PRO (n.)

A term used in GOVERNMENT-BINDING THEORY for a BASE-generated SUBJECT of certain INFINITIVES; known also as big PRO, to distinguish it from ‘little pro’. Within the GB classification of NOUN PHRASES, PRO is analyzed as both a PRONOMINAL and an ANAPHOR. It can be controlled by some NP within a sentence, or have arbitrary reference: the former possibility is illustrated by John tried PRO to please Mary, where PRO is controlled by John; and the latter by It is easy PRO to please Mary. Constructions with PRO are known as CONTROL constructions, and are to be distinguished from RAISING constructions. Some grammarians refer to both as CATENATIVE constructions. In GENERALIZED PHRASE-STRUCTURE GRAMMAR and LEXICAL FUNCTIONAL GRAMMAR, control constructions involve a bare VP and not clauses with a PRO subject.