Zero. Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Zero

Definition note

Here are two senses for zero:

A zero is a constituent proposed in an analysis to represent an element held to be present at an abstract level but not realized in the data.
A zero is a unit proposed as a contrast to an element that might otherwise be present.

Example note

A zero morph (Ø) proposed for the plural of sheep.
A zero conjunction proposed for he said Ø he was coming, in contrast with he said that he was coming.
A zero realization of a semantic argument proposed for the second clause in I eat breakfast before 7 A.M.; John eats Ø about 8 A. M.

Bibliographic note 3

Page/s: 212

Source: Robins 1971

Robins, R. H. 1971.General linguistics: An introductory survey. 2nd edition. London: Longman.

Page/s: 41

Source: Fleming 1988

Fleming, Ilah. 1988.Communication analysis: A stratificational approach. A field guide for communication situation, semantic, and morphemic analysis. Volume 2. Dallas, TX: Summer Institute of Linguistics.

Page/s: 388

Source: Crystal 1980

Crystal, David. 1980.A first dictionary of linguistics and phonetics. Boulder, CO: Westview.