The Category P Features, Projections, Interpretation

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allowing it to occur in an argument position (Szabolcsi 1987, 1989; Stowell 1989,
1991; Longobardi 1994), or it can head a modifying (predicative) expression (e.g. in
semi-relatives (Siloni 1997)).
Given this, I advance the following claim:
(13) P performs three distinct roles in syntax.
In what follows I introduce the roles of P, and discuss their manifestation.
2.2.1 The subtypes
One of the roles of P has already been mentioned in the previous section (2.1.3).
More specifically, I have proposed that the function of the so-called semantically
contentful (e.g. locative) P is to specify the relation of its complement to another
entity (rather than to assign it a theta-role). Let us refer to this type (i.e. function, role)
of P as P R(elation) .
Note that P R is not a cover term for a semantically contentful P, as it does not
refer to individual P-morphemes, but rather to one of the functions the category P has
in syntax (the relation between the individual P-morphemes and the functions of P is
discussed in 2.2.2). This particular function is semantically relevant as it is interpreted
as a predicate-argument (two-place) relation (see 2.1.3). The detailed case study of
locative and directional Ps sheds more light on some specific aspects of this function
(chapter 4).
Apart from P R , there are two additional types of roles P fulfills. Consider first
(14):
(14) a. Bart believes in Lisa.
b. Homer relies on Marge.
The nominals introduced by the prepositions in (14) are typically the (logical
and thematic) arguments of the corresponding verbs, rather than of the prepositions.
Thus the Ps in (14), although apparently locative, cannot be analyzed as P R as they do
not denote a (two-place) relation. The function of these prepositions (argued for
extensively in chapter 3) is to check the structural Case feature of their nominal
complement. Accordingly, this type of P is labeled P C(ase) . Taking the Minimalist