equi NP deletion

[ ek-wee en-peedi-lee-shuhn ]

/ ˈɛk wi ˈɛnˈpi dɪˈli ʃən /

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noun Linguistics.

a rule of transformational grammar that deletes the underlying subject of a complement clause if it is coreferential with the subject or object of the main clause, as in John promised to return the money, where the underlying subject (John) of return has been deleted.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also called eq·ui .

Origin of equi NP deletion

First recorded in 1970–75; short for equivalent NP

Words nearby equi NP deletion

equinoctial line, equinoctial point, equinoctial rains, equinoctial storm, equinox, equi NP deletion, equinumerous, equip, equipage, equipartition, equipartition of energy