An indefinite article can trigger a presupposition

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

2 sources for · 0 against

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Is it true that an indefinite article can trigger a presupposition?

Yes. Certain indefinite noun phrases and indefinite subjects can carry or trigger existential presuppositions.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 2 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 31 Jul 2026

The analysis

The retrieved literature includes papers studying how indefinites interact with presuppositional properties, such as the existential presuppositions tied to certain indefinite subjects and articles.

Evidence for · 2

Indefinite subjects in Durban Zulu

2014

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Cheng, L. L. & Downing, L. J. (2014). Indefinite subjects in Durban Zulu. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.21248/zaspil.57.2014.417

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More for · 1

The Role of Presuppositionality in the Second Language Acquisition of English Articles

2010

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Ko, H., Ionin, T., & Wexler, K. (2010). The Role of Presuppositionality in the Second Language Acquisition of English Articles. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1162/ling.2010.41.2.213

Related receipts

Is it true that certain languages possess dual indefinite articles? SUPPORTED related question, same topic
Is it true that some languages possess grammatical articles beyond definite and indefinite categories? CONTESTED related question, same topic
Is it true that linguists determine language possession of indefinite articles using specific syntactic tests? SUPPORTED related question, same topic
Is it true that all languages have definite articles? REFUTED related question, same topic

What does the evidence say?

The retrieved literature includes papers studying how indefinites interact with presuppositional properties, such as the existential presuppositions tied to certain indefinite subjects and articles.

Receipt History

first checked31 Jul 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8731 Jul 2026

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