Abstract
Even when linearized after it, seem can take scope over the modal can, provided that a downward-entailing trigger is present locally. Downward-entailingness plays a key role in the scope reversal: seem takes scope not only over can, but also over the trigger, because it is a mobile positive polarity item, which has the ability to raise covertly above a potential anti-licenser. This movement permits aspectual configurations that are otherwise disallowed in the complement of seem.
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Homer, V. (2012). As Simple as It Seems. In: Aloni, M., Kimmelman, V., Roelofsen, F., Sassoon, G.W., Schulz, K., Westera, M. (eds) Logic, Language and Meaning. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 7218. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-31482-7_36
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-31482-7_36
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