ABSTRACT
The reference of an indefinite noun phrase can be understood either as a definite element of the extension of the noun (‘specific reading’) or as any given element of the extension of the noun (‘non-specific reading’). For example, the sentence A song is sung has two possible readings: the first is a statement about a particular song; the second about any song in general. Such ambiguities are especially apparent in verbs of seeking, wishing, etc. (cf. Philip is looking for a friend). Interpretations of such readings can often be disambiguated in English through aspect: for example, the interpretation of A song is sung or A child cries can be made clear through the progressive aspect: A song is being sung or A child is crying (specific reading). In formal approaches, ambiguities are handled by ascertaining differences in the scope of the existential quantifier ( operator).
