dative shift
noun/ˈdeɪtɪv ʃɪft/
1
Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences Relocation of the indirect object of a ditransitive verb from a prepositional phrase to a core argument or vice versa.
- The clauses "I'll throw you the ball" and "I'll throw the ball to you" are related by dative shift.
2
Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences Of a language, dialect, or specific verb, a feature where indirect objects can be given not only in prepositional phrases, but alternatively as core arguments.
- English "to donate" exhibits dative shift only in some dialects; while "I donate clothes to them" is universally accepted, some dialects reject "I donate them clothes" as ungrammatical, or at least unnatural-sounding.