Work

Definite plurals in comparatives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper investigates the interpretation of comparative constructions containing definite plurals. We identify an asymmetry between the matrix clause and the than-clause. In the matrix clause, definite plurals give rise to a homogeneity effect, as expected by all theories of homogeneity. In contrast, definite plurals in the than-clause do not trigger such an effect; instead, their interpretation is typically similar to than-clauses containing universal quantifiers. Adopting the truth-value gap approach to homogeneity, we propose that the homogeneity presupposition is locally accommodated within the than-clause, yielding complementary truth conditions for affirmative and negative comparative constructions.

Source: Proceedings of Sinn und Bedeutung

DOI: 10.18148/sub/2025.v29.1192

Authors: Amiraz, Omri, Doron, Omri

Language: English

Topic: Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7082659330

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