Abstract
Zusammenfassung In the construction ἑκὼν εἶναι, grammars identify the function of εἶναι either with the function of an old dative or accusative. However, some scholars consider εἶναι redundant because it is difficult to ascertain its exact semantic and syntactic function. In any case, neither the original meaning of εἶναι in this construction nor the functional relationship of ἑκών with the infinitive has been described satisfactorily. The semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic differences between ἑκών and ἑκὼν εἶναι have not been determined either. This paper analyzes both ἑκών and εἶναι based on a selection of works of different chronology and genres in order to propose both a diachronic and a synchronic explanation of the construction ἑκὼν εἶναι. The data analysis supports the interpretation of εἶναι as a limitative infinitive that developed into a focusing element. In sentences with negative polarity, ἑκὼν εἶναι has regularly evolved into a parenthetical, specifically a self-correction parenthetical.
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