Pragmatics


Reference and Inference

Interpretation of Definite Noun Phrases: Referential and Attributive Use



Definite noun phrases, such as [1], can have at least two interpretations:

  • a referential one
  • an attributive one.

[1] The murderer of Woodswood is insane.

Consider the sentence above and allocate referential/attributive use to the appropriate explanation:

  • (:vips 7342:)

1. dummy

  • (:vips 7343:)

Go back to Referential and Attributive Uses.