Phrasescannot identify its referent.
Yet another meaning associated with NPs is that of referentiality. A referring
NP may be either definite or indefinite but it denotes a particular entity or set of
entities: the bold NP in The/A man sat down refers to some particular man.
The opposite of a referring NP is an attributive or non-referring one.
An attributive NP provides a description but does not refer to any particular
individual(s). Anyone or anything that fits the description will do. Attributive
NPs can often be paraphrased by whoever.. ., whatever.. ., or any.. ., as in
The man who /Whoever steals my purse steals nothing.
(27) a. I saw the elephants at the zoo. (referential and definite)
b. The next caller will win a vacation to Miami. (attributive and
definite = whoever is the next caller)
c. I want an elephant. Its name is Big Bob. (referential and in-
definite)
d. I want an elephant. Any pink one will be fine. (attributive
and indefinite.)Finally, NPs can have a generic or non-generic reference. Generic refer-
ence designates an entire class (i.e., category, set) of entities. A non-generic
reference designates a particular member or members of a class.
(28) a. Cats are skilled predators. (generic, indefinite)
b. A cat is a skilled predator. (generic, indefinite)
c. A cat is asleep on the table. (non-generic and indefinite)
d. The cat is asleep. (non-generic and definite)
e. The cat is a skilled predator. (ambiguous: generic or non-
generic and definite)Exercise
Identify each italicized expression as (a) definite or indefinite, (b) ref-
erential or attributive, and (c) generic or non-generic. You will have
to imagine a situation in which each sentence is used. Note where
ambiguities arise.
a. I need a sandwich.
b. I need a part for my car.
c. Alice wants to protect the elephant.
d. The president’s detractors must be insane.