Abstract
This paper investigates whether todo N (universal quantifier + noun phrase) in Brazilian Portuguese is existential (an indefinite) or a universal. It concludes that it is a universal with a modal trait. The first section shows that todo N has properties which distinguish it from definite universal phrases. These properties may be explained by Matthewson’s (2001) suggestion concerning the semantic structures of every and all. Within such an approach, todo N would not be a quantifier. This hypothesis finds support in Negrão’s (2002) analysis, which claims that todo N is an indefinite. Based on Dayal (1998) and Saeboe’s (2001) analyses of any, we show that todo N is a universal with a modal trait. Finally, we show that todo N cannot be specific in Enç’s sense (1991); thus her generalization concerning quantifiers should be revised. We conclude that quantification and specificity should be kept apart and that todo N is a non-specific quantifier.
Recommended Citation
Pires de Oliveira, Roberta
(2003)
"Is todo N in Brazilian Portuguese a quantifier?,"
Semantics of Under-Represented Languages in the Americas: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/sula/vol2/iss1/8