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Take the following statement, when used within a conversation on Global Warming:

Polar bears are dying in the North.

There is no adjective to describe the number of polar bears. According to normal English usage, should the modifier be assumed to be "some," "all," or some other quantifier?

KillingTime
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izzatso
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  • Since "Polar bears" is plural, we know it's "at least two (possibly more)". – KillingTime Mar 29 '24 at 23:10
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    It is impossible to know exactly what the statement means. But if it is intended to mean 'all', the statement is unacceptable, a violation of the Gricean maxim of manner: 'all' would force this meaning and clarify as required. Pragmatically, 'a significant number' is probably intended, but this is subjective. – Edwin Ashworth Mar 29 '24 at 23:35
  • This negative vote should be justified, the question is not, after all, without interest. – LPH Mar 30 '24 at 01:36
  • In the context of global warming, it probably means 'a larger proportion of the polar bear population than normal'. – Kate Bunting Mar 30 '24 at 08:23
  • ,,, and thus an extinction crisis is approaching. But this is in the realm of comprehension and logical/informed deduction. – Edwin Ashworth Mar 30 '24 at 16:49

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