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The Progressive in Modal Semantics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2026

Paul Portner
Paul Portner*
Affiliation:
Georgetown University
*
Department of Linguistics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057 [portneph@gusun.georgetown.edu]
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Abstract

This article presents a semantic analysis of the English progressive as an intensional operator within the framework of modal semantics proposed by Kratzer. This treatment allows a combination of the central idea of Dowty's influential analysis, that the progressive's meaning has a major modal component, with the insights of other scholars (Parsons, Vlach, and Landman). My claim is that using a more sophisticated background theory of modality allows natural solutions for the problems raised for the modal account.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Language , Volume 74 , Issue 4 , December 1998 , pp. 760 - 787
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 Linguistic Society of America

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