Disjunction and the Distinction of Also and Even

The standard approach to also and even as additive or inclusive focus particles is reconsidered. Given their striking behavioral differences within disjunctive coordination, it is argued that the two focus particles don’t form a natural class. Under the assumption that disjuncts coordinated with or represent independent potentialities, thereby not allowing the information of the second disjunct to be added to that of the first disjunct, the common occurrence of even within second disjuncts contrasts clearly with the overall unacceptability of also within second disjuncts. This strongly suggests that even does not trigger the existential presupposition, and therefore necessitates a new typology of focus particles.