Implicit Arguments, Paychecks and Variable-Free Semantics

Abstract

The present paper focuses on a particular class of implicit arguments what have been termed anaphoric implicit arguments (AIAs) and presents an account of AIAs in the variable-free (VF) framework introduced in Jacobson 1999, 2000. In particular, it is demonstrated how AIAs allow paycheck (E-type) readings, an observation that goes back to Dowty 1981; it is shown that these readings follow naturally in the VF framework. The VF account is then compared and contrasted with some alternatives, including Condoravdi & Gawrons (1996) proposal that AIAs pattern with definite descriptions.