It was a little worrying being asked to review a dissertation about ‘‘cipient predication’’ when I didn’t know what a ‘cipient’ was, but the subtitle promised discussion of questions directly abutting my own interests, so I agreed. I’m glad I did; it’s been a rewarding experience. While I (almost inevitably) don’t find myself converted entirely from my own views by Brandt’s proposal, I have found consider- able food for thought.