Kratzer semantics

Kratzer semantics is a way of understanding how language expresses meaning, especially regarding words like "must," "can," or "might," which involve possibilities, obligations, or permissions. It views these words as operators that modify the meaning of statements by referencing different "possible worlds" or situations. For example, "You must leave" considers not just the actual situation but all possible scenarios where leaving is necessary. By doing so, Kratzer semantics provides a systematic framework for analyzing the nuances of modality (possibility and necessity) and how context shapes meaning.