Comparative vs. superlative quantifiers Superlative and comparative ...

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Superlative vs. comparative Indefinites, numerals, and scales Comparative modifiers Superlative modifiers Experimental evidence Puzzle #1: Specificity NPs in superlative quantifiers may have specific readings: [1] I will invite at most 2 people, namely Jack and Jill. Jack and Jill will be invited. [2] I will invite fewer than 3 people, namely Jack and Jill. ⇒ Jack and Jill will be invited. [3] ∗I will invite fewer than 2 people, namely Jack and Jill. Bart Geurts & Rick Nouwen: Comparative vs. superlative quantifiers Superlative vs. comparative Indefinites, numerals, and scales Comparative modifiers Superlative modifiers Experimental evidence Puzzle #2: Inference patterns Barney ate 3 apples. ⇒ Barney ate fewer than 4 apples. Barney ate at most 3 apples. ⇒ Barney ate more than 2 apples. Barney ate at least 3 apples. Bart Geurts & Rick Nouwen: Comparative vs. superlative quantifiers
Superlative vs. comparative Indefinites, numerals, and scales Comparative modifiers Superlative modifiers Experimental evidence Puzzle #3: Distributional restrictions By and large, superlative modifiers occur more freely than their comparative counterparts: [1] I might survive a few days {at most/∗fewer than}. [2] It actually dates back to {at least/∗more than} the 14th century. [3] Men like me because I don’t wear a brassiere. Women like me because I don’t look like a girl who would steal a husband. {At least/∗More than} not for long. But in some ways superlatives are more restricted. Bart Geurts & Rick Nouwen: Comparative vs. superlative quantifiers Superlative vs. comparative Indefinites, numerals, and scales Comparative modifiers Superlative modifiers Experimental evidence Distributional restrictions (cont.) Downward entailing contexts [1] Bach wrote more/fewer than 27 fugues. Bach wrote at least/most 27 fugues. [2] Bach didn’t write more/fewer than 27 fugues. ?Bach didn’t write at least/most 27 fugues. [3] No composer wrote more/fewer than 27 fugues. ?No composer wrote at least/most 27 fugues. [4] Few composers wrote more/fewer than 27 fugues. ?Few composers wrote at least/most 27 fugues. Bart Geurts & Rick Nouwen: Comparative vs. superlative quantifiers
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Comparative vs. superlative quantifiers Superlative and comparative ...

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