... the pragmatic requirement of hedges that they tone down a statement

[kadioguy]

[In the abstract of the article Not that I know of: A polarity-sensitive construction]

Why does "tone down" have two objects (that and a statement)?

I'm going to boldly say that "in" is missing before "a statement".

What do you think?

(Edit: Changed "on" into "in".)

 

[teechar]

No. You're misreading it.
that they tone down = which is ... that they tone down
Does that clarify it for you?

 

[kadioguy]

that they tone down = which is ... that they tone down

Do you mean that it means this?

The polarity sensitive status of the hedge is derived from a statement, which is the interaction of strong verbs (know, be aware of, etc.) and the pragmatic requirement of hedges that they tone down.

Or

The polarity sensitive status of the hedge is derived from the interaction of strong verbs (know, be aware of, etc.) and the pragmatic requirement of hedges that they tone down, a statement.

 

[teechar]

The polarity sensitive status of the hedge is derived from the interaction of:
1- strong verbs (know, be aware of, etc.)
and
2- the pragmatic requirement of hedges which is that [they tone down a statement].
The text in blue is mine.
What is the pragmatic requirement of hedges? The requirement is that they tone down a statement.
Do you understand what "tone down a statement" means?

 

[kadioguy]

So it's like this: It is a legal requirement that you have insurance for your car.

Do you understand what "tone down a statement" means?

I think that it means "to make it less strong".

 

[Tarheel]

That's close enough.