The Progressive in Modal Semantics

In this paper, I give the English progressive a semantic analysis as an intensional operator within the framework of modal semantics proposed by Kratzer. This treatment allows a combination of the central idea of Dowty’s influential analysis, that the progressive’s meaning has a major modal component, with the insights of other scholars (Parsons, Vlach, and Landman). My claim is that using a more sophisticated background theory of modality allows natural solutions the problems which have been raised for the modal account.* * I would like to thank Ginny Brennan, Elena Herburger, Steve Kuhn, Language editors Mark Aronoff and Peggy Speas, and two anonymous reviewers for helpful comments.