Ergative and causative readings of embedded clauses: null or postposed subject?

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the preferred reading of Brazilian Portuguese native speakers concerning the ergative and causative readings of embedded clauses. Thus, we carried out a questionnaire in order to gather a sample that indicated a possible preferred reading. Based on the literature on null subject, verb-subject order and ergativity, we were able to establish some restrictions and predictions regarding the preferred reading for this type of ambiguity. Data collected through the administration of the questionnaire shows that the preferred reading is the causative one with null subject, which corroborates the literature predictions.