Epistemic and scopal properties of some indefinites

Abstract

This paper experimentally examines the behavior of English some indefinites, addressing the following research questions. (i) How do singular some indefinites behave with respect to scopal (non-)specificity? (ii) How do singular some indefinites pattern with respect to epistemic (non-)specificity? And (iii) Does stress (or lack thereof) on some influence the behavior of some indefinites with respect to epistemic and/or scopal (non-)specificity, and if so, how? The findings of two experimental studies with adult native English speakers indicate that some indefinites take long-distance scope more readily than a indefinites, and carry a condition of epistemic non-specificity; stress on some is related to both properties. These findings are discussed in light of different theories of indefinite interpretation.

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