code: _EXTHERE
name: Existential there + BE
definition: >-
Helper feature matching existential "there" (EX) followed by a form of BE
within 1-2 positions. Used to exclude existential constructions from BEMA.
normalization: words
detection:
- source: mfte
requires:
- lemma
- pos
parts:
p1:
cql: '[pos="EX"] [lemma="be" & pos="VB.*"]'
anchor: last
p2:
cql: '[pos="EX"] [] [lemma="be" & pos="VB.*"]'
anchor: last
combine: "p1 | p2"
refines: VB
description: >-
Matches "there is/was/are" etc. where EX immediately precedes BE or is
separated by one token (e.g., "there really is"). Anchors on BE (last)
so index overlaps with BEMA for exclusion. refines=VB ensures this is
detected in Pass 1 alongside BEMA. Replicates MFTE's check of words[j-1]
and words[j-2] for _EX tag.
sources:
- mfte