Modality, Non-Finite Forms and the Manifestation of the RI Stage in Null and Non-Null Subject Languages

Abstract

"One of the aspects of child language that has attired the attention of numerous researchers concerns the production of non-finite forms in contexts where a finite form would be required, i.e., what have come to be known as root infinitives (RIs). Depending on the language, these non-finite forms may be actual infinitives (as in French, German or Dutch) or bare forms with no tense or agreement morphology (as in English)"