Clause union

In generative syntax, clause union is a process which reduces a clause containing an embedded clause to one simplex clause by eliminating the clause structure of the embedded clause.

Comment
This (as yet undefined) process is supposedly triggered by auxiliary-like verbs (e.g. certain modals, causatives and perception verbs) in Germanic and Romance languages.

Link
Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics

Reference

 * Evers, A. 1975. The transformational cycle in Dutch and German. Diss. Utrecht University, distr. by IULC.
 * Rizzi, L. 1982. Issues in Italian syntax. Dordrecht: Foris.