Introduction

0.1 The term FPEP

0.2 Problems and aims

0.3 Assumptions and methods

0.4 Evidence and conventions

0.5 Summary and outline of this book

Chapter 1 The Theoretical Framework

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Meaning and grammar

1.3 Mechanisms of historical change

1.4 Grammaticalization and diachronic comparison

1.5 Summary

Chapter 2 Prior and Current Work on FPEPs and Grammaticalization

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Studies on grammaticalization

2.3 Backgrounds of the study on FPEPs

2.4 Major contemporary issues

2.5 Summary

Chapter 3 The Development of FP+MSV Epistemic Parentheticals

3.1 Introduction

3.2 FP+MSV epistemic parentheticals in PDE＆MdMand

3.3 The development of FP+MSV EPs in English

3.4 The development of FP+MSV EPs in Chinese

3.5 Summary

Chapter 4 The Development of FP+SAV Epistemic Parentheticals

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Speech act verbs and performative verbs

4.3 FP+SAV epistemic parentheticals in PDE＆MdMand

4.4　The development of FP+SAV EPs in English

4.5 The development of FP+SAV EPs in Chinese

4.6 Summary

Chapter 5 The Development of FP+SPV Epistemic Parentheticals

5.1 Introduction

5.2 FP+SPV epistemic parentheticals in PDE＆MdMand

5.3 The development of FP+SPV EPs in English

5.4 The development of FP+SAV EPs in Chinese

5.5 Summary

Chapter 6 Comparison:Diachronic Universals and Diachronic Typology

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Diachronic comparison:grammaticalization of FPEPs

6.3 Synchronic comparison:FPEPs in the two languages and three sources

6.4 Diachronic universals and diachronic typology

6.5 Summary

Conclusion

Appendices

Bibliography

Acknowledgements