Abstract
A unifying analysis is proposed for shi 'be' and you 'have' in Chinese according to which these elements are seen as having both a transitive and an intransitive use. The transitive shi is a two-place predicate that combines with arguments to form identificational or specificational copulative sentences. The intransitive shi is a raising auxilizry that subcategorizes for a clause. Various "cleft sentences" are formed with the intransitive shi depending on whether subject raising has taken place. The transitive you forms possessive sentences with two arguments. The intransitive you is again a raising auxiliary. Depending on whether subject rajsing takes place, this you gives rise to existential and perfective sentences.
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