'All' and 'every' as quantity superlatives

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3765/salt.v26i0.3798

Abstract

Recent literature has pointed out similarities in the interpretation and distribution of 'most' and 'all' (Matthewson 2001, Crnic 2010). This literature takes both to be quantifiers. However, other literature analyzes the meaning of 'most' as the regular composition of 'much' (as a degree modifier) and the superlative morpheme '-st' (Hackl 2009). But if 'most' is a superlative and 'all' is a quantifier, any similarities are unexpected. In this paper, I reconcile these views by analyzing 'all' as a superlative term 'most'. Further, I claim that 'every' is a type-lifted derivative of 'all'. Similarities and differences between 'most', 'all' and 'every' emerge from this analysis.

Downloads

Published

2016-10-15

Issue

Section

Articles