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In:Possibility and Necessity: Concepts and expressions of modality
Edited by Jean Albrespit, Christelle Lacassain and Tracey Simpson
[Studies in Language Companion Series 237] 2025
► pp. 217–234

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Entailment, necessity and time relations in some non prototypical conditional constructions

 | Sorbonne Paris Nord University Pléiade (UR 7338)
Published online: 4 November 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/slcs.237.09roc
Abstract
This article analyses some non-prototypical conditionals: first, when non-volitional will occurs in the if clause and when temporal and logical relations are apparently reversed from what is usual. Comrie’s analysis of such examples as bicausal conditionals met criticisms. Yet, the regular presence of cataphors in the if clause supports his view. The second construction studied here also deals with a reversed order of temporal relations: the if clause refers to the future and the actualisation of the event mentioned in it depends on the prior fulfilment of a necessary condition expressed in the q clause; concerning the reversal of logical relations, it is this time due to the semantic component and interclausal relationships. These types of conditionals are the result of complex operations.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • 1.Usual relationships in prototypical conditionals
    • 1.1Three main types of conditional sentences
    • 1.2The speaker’s stance
      • 1.2.1Presupposition
      • 1.2.2Sufficient and necessary conditions
  • 2.Bicausal conditionals and the reversal of relations between P and Q
    • 2.1Comrie’s analysis
    • 2.2Criticisms of Comrie’s analysis
    • 2.3An iterated conditional relation
  • 3.Explicit reference to the future in the if clause and possible changes in temporal and logical relations
    • 3.1Reference to the future in if p with be going to and be to
      • 3.1.1Logical and temporal relations are oriented from P to Q
      • 3.1.2Q expresses a necessary condition for the actualisation of the event in P
    • 3.2Reference to the future and intentionality
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
  • Corpus
References (24)
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