A Frame-Semantic Approach to the Build Verb Class in English

Abstract

This study reexamines Levin’s (1993) build verb class through Frame Semantics and information-structure. It maps four alternations across 35 verbs and analyze how their availability depends on frame type and discourse factors. We argue that alternation availability is not uniform across the class but is fine-tuned by the invoked frame (Creation/Transformation vs. Organization /Instrumental), the foregrounded Frame Elements (Agent, Material, Product, Beneficiary), and discourse factors. Corpus-informed diagnostics show: (i) Material–Product alternation is widespread yet sensitive to sub-class (creation vs. arrangement vs. instrumental); (ii) Total Transformation requires loss of material identity and emergence of a new individuated product; (iii) Unexpressed Object alternation is activity-biased and recoverability -dependent; and (iv) Benefactive alternation is productive only where caused- possession is licensed. The proposed frame-based account predicts asymmetric preferences and explains micro-variation within Levin’s class. Overall, alternations are treated not as mere formal variants but as strategic choices for event conceptualization and discourse packaging, integrating meaning- syntax correspondences with cognitive-pragmatic constraints.