This article deals with the syntax of sentential negative elements in a
number of languages. We start by investigating three kinds of sentential
negative elements in Arabic. We argue that these elements occupy different
positions in the hierarchic order of clause structure. Negative elements
occur in positions higher than TNS, or between TNS and AG Rs, or project
internal to the Predicate Phrase. Analysis of Arabic negative clauses reveals
that although NEG elements project as phrasal heads, they are closely
associated with TNS and AGRs. We propose a hypothesis of Adjunction
movement to TNS/ NEG motivated by morphological requirement of the
elements involved. Movements, which should apply before Spell-out, are
necessary for Checking theory. The same procedure has been applied to
negative clauses in English, French, Italian, etc. We claim that sentential
NEG elements share in their essence certain simple properties at least in
the languages investigated here
