Word order of non-modal auxiliaries
This parameter considers the word order of auxiliary verbs. Auxiliary verbs are independent words (compared to affixes and clitics) that express grammatical categories such as tense, aspect, and polarity1 and can function as the predicate, or head of a predicate, in a sentence. Sentences with auxiliary verbs generally feature a main verb subordinate to the auxiliary, in a non-finite – infinitival or participle – form. The parameter focuses on the word order of auxiliaries relative to the main verb. Sentences that meet the following criteria should be examined:
1. The sentence is independent, with no subordinate clauses.
2. The sentence is pragmatically and logically neutral, with a noun phrase as its topic and the V (together with the auxiliary) being a part of the comment.
Since this parameter only considers relative word order, the appearance of another word between the auxiliary and main verb should be disregarded.
Types:
AuxV: The auxiliary precedes the main verb.
VAux: The auxiliary follows the main verb.
When a language displays both types, both values can be listed. If one type is dominant, a slash (/) can separate the two values, with the dominant value appearing first; if neither is dominant, they are listed with an ampersand (&) separating the two.
1: This parameter is not concerned with modal auxiliaries such as must, may, etc.