Quantifying : Fuzzy categories and non-regularity in English

Abstract

Expressing quantity in English is an area replete with complexity, irregularity, fuzzy categories and nuances of usage that pose a hurdle for many English language learners. This paper describes some of these complexities that underlie seemingly straightforward binary categories such as the mass/count and singular/plural distinctions. The paper will also describe other aspects of quantification such as the usage of much and many in questions versus propositional statements and the expression of vague amounts. The aim is to reveal the complex conceptual, grammatical and pragmatic factors that bear on any expression of quantity in English.