Agree but not necessarily at the same time

Abstract

This paper observes that, although both wh-phrases (WPs) and question-endings (QEs) in Korean wh-questions may or may not be phonetically realized, the combination is not entirely free. The combination of an overt QE and a covert WP is prohibited, while all other three combinations are allowed. As far as the Korean wh-construction is concerned, it seems to be the case that a QE is to be licensed in PF, while a WP in narrow syntax. If this proves to be true, then Agree between a probe and its goal can be established at different components.