The “A+guo(過)” structure that contains “zheme(這麼)/name(那麼)” tends to be in the negative context. In addition, though it shows a negative context in form, it has unique characteristics that expresses a positive meaning semantically. In other words, the form and the meaning of the “A+guo(過)” structure are inconsistent. This is caused by the addition of zheme(這麼)/name (那麼). The results of study on zheme(這麼)/name(那麼) are as follows:
(1)zheme(這麼)/name(那麼) is a Pseudo Polarity Item that is commonly used in sentences that positively replaces meaning even if that is in the negative form. (2)zheme(這麼)/name(那麼) was defined entirely as a demonstrative pronoun regardless of the components it modifies. However, in the majority of cases, zheme(這麼)/name(那麼) functions as an adverb that further enhances the subjectivity of the speaker. (3)In the “A+guo(過)” structure, the proportion of zheme(這麼) is overwhelmingly higher than name(那麼) because of the speaker’s point of view, “now-here”, highly responds to zheme(這麼) which represents the closeness in terms of time.
Applying the Theory of Mental Spaces, zheme(這麼)/name(那麼) functions as a link between real space and another newly constructed mental space, such as “past and present” space or “here and there” space. The two spaces connected by zheme(這麼)/name(那麼) are compared.