Pair-List Questions from Dependent Plurals

Abstract

Questions with plural definites may receive apparent pair-list answers. The dominant analysis in the literature holds that these questions can only receive weak cumulative Hamblin answers, and that these cumulative answers may be elaborated into pair-list responses for pragmatic reasons. Here, I provide evidence that the “cumulation-only” account is insufficient, and that in certain contexts questions containing plural definites receive genuine pair-list Hamblin answers. I argue that these answers arise when the question nucleus contains an anaphoric dependency function between the wh-item and a plural definite, parallel to the proposal for declaratives given by Winter (2000). I conclude that two distinct parses must be available for questions with plural definites: a cumulation and-elaboration strategy, and a dependency strategy.