Subtrigging
Modification of words for free choice items From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In formal semantics, subtrigging is the phenomenon whereby free choice items in episodic sentences require a modifier. For instance, the following sentence is not acceptable in English.[1][2][3][4]
- *Any student signed the petition.
However, the sentence can be repaired by adding a post-nominal modifier such as a relative clause, prepositional phrase, or locative.
- Any student who went to the meeting signed the petition. (RC)
- Any student at the meeting signed the petition. (PP)
- Any student there signed the petition. (locative)
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