The syntax and semantics of multiple degree modification in English

  • Focusing on the examples of multiple degree modification, this paper argues that the class of degree expressions in English is syntactically and semantically diverse, subdivided both according to the semantic effects of its members and according to the extent to which they permit, and participate in, multiple layers of modification. We argue that these two factors are linked, and result in (at least) a three-way distinction between ˋtrue degree morphemes', which map gradable adjectives to properties of individuals and combine with their arguments in a Head-Specifier structure; ˋintensifiers', which are syntactic and semantic modifiers of properties constructed out of gradable adjectives; and ˋscale modifiers', which are also syntactic and semantic modifiers, but which combine with ˋbare' gradable adjectives (relations between individuals and degrees) rather than properties formed out of gradable adjectives.

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Metadaten
Author:Christopher KennedyORCiD, Louise McNallyORCiDGND
URN:urn:nbn:de:hebis:30:3-710406
DOI:https://doi.org/10.21248/hpsg.2005.10
ISSN:1535-1793
Parent Title (English):Proceedings of the ... International Conference on Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG)
Publisher:CSLI Publications
Place of publication:Stanford, CA
Document Type:Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Date of Publication (online):2005/10/15
Year of first Publication:2005
Publishing Institution:Universitätsbibliothek Johann Christian Senckenberg
Contributing Corporation:International Conference on Head Driven Phrase Structure Grammar (12 : 2005 : Lissabon)
Release Date:2024/08/30
GND Keyword:Steigerungspartikel
Volume:12.2005
Page Number:14
First Page:178
Last Page:191
Dewey Decimal Classification:4 Sprache / 40 Sprache / 400 Sprache
4 Sprache / 41 Linguistik / 410 Linguistik
4 Sprache / 42 Englisch, Altenglisch / 420 Englisch, Altenglisch
Sammlungen:Linguistik
Linguistik-Klassifikation:Linguistik-Klassifikation: Syntax
Linguistik-Klassifikation: Semantik / Semantics
Licence (German):License LogoCreative Commons - CC BY - Namensnennung 4.0 International