Evaluation and consumption
Abstract
Singular indefinite objects of evaluative predicates (e.g. like) are interpreted specifically (1). But several constructions do not yield specific readings, (2).
(1) # John likes a cookie. (specific reading/#kind reading)
(2) a. John likes a cookie after dinner.
b. John likes having a cookie.
c. John likes a good cookie.
d. John likes a cookie as much as the next guy.
We propose that constructions with a minimal consumption-situation reading license a contextual operator which binds the object, giving it a non-specific reading.
(1) # John likes a cookie. (specific reading/#kind reading)
(2) a. John likes a cookie after dinner.
b. John likes having a cookie.
c. John likes a good cookie.
d. John likes a cookie as much as the next guy.
We propose that constructions with a minimal consumption-situation reading license a contextual operator which binds the object, giving it a non-specific reading.
Full Text:
PDFDOI: https://doi.org/10.3765/exabs.v0i0.579