Surprising constituents revisited

Abstract Japanese allows clefts with multiple phrases in the focus position (multiple clefts). Assuming that the focus elements of a multiple cleft form a single constituent, Takano ( 2020a , 2021a ) develops an analysis of such surprising constituents in terms of double sideward movement, made possible by extending standard Merge. While it has various important consequences, the analysis faces problems as well. To resolve those problems, this paper proposes an alternative keeping to standard Merge. The new analysis rests crucially on two claims: (i) the surprising constituent is formed by External Merge (EM) and is combined with the presuppositional clause by EM; (ii) the elements of the surprising constituent are related to θ-positions through multiple copy formation. The analysis can capture properties of surprising constituents related to clausemate effects and island effects. It also provides a new perspective on how to regulate movement.