Perfectivity might not scope over modality
Perfectivity might not scope over modality
Author(s): Larisa AvramSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Editura Universităţii din Bucureşti
Keywords: modals; perfective aspect; external perfect; internal perfect; counterfactuality
Summary/Abstract: The present paper provides an account of the behaviour of the English modals with respect to the perfective aspect of their complement. The differences in reading (external vs. internal perfect) are argued to be contingent on the structural position of the modal in syntax and on the availability of a polarity-changing conditionality feature on the modal.
Journal: Bucharest Working Papers in Linguistics
- Issue Year: 2012
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 111-132
- Page Count: 21
- Language: English
