This study takes its theoretical bearings from the Principles and Parameters theory, which is cognitive in approach and has its roots in Transformational Grammar. Its subject is one that represents a central problem both in theoretical and descriptive terms - small clauses. These are a truncated form of predicative structure which have been observed to be the first form of predication mastered in the language acquisition process. The study addresses the extensively debated question whether this form of semantic predication is also reflected in its structural realization, i.e. in the syntax. The author marshals theoretical and descriptive arguments suggesting that this is indeed the case.