intensifierdeterminer

Intensifierdeterminer is a term used in linguistics to describe a class of determiners whose primary function is to encode degree or emphasis for the noun phrase, rather than to mark reference or number alone. In languages that grammatically encode intensity in the determiner slot, these items combine with nouns (and often with numerals or adjectives) to convey how strong or extensive the referent is.

In English, the most clearly attested examples are determiner-like items that express strong emphasis. Such a determiner can appear in constructions like such a/an X, where such functions as a degree intensifier before a singular noun, as in such a problem, such excitement, or such a large task. Another familiar pattern is the use of an intensifier with a determiner plus a noun phrase, as in so many people, so much rain, or so difficult a task, where the degree word precedes a determiner-based quantifier and head noun. In these cases the combination serves to amplify the scale of the NP rather than to introduce a plain reference.

Semantically, intensifier determiners interact with the scale properties of the noun phrase and often carry evaluative or emphatic force. They typically appear in exclamatory or emphatic contexts and can be restricted in position and distribution by the surrounding DP (determiner phrase) structure.

Typologically, intensifier determiners are less common as a fixed, cross-linguistic category than a heterogeneous set of items that take on degree meaning in the determiner slot in particular languages. In many languages, degree emphasis is expressed instead by adjectives, adverbs, or separate degree words rather than by a dedicated determiner.

See also: determiners, intensifiers, degree modifiers, noun phrases.