The interpretation and distribution of temporal focus particles

Abstract Among the scalar usages of only , there is one that has a temporal dimension. In Carla understood problem on Sunday for instance, considered late to have problem. this paper, we explore interpretation and distribution along with other focus particles permit reading. We Dutch counterpart pas (see Barbiers 1995). This particle formally distinct from both exclusive ( alleen ) non-temporal maar ). concentrate two core issues. The first concerns observation systematically support modes interpretation, purely lack-of-progress latter found in an example like Billy read three books so far ), which implies low number at reference time. second issue ‘Barbiers’s Generalization,’ requirement immediately c-command category they interact with. propose semantic analysis captures these observations, building previous work by König (1979, 1981), Löbner (1989), Krifka (2000) Klinedinst (2004), among others.