A semantic universal for modality
Steinert-Threlkeld, S., Imel, N., & Guo, Q. (2023). "A semantic universal for modality." Semantics and Pragmatics, 16, 1:EA-1:EA.
Abstract
This paper articulates a new semantic universal for modal expressions in natural language, dubbed the Independence of Force and Flavor (IFF). This property accommodates counterexamples to Nauze 2008’s proposed universal from variable-force variable-flavor modals (Bochnak 2015a,b) and attitude verbs (Mocˇnik & Abramovitz 2019), while still ruling out unattested modals. It may also be seen as a form of convexity applied to modals.