Free Relatives and "Ever": Identity and Free Choice Readings

Abstract

This paper explores three questions about the semantics of free relatives (FRs). One, do FRs have a uniform meaning? Two, related to one, what is the contribution of "ever"? And three, perhaps less discussed than the other two, what is the relation between identity and free choice (FC) readings of FRs with "ever"? It claims that FRs are always definite. "Ever" introduces a type of modality that is independent of the verbal system by enforcing universal quantification over epistemic alternatives to the world of evaluation. In so doing, it endows the FR with properties typically associated with universal quantifiers. There is no formal distinction between identity and FC readings of FRs. The crucial distinctions have to do with the interaction of uniqueness requirements typical of definites, NP-internal modality and episodic vs. non-episodic interpretations determined by tense and aspect.