Consider the abstract pattern of the Ditransitive construction (Subj V Obj1 Obj2). Why can an expression like "She baked him a muffin" be understood as an act of intended transfer/giving?

Question

Consider the abstract pattern of the  Ditransitive construction  (Subj V Obj1 Obj2). Why can an expression like  "She baked him a muffin"  be understood as an act of intended transfer/giving?

Accepted Answer

The Ditransitive construction itself inherently carries the semantic meaning of transfer.

Answer

The pronoun  him  triggers an automatic transformation in the verb phrase.

Answer

It is an idiomatic "periphery" construction that violates core universal rules.

Answer

The lexical entry for the verb  bake  inherently contains the meaning of "giving."

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Consider the abstract pattern of the Ditransitive construction (Subj V Obj1 Ob...

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