Modified numerals and polarity sensitivity: Between O(nly)DA and E(ven)SA

Abstract

Bare numerals (BNs), comparative-modified numerals (CMNs), and superlativemodified numerals (SMNs) exhibit interesting differences with respect to scalar implicatures, ignorance, sensitivity to grammatical polarity, and sensitivity to pragmatic polarity. Each of these differences has been used to conclude fundamental difference—between BNs and MNs,within MNs, and within SMNs. Revisiting the manifestation of the effects within numerals and across numerals and disjunction, indefinites, and minimizers, as well as connections between the effects, in this paper I argue for fundamental similarity and propose a unified account. The account crucially explores interactions between subdomain alternatives and classic, Horn-style scalar alternatives as well as between O(nly) and E(ven), arguing in particular that sensitivity to grammatical/pragmatic polarity comes from ODA/ESA, and that both O and E are ultimately driven by the same pressure: To justify the choice of the assertion in light of its true alternatives.