visibility (n.)

A term used in GOVERNMENT-BINDING THEORY for a CONDITION from which much of the content of the CASE FILTER can be derived. An ELEMENT is visible for theta-marking only if it is assigned Case. On the basis of this condition, a NOUN PHRASE can receive a THETA ROLE only if it is in a position to which Case is ASSIGNED, or is linked to such a position (as in there is a lamp in the room, where Case is transferred from there to the lamp).