Scope Reconstruction and Interpretation of Copies

Abstract

AbstractWe consider the relative scope of quantifiers, modals and negation in A-movement. We present novel data suggesting that the apparent narrow scope of the quantifiers with respect to the modal is due its logical relation with the wide scope reading. We give the same account for the lack of narrow scope reading with respect to negation. We claim that the narrow scope reading is possible when it is logically implied by the wide scope reading. We argue that late merger in extraposition has no effect on quantifier scope. We resolve certain problems arising from the interactions between scope and binding by differentiating lexical features from morphosyntactic features. These are interpreted not all at the same time but dynamically according to their relevance to the grammatical principles.KeywordsA-movementCopy theorySyntax-semantics interface