Complementizers may be defined as conjunctions that have the function of identifying clauses as complements. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that they have additional functions. Some of these functions are semantic in the sense that they represent conventional contributions to the meanings of the complements. The present book puts a focus to these semantic complementizer functions.
Throughout the 20th century, the distinction between language usage and language structure, as proposed by Saussure, remained a cornerstone of linguistic theory. Generative grammar maintained that structural facts are independent of usage facts, allowing for their separate analysis. However, the emergence of functional-cognitive approaches has challenged this perspective, advocating for a usage-based view of structure. This shift has prompted two significant developments: within generative grammar, there is now a clearer articulation of the role of usage, while functional-cognitive approaches have complicated the understanding of structure. Some scholars have prioritized usage to the point of neglecting structural considerations, yet comprehensive analyses of language usage, acquisition, and change require a clear understanding of the structures involved. Moderate functionalists and cognitive functionalists acknowledge both structural and usage facts as essential to language comprehension. Despite this, the literature often lacks detailed characterizations of the interplay between usage and structure. This volume unites scholars from various theoretical backgrounds to explore the theoretical and methodological dimensions of this relationship. While their views on the nature of linguistic structure may differ, all contributors recognize the importance of addressing the connection between structure and usage as distinct yet inte