One, Empty Nouns, and [Theta]-Assignment

The standard analysis that the ÔÔpronominal count nounÕÕ one is an N' or NP-level element is challenged and it is argued to be an N0. Moreover, the behavior of one is identified with that of a phonologically empty counterpart. The fact that these N heads lack descriptive content is shown to be the source of two of their distinctive properties: their inability to take arguments, which accounts for their superficially phrasal status, and their triggering of pronominal reference. The existence of a [pronominal] feature is argued against; instead, such noun  headsÕ lack of descriptive content is claimed to be what LF interprets  as "pronominal."