On Singular some

The paper contrasts the distribution and interpretation of a(n) with that of singular some within a framework where the function of determiners is that of introducing discourse referents and possibly imposing constraints on their evaluation. It is claimed here that a(n) is the unmarked singular determiner in English in the sense that it imposes no interpretation constraints whatsoever. This explains the freedom of scope and the quantificational variability of a(n) indefinites. Singular some, by contrast, involves two requirements, one that imposes existential force and one that requires there to be several possible entities that can serve as values for the variable it introduces.