It-clefts are IT (Inquiry Terminating) constructions

Authors

  • Dan Velleman University of Texas at Austin
  • David Beaver University of Texas
  • Emilie Destruel University of Texas
  • Dylan Bumford New York University
  • Edgar Onea University of Göttingen
  • Elizabeth Coppock Heinrich Heine University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3765/salt.v22i0.2640

Keywords:

clefts, only, exhaustivity, focus, focus-sensitivity

Abstract

We offer a new analysis of the semantics of the English it-cleft, building on recent work on exclusive particles such as "only." The analysis emphasizes the discourse function of clefts – which, we claim, is to terminate a line of inquiry by marking an answer as complete. It accounts for the semantic effects – not previously appreciated – of focus placement within the cleft pivot. It also provides a solution to a previously discussed problem with the projection of exhaustivity from embedded contexts.

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Published

2012-09-03

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Section

Articles