is observed that the performative modal particle can be overtly pronounced in imperatives in Chinese. I also examine the Imperative-and-Declarative (IaD) sentences, which have been employed to counter the modal approach. Confirming earlier generalizations, Chinese provides empirical evidence for the claim that there are two distinct types of IaDs. The possibility of an overt performative modal appearing in one but not the other allows for a clear distinction between genuine imperative antecedents and their imperative-like counterparts. Such distinction provides further empirical support for the modal analysis of imperatives.