A Direct Analysis of Malagasy Comparatives

Abstract

This paper investigates the syntax of Malagasy phrasal comparatives—comparatives in which the standard of comparison is a phrase. It argues for a direct analysis in which the standard is a simple noun phrase at all levels of representation. Evidence is offered against two alternative analyses: A reduced clause analysis in which the standard is the remnant of a partially elided clause, and an implicit comparison analysis in which the standard phrase is an adjunct that ex-presses comparison indirectly, akin to the English adverbial compared to X.