Evaluation and consumption

Authors

  • Charley Evan Beller Johns Hopkins University
  • Erin Zaroukian Johns Hopkins University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3765/exabs.v0i0.579

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.

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Published

2012-04-08