Universal 1161: indefinite article (mass nouns) ⇒ indefinite article (plural nouns)

Universal 1161: indefinite article (mass nouns) ⇒ indefinite article (plural nouns)

Original

If the indefinite article determines mass nouns, then it is also used for plural nouns.

Standardized

IF an overt indefinite article is used with mass nouns, THEN it is also used with plural nouns.

Keywords

indefinite article, number, plural, mass noun

Domain

inflection, syntax

Type

implication

Status

achronic but presumably diachronically motivated

Quality

absolute?

Basis

sample of 31 languages

Source

Heine 1997: 68

Counterexamples