Applicatives as a way to manage argument structure

Applicatives are used in languages to manage the argument structure of verbs, promoting oblique arguments to become direct objects. This can be seen in examples like 'William outbaked George' where George is elevated from an oblique argument to a direct object. Applicatives can be benefactive, instrumental, locative, or even malefactive. In some languages, applicatives can also be used in relative clauses to allow for the relativization of non-subject arguments. The interaction between applicatives and other valency changing operations like passives and causatives is also important to consider.