Syntax Files D3

groups NPs bearing the agent role together

individual intransitive verbs are fixed in terms of the case that appears on their subject

• many intransitive verbs permit either case, depending on the extent to which the action they denote falls under the control of the referent of subject
• ex. 'move' appears with ergative subject if action is controlled but absolutive subject if accidental

• ergative case for subjects of transitive verbs
• accusative for direct objects
• nominative for subjects of intransitive verbs