These arise due to the phenomenon of graded grammaticality. Graded grammaticality judgments relate to the observation that the grammatical 'well-formedness' associated with any given utterance is a matter of degree rather than an allor- nothing affair. For example, the acceptability of passive constructions is determined by a number of factors and is a matter of degree. A question mark before the sentence indicates that the sentence is not perfectly well-formed but is acceptable. Two question marks indicate somewhat less acceptability.

1. This view was enjoyed by Lily and George
2. ?A view was enjoyed by Lily and George
3. ??Views were enjoyed by Lily and George

The examples above become progressively less acceptable as the subject of the sentence moves from being definite or 'individuated' to becoming less definite or individuated. In the examples below, the utterances become progressively less acceptable the less the verb relates to a prototypical physical action.

1. George was tickled by Lily
2. ?George was wanted by Lily
3. ??George was resembled by his brother