Binding.

Abstract

In quantified logic, “binding” names the relation between a quantifier and one or more variables, e.g. ∀x and x in ∀x[P (x) → Q(x)]. In linguistics, the term has been used in at least three domains: First, for the relation between quantified expressions and pronouns that referentially depend on them, (1). Second for coreference, the relation between two referring expression with the same referent, (2), including hypothesized empty pronouns, (2c). Third, in theories that assume transformations, for the relation between a dislocated phrase and its trace, (3) (see GOVERNMENT AND BINDING THEORY ):