FLOATING QUANTIFIERS AS PROBES

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the quantifier float (QF) phenomenon. Many studies on this topic are based on the fact that a floating quantifier (FQ) occurs to the right of the NP it quantifies (rightward QF), although it is well known that leftward QF is attested in a number of languages. To predict the distribution of both types of QF, Doetjes (1992, 1997) suggests the generalization that an FQ binds the trace of the NP it quantifies. The purpose of this study is to reduce this generalization to the property that FQs probe for a matching feature, thereby providing support to the hypothesis that FQs are adverbial elements.