Flertalsbaserede

Flertalsbaserede is a term used in linguistics to describe grammatical phenomena where the plural form of a noun or noun phrase acts as the base or anchor for inflectional patterns, rather than the singular form. The concept is used to characterize systems in which plural endings, determiner agreement, or adjective agreement are driven by the plural rather than by the singular form of the head noun. It is primarily a descriptive label found in typological studies and discussions of Nordic languages, and its exact usage can vary between authors.

In a flertalsbaseret system, agreement and inflection may follow plural cues across different parts of the noun phrase. This can affect how determiners, adjectives, pronouns, and even certain verbs align with the noun, especially in environments where plurality is frequent or where pluralization serves as the organizing basis for morphology. The notion is often contrasted with singularbaserede or anchor-based systems, where the singular form of the noun serves as the reference point for agreement and inflection.

The term is most commonly encountered in descriptive or comparative work rather than in prescriptive grammar. It helps linguists discuss patterns where plural morphology has a broader or more central role in shaping related grammatical forms. While not universal, the concept appears in discussions of Scandinavian languages and other languages with notable plural-based alignment in noun phrases.

See also: number, agreement, plural, morphosyntax, typology.