University of Pennsylvania Working Papers in Linguistics
Abstract
The English negative comparative-modified numerals (CMNs) "no more than n" and "not more than n" different in surprising ways: The former conveys exactness (EX) and evaluativity (EVAL), and the latter conveys no exactness (NO-EX) and ignorance (IG). The existing literature offers 3 proposals, one based on Horn (1972), one based a combination of Horn (1972) with the Universal Density of Measurement hypothesis, and one based on a combination of Horn (1972) with the Modifier Alternatives hypothesis. In this paper I argue that both modifications of Horn (1972) are in fact too drastic. And point out that none captures both EX and NO-EX, nor do they make any provisions for IG or EVAL. I propose what I argue is a smaller departure from Horn (1972), and I show it captures all of EX, NO EX, IG, and EVAL. The explanation crucially relies on a combination of Horn (1972) with Negation Alternatives - the idea that for some negative expressions the set of scalar alternatives include variants with the negation as well as without - plus silent exhaustification with O(nly) and E(ven).
Recommended Citation
Mihoc, Teodora
(2022)
"Negative Comparison, or how to be Judgmental and Ignorant with Scalar Alternatives,"
University of Pennsylvania Working Papers in Linguistics: Vol. 28:
Iss.
1, Article 14.
Available at:
https://repository.upenn.edu/pwpl/vol28/iss1/14