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# `iobj` without `obj` and with `xcomp` — proposal

**Proposal: accept** the 2.12 "Sole iobj" amendment and the EWT custom, not the text of `_en/dep/iobj.md` and `_en/specific-syntax.md` ([Indirect object without a direct one and with xcomp](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/dialects/ud-2.18/seeds/iobj-sole/)).

**What exactly in `mova`.**

- `iobj` can be the only internal argument (*remind me*, *ask Bush*);
- `iobj` can stand next to `xcomp` when the verb takes an addressee or recipient: *ask/tell/allow/convince/urge/persuade/cause/trust/teach/remind/warn **X** to do*;
- with *let, make, get, have, keep, find, want, help* + `xcomp` — `obj`;
- the boundary between these two classes is set by the lexicon ([Verbs that take an indirect object](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/en/seeds/lexicon/verb-iobj-licensors/), VerbNet), not by examples;
- *permit* and *recommend* have both variants in EWT. `mova` takes whichever the lexicon says once its rule matures, and until then — as in gold.

**Why.**

- **Matches the universal guideline.** The 2.12 amendment is of type AMENDMENT and cancels the condition on which the `_en` text rests.
- **More informative.** `iobj` with *ask X to* distinguishes the addressee from the "causee" `obj` with *make X do*. Merging into `obj`, as `_en` says, would lose this difference.
- **Lossless.** Export to EWT 2.18 is identity. If the literal `_en` text is ever needed (with `xcomp` — only `obj`), the `iobj` → `obj` transition is deterministic. The reverse transition goes through the lexicon.

**Evidence from the data** (EWT 2.18, engine):

- `iobj` — 795; without `obj`/`ccomp` — 243; with `xcomp` — 93;
- the same verb class with `obj` + `xcomp` — 39 (*encourage*, *enable*, *order*, *invite*, *force*, *require*);
- `iobj` is present in GUM (482), LinES (101), ParTUT (33), GENTLE (31).

**Origin.** [Indirect object without a direct one and with xcomp](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/dialects/ud-2.18/seeds/iobj-sole/); `2.18:docs/changes.md#sole-iobj`; report verbal.md.

Mova decides.

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