Distributivity

Abstract

This chapter introduces the related topics of distributivity, collectivity, and cumulativity. Evidence is reviewed for the availability of multiple readings of ambiguous sentences that support distributive and collective interpretations, and the constrained interpretation of sentences arising from the lexical semantics of a universal quantifier, a predicate (adjective), an adverbial modifier, a determiner, or quantification scope. Off-line tasks with child and adult participants reveal a developmental comparison in the availability of these readings and the predication of individuals and groups of individuals, while on-line processing tasks with adults provide fine-grained behavioural evidence for the role of lexical and structural factors in facilitating or suppressing such readings.