When something becomes a bit

This paper analyzes the mechanisms of syntactic and semantic change involved in development degree modifier algo “a bit, a little” Spanish from an indefinite pronoun with inanimate reference meaning “something”. Specifically, it focuses on distribution Medieval Classical periods its interpretation partitive pseudo-partitive constructions. I argue for combination structural pragmatic factors creation relate this to other diachronic developments indefinites across languages. also discuss implications models modifiers crosslinguistically.