The database encode information on how the construction of meaning in language is apportioned between morphology ('bright' and 'brighter') and syntax ('intelligent' and 'more intelligent'). There are five menus for executing a search. In each case, the menu options are contained in an expandable box. These queries are independent of each other and cannot be combined.

Searching for examples of periphrasis by word class

Periphrasis is evident across different word classes. The results of this search function comprise a list of examples of periphrasis for the word class selected.

Searching for languages exhibiting periphrasis by word class

The results of this search function comprise a list of languages which exhibit periphrasis in a given word class. It’s also possible to select more than one word class. For instance, it is possible to refine the search to languages which have periphrasis in both verbs and adjectives, by selecting multiple word classes from the list.

Searching by language family

Periphrasis is found in a range of language families. Show all examples in the database or refine your search by selecting the language families from which examples should be displayed.

Searching by features

There are many types of features that may be important in describing the properties of a periphrastic structure. Refine your search by selecting the features that are relevant to the example that should be displayed.

Searching by auxiliary type

With this query you can show all examples of periphrasis in the database that are formed using the auxiliaries 'be' or 'have'. Note that other auxiliaries are not included in this query. So you will not see all instances of periphrasis in the database when using this query.

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