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PART 1 - Identify the type of FIGURE OF SPEECH (Simile, Irony. Hyperbole, Metaphor,
Synecdoche, Metonymy, Personification, Litotes or Euphemism) used in each of the
following sentences and then give the figurative meaning.

1- SIMILE (tỉ dụ, so sánh)

1. My dormitory room is like a cave.

SIMILE. “like a cave” means “small and uncomfortable”
2. Albert was as sharp as a tack (đinh mũ) this morning. He answered every question as
soon as it was asked.
SIMILE. “Albert was as sharp as a tack” means “Albert was quick-minded'
3. After she heard the good news, she grinned like a mule eating briars
SIMILE. “Grinned like a mule eating briars” means “smiled broadly”.
4. Alice came in gently, like a May breeze.
SIMILE. “Alice is like a May breeze” means “Alice is as young, fresh, sweet and warm as
a breeze signaling the beginning of a summer”.
5. He is as mute as a fish.
SIMILE. “He is as mute as a fish” means “he rarely speaks or he is quiet”.
6. Tom eats like a horse.
SIMILE. “eats like a horse” means “eats a lot”

2- METAPHOR (ẩn dụ)

1. When he gets going, Jack is a streak of lightning.

METAPHOR. “Jack is a streak of lightning” means “Jack is very fast”.
2. The man is a demon for work.
METAPHOR. “The man is a demon for work” means “the man is an energetic person who
works very hard”.
3. Come to the dormitory and see what a cave I live in.
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METAPHOR. “A cave” means “a small and uncomfortable room”.
4. You can depend on Gina. She is a rock when trouble comes.
METAPHOR. “She is a rock” means “she is strong-minded or she has strong nerves”.
5. Life is a dream.
(1) METAPHOR. “Life is a dream” means “life is short or life passes quickly”.
(2) METAPHOR. “Life is a dream” means “life is as beautiful as a dream”.
6. He’s so hardheaded that he won’t listen to anyone.
METAPHOR. “Hardheaded” means “obstinate or stubborn”.
7. Susie is a picture of loveliness in her new dress.
METAPHOR. “Susie is a picture of loveliness” means “Susie is very lovely”.
8. There was a storm in Parliament last night.
METAPHOR. “A storm” means “a heated argument, a bitter disagreement or a terrible
conflict”.
9. We’ll just have to go our separate ways.
METAPHOR. “Go our separate ways” means “live our own lives”.
10. They were vital, unforgettable matches that gave us a new window on the game.
METAPHOR. “A new window on the game” means “a new understanding of the game:
10. We stopped to drink in the beautiful scenery.
METAPHOR. “Drink’ means “enjoy or admire”
11. The police team has cemented close ties with the hospital staff.
METAPHOR. “cemented close ties” means “established close connections”
12. The boss gave her a hot look.
METAPHOR. “A hot look” means “an angry look”.
13. He could not bridle (kiềm chế) his anger.
METAPHOR. “Bridle” means “control”.
14. He attacked every weak point in my argument.
METAPHOR. “Attacked” means “criticized severely”.
15. The organization is keeping the brake on pay rises.
METAPHOR. “Keep the brake on” means “control”
6. Her father is a captain of industry.
METAPHOR. “a captain of industry” means “one who manages a large industrial
company”.
17. To fall out of a tree in one’s early childhood is not a particularly reassuring
experience.
METAPHOR. “To fall out of a tree” means “to be exposed to real life”.
18. He has a heart of stone.
METAPHOR . “A heart of stone” means “merciless”. (tàn nhẫn)
19. My little brother is really a night owl.
METAPHOR. “a night owl” means “stays up late”.
20. He wanted to set sail on the ocean of love but he just wasted away in the desert.
METAPHOR. This is unrequited love.
21. The computer in the classroom was an old dinosaur.
METAPHOR. “an old dinosaur” means “very old”.
22. I’ll make him eat his words.
METAPHOR. “make him eat his words” means “admit what he’s said is wrong:”
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23. She has a heart of stone.
METAPHOR. “a heart of stone” means “a pitiless and unfeeling nature”.
24. His words stabbed at her heart.
METAPHOR. “stabbed at her heart” means “caused great pain to her”.
25. He looks as though he hasn’t had a square meal for months.
METAPHOR. “a square meal” means “a large and satisfying meal”
26. He washed his hand out of the matter.
METAPHOR. “washed his hand out of the matter” means “refused to have anything more
to do with the matter”.
27. Tom is a pig
METAPHOR. “a pig” means “short and fat” or “slow and lazy”, or “greedy”, or “stupid”.
28. You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
METAPHOR. The whole sentence means “You come and leave quickly”.

3-IRONY (mỉa mai)

1. I found the fifty-two pounds of books you left for me to carry. Your kindness really
moved me.
 IRONY. “Your kindness really moved me” means “you were not kind to me at all”.
2. Dick was fairly pleased when he won the brand-new car in the contest.
 IRONY. “Fairly pleased” means “very pleased”.
3. Joe cried a little when he lost the thousand dollars.
 IRONY. “cried a little” means “cried a lot”.
4. The weather is as cool as a summer day in the Sahara.
IRONY. “As cool as a summer day in the Sahara” means “not cool at all”.
5. This wall is as hard as tofu.
IRONY. “as hard as tofu” means “not hard at all”.
6. He's as nice as a lion to his prey.
IRONY. “as nice as a lion to his prey” means ”not nice at all”.
7. This chair is as comfortable as sitting on nails.
IRONY. “as comfortable as sitting on nails” “not comfortable at all ”
8. The butter is as soft as a marble piece .
IRONY. “as soft as a marble piece” means “not soft at all”
9. He is so intelligent that no examiner has agreed to pass him so far.
IRONY. “intelligent” means “rather stupid”
10- What a lovely day it was! Everything I had went wrong.
IRONY. “a lovely day” means “a bad day”.
11- He is so intelligent that no examiner has agreed to pass him so far.
IRONY. “intelligent” means “stupid”.
12- He is lucky to have such an ugly and awkward wife.
IRONY. “lucky” means “unlucky”.
13- She is extremely unlucky to be born in such a prosperous family in a developed
European country.
IRONY. “extremely unlucky” means “very lucky”
14- Your plan is really tricky. The other team will figure it out in about one play.
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IRONY. “really tricky” means “very simple”.

4-SYNECDOCHE (cải dung)

1. Man does not live by bread alone.

 SYNECDOCHE. “Bread” means “necessaries needed for living”
2. We now live under the same roof.
 SYNECDOCHE. “Roof” means “house”.
3. It is amazing what a great mind he is.
 SYNECDOCHE. “A great mind” means “a scholar”.
4. I walked past the big sad mouth which didn’t know what to say then.
 SYNECDOCHE. “Mouth” means “person”,
5. The ship was lost with all hands.
SYNECDOCHE .”Hands” means “the crew”
6. His parents bought him a new set of wheels.
SYNECDOCHE. “a new set of wheels” is a which means “a new car”
7. He has many mouths to feed.
SYNECDOCHE. “many mouths” means “many people”
8. He shall think differently, the musketeer threatened, when he feels the point of my
steel.
SYNECDOCHE. “my steel’ means “My sword”
9. This work requires an intelligent brain.
SYNECDOCHE. “brain” means “person”.
10. The war has robbed 2,000 souls of the village.
SYNECDOCHE. “souls” means “people”.
11. The United States won the cup.
SYNECDOCHE. “the United States” means “a team from the United States”, not the
country as a whole.
12- They organized a fleet of fifty sails.
SYNECDOCHE. “sails” means “ships”.
13- He is a man of seventy winters.
SYNECDOCHE. “winters” means “years of age.
14- Gray hairs should be respected.
SYNECDOCHE. “Gray hairs ” means “old or elderly people.
15-Don’t live in such a sea of doubt!
SYNECDOCHE. “ a sea of doubt” means “Don’t be too suspicious!
16-I haven’t seen you for ages.
SYNECDOCHE. “for ages” means “for a while.

5- METONYMY (hoán dụ)

1. When the White House called, the ambassador went at once.

 METONYMY. “The White House”means “the US President”.
2. If you are not happy with the service, go and talk to the City Hall.
 METONYMY."The City Hall” means “the city’s Mayor”.
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3. The captain was in charge of one hundred horses.
 METONYMY. Horses means “cavalries (kỵ binh) or soldiers fighting on horseback”.
4. Give every man thine ears, bid a few thy voice.( thine = thy = của mày, của anh)
 METONYMY. The whole sentence means “you should listen to everyone, but talk to
only a few people”.
5. His words can be trusted.
 METONYMY. “His words” means “he”.
6. I am the captain of my soul.
This sentence consists of two METONYMIES:
(1) “The captain” means “the leader”. (2) “My soul” means “my life”.
The whole sentence means I can decide my own life or I can control myself.
7. No man is island: entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent.
This sentence consists of two METONYMIES:
(1) “An island” means “isolation”. (2) “The continent” means “community”.
The whole sentence means “no one can isolate himself from the community he has
been living in”.
8. The White House will be announcing the decision around noon today.
METONYMY . “The White House” means “The US government”.
9. Who brought fire and sword into our country?
METONOMY. “fire and sword” means “war”.
10. The Pentagon will be revealing the decision later on in the morning.
METONYNY. “The Pentagon” means “The US Ministry of Defense”
11. The pen is mightier than the sword
METONYNY. “The pen” means “written words”. “The sword” means “violence” or “war”.
12. He succeeded to the crown.
METONYNY. “the crown” means “the royal office”.
13. She is a fighter against red tape.
METONYNY. “red tape” means “bureaucracy”,or “office routine”
14. The new proposal might affect the cloth in some way.
METONYNY. “the cloth” means “the clergy”
15. Backstairs did influence.
METONYNY. “Backstairs” means “secret arrangements”
16. Can you protect your children from the cradle to the grave?
METONYNY. “from the cradle to the grave” means “from childhood to death”
17. He is the best pen of the day.
METONYNY. “pen” means “”writer”.
18. We need a force of a thousand rifles.
METONYNY. “rifles” means “soldiers”.
19. The kettle is boiling.
METONYNY. “the kettle” means “the water in the kettle.
20. He drank the cup.
METONYNY. “the cup” means “the coffee, the tea, the chocolate, etc. in the cup”
21. He is too fond of the bottle.
METONYNY. “the bottle” means “the liquor in the bottle
22. The conquerors smote the city.
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METONYNY. “the city” means “the inhabitants of the city.
23. Why don’t you recognize the power of the purse?
METONYNY. “the purse” means “the money kept in the purse.
24. She has an ear for music.
METONYNY. The whole sentence means “She possesses a good talent for music”
25. She has a good head of business.
METONYNY. The whole sentence means “She is gifted in/is clever at dealing with
business.
26. His Majesty died a year ago.
METONYNY. “His Majesty” means “the king”
27. His Holiness has just come back to Rome.
METONYNY. “His Holiness” means “the Pope”
28. The authorities put an end to the riot.
METONYNY. “ The authorities” means “the group of people who have the power to give
orders or take action.
29- He was buried under this stone.
METONYNY. “this stone” means “this tomb made of stone, this tombstone
30- I have never read Keat.
METONYNY. “Keat” means “Keat’s poems”.
31- Have you ever read Homer.
METONYNY. “Homer” means “the works of Homer”
32- I love old china
METONYNY. “china” means “crockery made in China.

6- PERSONIFICATION (nhân cách hóa)

1. The wind howled angrily around the house all night.

 PERSONIFICATION. “howled angrily” means “blew strongly”.
2. The river ate the bank away.
 PERSONIFICATION. “ate the bank away” means “eroded (xói mòn) the bank” or
“gradually destroyed the bank”.
3. Research says that these methods are best.
 PERSONIFICATION. “Research says” means “researchers say”
4. In 1940, after the fall of France, England had no defense left but her ancient valor.
(sự dũng cảm).
 METAPHOR. “The fall of France” means “the failure of France”.
 PERSONIFICATION. “England” is compared to a woman who had no defense left but
her former bravery in war
The whole sentence means after the failure of France in 1940, England could not defend
herself against her war enemy/enemies.
5. The tree branch moaned as I swung from it.
PERSONIFICATION. “Moaned” means “made a sound”
6. That knife will take a bite out of your hand if you don't handle it safely.
PERSONIFICATION. “Take a bite out of your hand” means “very sharp”.
7. The ocean danced in the moonlight.
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PERSONIFICATION. “danced” means “looked beautiful”
8. The phone awakened with a mighty ring.
PERSONIFICATION. The whole sentence means “The phone rang loudly and suddenly”

7- HYPERBOLE (cường điệu)

1. When you take that course, plan to study thirty hours a day.
HYPERBOLE. “Study thirty hours a day” means “study for a long time every day”.
2. Keep overeating like that and pretty soon you’ll weigh a thousand pounds.
HYPERBOLE. “Weigh a thousand pounds” means “be too heavy” or “get too fat”.
3. Right at this minute, I could drink a barrel of water without stopping.
HYPERBOLE. “A barrel of water” means “a lot of water”.
4. A thousand thanks are for your kindness.
HYPERBOLE. “A thousand thanks” means “thank you very much”
5. We are tired to death of such movies.
HYPERBOLE. “Tired to death” means “extremely bored with”.
6. I’ve told you a thousand times not to touch that again.
HYPERBOLE. “A thousand times” means “more than one time”.
7. You have to pay the earth for such a masterpiece!
HYPERBOLE. “Pay the earth” means “pay a lot of money”
8. My brother was boiling mad.
HYPERBOLE . “Boiling mad” means “very, very angry”.
9. This car goes faster than the speed of light.
HYPERBOLE. “faster than the speed of light” means “very fast”.
10. That joke is so old, the last time I heard it I was riding on a dinosaur.
HYPERBOLE. “when I was riding on a dinosaur” means “a long time ago”.
11. Her brain is the size of a pea.
HYPERBOLE . The whole sentence means “She's not intelligent”.
12. We can’t lend you any money; we don’t have two cents to rub together.
HYPERBOLE . “We don’t have two cents to rub together” means “We are broke”.
13. I had a ton of homework.
HYPERBOLE. “a ton of homework” means “a lot of homework”.
14. I am so hungry. I could eat a horse.
HYPERBOLE. “eat a horse” means “eat a lot”

8-LITOTES (phép nói giảm)

1. Joe cried a little when he lost the thousand dollars.

LITOTES. “cried a little” means “cried a lot”.
2. Your comments on politics are not useless.
LITOTES. “not useless” means “very useful”.
3. Always remember that he is no fool.
LITOTES. “no fool” means “wise”
4. A million dollars is not a little amount.
LITOTES. “not a little amount” means “a large amount”
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5. The ice cream was not too bad.
LITOTES. “not too bad” means “very good”.
6. I cannot disagree with your point of view.
LITOTES. “cannot disagree” means “totally agree”
7- I am afraid that no passenger is allowed to smoke in here.
LITOTES. “no passenger” means “You'.
8- It wasn’t easy.
LITOTES. “wasn’t easy” means “was very difficult.
9- Jim was rather upset when he again failed in the final exam.
LITOTES. “rather upset” means “very upset.

9- EUPHEMISM (uyển ngữ, nói tránh)

1. I’m afraid he has misrepresented (xuyên tạc) the facts.

EUPHEMISM . “misrepresented the facts” means “lied”
2. He worked and worked until he breathed his last.
EUPHEMISM . “Breathed his last” means “died”.
3. I am purchasing a pre-enjoyed (pre-loved) vehicle.
EUPHEMISM. “pre-enjoyed” means “a used car”
4. You are becoming a little thin on top.
EUPHEMISM. “a little thin on top” means “bald”.
5. Miss O’Shay, our teacher, is in the family way.
EUPHEMISM. “in the family way” means “Pregnant”.
6. They are enjoying adult beverages.
EUPHEMISM. “adult beverages” which means “alcoholic drinks”
7. The boss let 10 employees go yesterday.
EUPHEMISM. “The boss let 10 employees go” means “The boss fired them”
8. He is always tired and emotional.
EUPHEMISM. “tired and emotional” means “drunk”
9. He is spending his time at a Correctional center.
EUPHEMISM. “at a Correctional center” means “in prison”.
10- He was his Majesty’s guest for two years.
EUPHEMISM. “He was his Majesty’s guest” means “He was in jail”.
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PART 2- Give the possible PARAPHRASES to make the meaning of the sentences clear .
1. Each of us saw her duck.
(1a) - We saw her when she ducked.
(1b) - We saw a duck of hers.
2. I love Sarah more than you.
(2a) - I love Sarah more than you love her.
(2b) - I love Sarah more than I love you
3. "No don't stop!"
(3a) - "No, don't stop!".
(3b) - "No! Don't! Stop!"
4. Foreigners are hunting dogs.
(4a) - Foreigners are the hunting dogs.
(4b) - Foreigners are hunting the dogs
5. John kissed the girl in the bathroom.
(5a) - John kissed the girl who was in the bathroom.
(5b) - In the bathroom, John kissed the girl.
6. Terry loves his wife and so do I.
(6a) - Terry loves his wife and I love his wife.
(6b) - Terry loves his wife and I love my wife
7. When I sing well ladies feel sick.
(7a) - When I sing well, ladies feel sick,
(7b) - When I sing, well ladies feel sick.
8. He greeted the girl with a smile.
(8a) - With a smile, he greeted the girl.
(8b) - He greeted the girl who was with a smile.
9. The chicken is ready to eat.
(9a) - The chicken is ready to eat food.
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(9b) - The chicken is ready for us to eat
10. He gave her dog meat.
(10a) - He gave dog meat to her.
(10b) - He gave meat to her dog.
11. She cannot bear children.
(11a) - She can't give birth to children.
(11b) - She can't tolerate children.
12. They found hospitals and charitable institutions.
(12a) - They discovered hospitals and charitable institutions.
(12b) - They establish hospitals and charitable institutions.
13. Is she really that kind?
(13a) - Is he really that nice? /
(13b) - Is he really that kind (of person)?
14. Jack told John that a visitor was waiting for him.
(14a) - Jack told John that a visitor was waiting for Jack.
(14b) - Jack told John that a visitor was waiting for John.
15. Take your mother-in-law out back and shoot her.
(15a) - Take your mother-in-law out back and fire her.
(15b) - Take your mother-in-law out back and take a photo of her
16. Annie whacked a man with an umbrella.
(16a) - Annie whacked a man who was with an umbrella.
(16b) - Using an umbrella, Annie whacked a man
17. Our mothers bore us.
(17a) - Our mothers make us bored.
(17b) - Our mothers gave birth to us.
18. He passed the hammer and saw through the window.
(18a) - He saw through the window and passed the hammer.
(18b) - He passed the hammer and the saw through the window.
19. There was not a single man at the party.
(19a) - There was no man at the party.
(19b)- All the men at the party were married.
20. I gave a few olives to my friend that I stabbed with a fork.
(20a) - I gave a few olives, which I stabbed with a fork, to my friend.
(20b) - I gave a few olives to my friend, who I stabbed with a fork.
21. The German teachers visited the British Museum yesterday.
(21a) - The teachers of German visited the British Museum yesterday.
(21b) - The teachers who are German visited the British Museum yesterday
22. Woman without her man is nothing.
(22a) - Woman, without her man, is nothing.
(22b) - Woman: without her, man is nothing.
23. I know clever people like you.
(23a) - I know that clever people like you.
(23b) - I know clever people who are like you.
24. Ralph took my picture.
(24a) - Ralph photographed me.
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(24b) - Ralph stole my picture.
25. I met a man with a dog that had fleas.
(25a) - I met a dog with a man who had fleas.
(25b) - I met a man with a dog which had fleas.
26. It’s time to eat children.
(26a) - It's time to eat, children!
(26b) - It's time to eat the children.
27. Do you want to try on that dress by the window?
(27a) - Do you want to try on that dress which is by the window?
(27b) - Do you want to stand by the window and try on that dress?
28. She can give more possible conclusions.
(28a) - She can give more conclusions which are possible.
(28b) - She can give conclusions which are more possible.
29. The club will open to members only from Monday to Thursday.
(29a) - The club will open to only members from Monday to Thursday.
(29b) - The club will open to members from only Monday to Thursday.
30. He left her in tears.
(30a) - He left her while he was in tears.
(30b) - He left her while she was in tears.
31. I repaired the car and returned the following day.
(31a) - I repaired the car, and the following day I returned.
(31b) - The following day, I repaired the car and returned.
32. Tall boys and girls are needed to participate in the activities.
(32a) - Tall boys and tall girls are needed to participate in the activities
(32b) - Girls and tall boys are needed to participate in the activities
33. He looked over the old fence.
(33a) - He looked beyond the old fence.
(33b) - He checked the old fence.
34. The people who saw the movie frequently praised it.
(34a) - The people who frequently saw the movie praised it.
(34b) - The people who saw the movie praised it frequently.
35. He found Peter a helper.
(35a) - He found a helper for Peter.
(35b) - He found that Peter was a helper.
36. Students hate annoying professors.
(36a) - Students hate professors who are annoying.
(36b) - Students hate to annoy professors.
37. Leave the chairs on the veranda.
(37a) - Don't use the chairs that are on the veranda.
(37b) - Put the chairs on the veranda
38. You should eat more nutritious food.
(38a) - You should eat more food that is nutritious.
(38b) - You should eat food that is more nutritious.
39. Milk drinkers are turning to powder.
(39a) - Milk drinkers are becoming powder.
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(39b) - Milk drinkers are switching to powder.
40. King Charles 1 prayed half an hour after he was beheaded.
(40a) - King Charles 1 prayed. Half an hour after, he was beheaded.
(40b) – After King Charles 1 was beheaded, he prayed half an hour.
41. They WERE WAITING at the bank.
(41a) - They WERE WAITING at the financial institution.
(41b) - They WERE WAITING at the shore of the river.
42. The long drill IS boring.
(42a) - The long tool for drilling MAKES me bored/tired. In other words, the tool for
drilling IS blunt/not sharp enough.
(42b) - The long training exercise IS uninteresting/dull/tedious.
43. When he got the clear title to the land, it WAS a good deed.
(43a) - When he got the clear title to the land, it WAS a good act.
(43b) - When he got the clear title to the land, it WAS a great achievement.
44. The proprietor of the fish store WAS the sole owner.
(44a) - The proprietor of the fish store WAS the only owner.
(44b) - The proprietor of the fish store WAS single/unmarried.
45. We LIKE the ball.
(45a) - We LIKE the sphere.
(45b) - We LIKE the formal social gathering for dancing.
46. They PASSED the port at night.
(46a) - They WENT by the harbor at night.
(46b) - They DELIVERED the Portuguese wine 17 at night.
47. The captain CORRECTED the list.
(47a) - The captain CORRECTED the tilt.
(47b) - The captain CORRECTED the inventory.
48. He WAS KNOCKED OVER by the punch.
(48a) - He WAS KNOCKED OVER because of a blow given with the fis t.
(48b) - He WAS KNOCKED OVER near/beside the tool/the machine for cutting holes in
leather, metal , paper, etc.
49. The camel SWALLOWED the chocolate and then ate it.
(49a) - The camel GULPED the chocolate down and then ate it.
(49b) - The camel easily BELIEVED something to be chocolate and then ate it.
50- John loves Richard more than Martha.
(50a) - John loves Richard more than he loves Martha.
(50b) - John loves Richard more than Martha does.
51- Put the box on the table by the window in the kitchen
(51a) - Put the box onto the table that is by the window in the kitchen.
(51b) - Take the box that is on the table and put it by the window in the kitchen.
(51c) - Take the box off the table that is by the window and put it in the kitchen.
52- She finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.
(52a) - She cooks her her family and her dog
(52b) - She finds inspiration in cooking, her family, and her dog.
53- Hand me the red and yellow balls.
(53a) - Hand me the red ball and the yellow ball.
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(53b) - Hand me the balls that are red and yellow.
54. The drunkard visitor rolled up the carpet.
(54a) The drunkard visitor FOLDED the carpet over on itself.
(54b) The drunkard visitor TURNED over and over up the carpet.
55- My fiancée IS RESERVED.
55(a) My fiancée is kept only for me. In other words, you should always stay away from
her.
55(b) My fiancée rarely talks.
56- I SAW her slip.
56(a) We saw the petticoat that belongs to her.
56b) We saw her lose her balance and nearly fall.
57- They ARE COOKING bananas.
57(a) Bananas are cooked.
57(b) They are bananas for cooking.
58- They ARE MOVING sidewalks.
58(a) The sidewalks are moved.
58(b) They are the sidewalks that are movable.
59- Old men and women WILL BE SERVED first.
59(a) we first serve the men who are old and all of the women, irrespective of their age.
59(b) we first serve the men and women who are all old.
60- The thing that bothered Bill WAS CROUCHING under the table.
60(a) Bill was annoyed by the thing that was crouching under the table.
60(b) It is crouching under the table that annoyed Bill.
61- Is he really that kind?
(61a) Does he really belong to that kind of people?
(61b) Is he really so kind?

PART 3. The following pairs of words are PARTIAL SYNONYMS. For each pair, give a
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 14 of 27
sentence in which the two words can be used interchangeably and give another sentence
in which only one of them can be used.

1 - choose/pick
(1a) Let’s choose / pick some pork for dinner.
(1b) lease pick me up at 6 tomorrow. (not choose)
2. permit/allow
(2a) Photography is not permitted/allowed in this area.
(2b)If the weather permits, we'll go boating. (not allows)
3. way/method
(3a) That’s not the right method / way to teach a young child.
(3b)Can you tell me the way to Buu Long? (not method)
4. edge/side
(4a) This house is at the edge/side of the forest.
(4b)I will be on your side. (not edge)
5. lady/woman
(5a) There's a woman/lady waiting for you.
(5b)Can I take your coat, lady? (not woman)
6 - intelligent /smart
(6a) This boy is so intelligent / smart.
(6b)He is wearing his smart clothes to the party (not intelligent)
7. rush/run
(7a) My holiday seemed to run/rush past.
(7b)He doesn't know how to run a company. (not rush)
8. smooth/flat
(8a) We found a large flat/smooth rock to sit on.
(8b)She's wearing flat shoes. (not smooth)
9. soil / earth
(9a) We can plant the trees on this good soil/earth.
(9b)The Earth is round. (not soil)
10. spicy/hot
(10a) I cant stand spicy/hot food
(10b)It's rather hot today. (not spicy)
11. strong/powerful
(11a) There are strong/powerful arguments for and against capital punishment.
(11b) He loves strong coffee.
12. ripe/mature
(12a) This cheese is ripe/mature enough for us to eat.
(12b) We cannot eat this fruit because it isn’t ripe yet.
13. broad/wide
(13a) The Thames is a broad/wide river.
(13b) My boss is not broad-minded.
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 15 of 27

PART 4. Identify the ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS (speaker’s intent) of the following utterances.

1. Bill to John, “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

 1 Bill indirectly wants to invite John a cup of coffee.
2. Mother to son, “Tidy up your room.”
 2. Mother directly asked the son to tidy up his room.
3. Teacher to students, “If you don’t try your best, you will fail in the exam.”
 3. The teacher indirectly commits to fail those who have not tried their best to take
the course.
4. Sue to Mary, “There’s a new Italian restaurant on Green Avenue.”
 4. Sue indirectly suggests Mary to try the new Italian restaurant on Green Avenue.
5. Lecturer to the audience, “Why don’t we have a break?”
 5. The lecturer indirectly tells students to have a break.
6. Fred to Jeff, “If I were you, I would accept the offer.”
 6. Fred indirectly advises Jeff to accept that good offer.
7. Barbara to Jim, “Would you mind opening the door?”
 7. Barbara indirectly tells Jim that the room is too stuffy.
8. Mary to Susan, “I’ve got to go now.”
 8. Mary indirectly signals that she wants to stop the conversation.
9. Bob to Nancy, “Turn your stereo off right now”.
 9. Bob directly asks Nancy to turn her stereo off.
10. Henry to George, “May I use your lighter for a minute?”
 10. Henry directly asks George for permission to use
the lighter.
11- Dad said to the son, “Don’t play with the matches!”
11. Dad directly told the son not to play with the matches.
12. A: ‘Why did you divorce her?’ B: ‘I don’t know how to answer this question.’
 12. B indirectly conceals the real reason of the divorce from his ex-wife.
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13. A: ‘Mind your head!’ B: ‘Thanks for your timely warning.’
A directly warns B of a danger.
14. A: ‘To make a long story short, Ed’s girlfriend falls in love with Ed’s younger brother.’
B: ‘Who will believe this story?’
 14. B indirectly shows his or her doubt about such a crazy story.
15. Student [taking an exam]: ‘I’ve just asked my neighbor for a correction pen.’
Teacher: ‘Is it right to cheat in any exam?’
 15. The teacher indirectly says that cheating is not accepted in any exam.
16. A: ‘I was so sorry to hear about your loss.’ B: ‘Thank you for your great sympathy.’
A directly shows his/her willingness to share B’s suffering.
17. Wife: ‘Dinner is almost ready. Can you set the table, dear?’
Husband [complaining about his tiredness]: ‘I’m dead tired now!’
 17. The husband indirectly refuses to set the table for dinner.
18. A: ‘I’m awfully sorry I wasn’t at the meeting this morning.’ B: ‘You don’t need to
apologize.’
 18. A directly apologizes to B.
19. A: ‘Can I talk to you for a while?’ B: ‘Certainly. ‘Why don’t you take a seat?’ (= ‘Sit
down, please.’)
B indirectly requests A to sit down.
20. Manager: ‘You look lovely today in your new dress.’
Secretary: ‘Thanks/Thank you for your nice compliment.’
The manager directly compliments his secretary on her new dress.
21. Gordon’s friend: ‘My car breaks down again.’
Gordon: ‘I’d sell it if I were you.’ (= ‘You should sell it.’)
Gordon indirectly advises his friend to get rid of the frustrating car.
22. Desk clerk: ‘I beg your pardon. I’ll be right back.’ Client: ‘No problem.’
The desk clerk directly promises to return in a few minutes.
23. Mother: ‘Someone said you got fired.’ (= ‘Did you get fired?’)
Daughter: ‘Yes, but I’ve already applied for another job.’
The mother indirectly asks her daughter for some information.
24. Paul: ‘Why don’t you marry her?’ Morris: ‘Do you think I’m an idiot?’
Morris indirectly rejects Paul’s suggestion.
25. Student: ‘May I hand in my final paper the day after tomorrow?’
Professor: ‘I’m afraid that I cannot give you any more time.’
The student directly asks for permission to hand in his/her final paper in two days.
26. Teacher: ‘Who is the head of Group 2?’ Doris: ‘We select Alfred as the head of our
group.’
(On behalf of all the members of Group 2, who have just selected Alfred to be their
head,) Doris is directly announcing her group’s selection.
27. Carol: ‘I’ll pay you back in two days.’ Laura: ‘Can I trust your words?’
Carol directly promises to pay Laura back in two days.
28. A: ‘I can’t live without your love.’ B: ‘I would appreciate it if you went away.’ (= ‘Go
away.’)
B indirectly orders A to go away.
29. Shop assistant: ‘Can I help you?’ Customer: ‘Yes, I’m looking for some cheap shoes.’
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 17 of 27
The shop assistant indirectly offers the customer some help.
30. A: ‘Have a cigarette!’ B: ‘No, thanks. I’ve stopped smoking.’
B directly explains why he/she refuses A’s invitation.
31. John’s mother [talking on the phone]: ‘John had thirteen friends to tea on his
birthday yesterday.’
John’s grandmother: ‘Goodness! I didn’t think a three-year-old like him had as many
as thirteen friends.’
John’s grandmother directly cries out in surprise.
32. A: ‘I can’t keep awake.’ B: ‘Drink a cup of coffee.’
B directly advises A to drink a cup of coffee.
33. A: ‘I’ve got a sore throat.’ B: ‘That doesn’t sound very serious.’
B directly shows no sympathy towards A’s sore throat.
34. A: ‘I’ve got to go now.’ B: ‘OK. See you later.’ A: ‘See you.’
A indirectly pre-closes the conversation between him/her and B.

2 SITUATIONS: Interpret the utterances and identify the acts performed in the light of
the situations you provide.

1. ‘Do you feel better today?’

SITUATION 1:
Doctor: ‘Do you feel better today?’
Patient: ‘Yes, I do.’
The doctor directly asks her patient for some information.
SITUATION 2:
Mother [in hospital for a while]: ‘I’m glad that you’re here with me again.’
Son [in a very concerned manner]: ‘Do you feel better today?’
The son indirectly expresses his worry about his mother’s health.

2. ‘I beg your pardon.’

SITUATION 1:
A: ‘Take this paper to the lady over there and ask for her signature.’
B: ‘I beg your pardon (= Repeat, please). I didn’t hear what you said.’
B indirectly requests A to repeat what he/she has just said.
SITUATION 2:
A: ‘You’ve taken my seat.’
B: ‘Oh, I beg your pardon.’ (= ‘I’m terribly sorry.’)
B directly apologizes to A for taking A’s seat by mistake.

3. ‘It’s going to rain.’

SITUATION 1:
Wife: ‘It’s going to rain.’ (= ‘Remember to bring the new raincoat with you.’)
Husband: ‘I’ll bring the new raincoat with me.’ (= ‘I will.’)
The wife indirectly reminds her husband to bring the new raincoat with him.
SITUATION 2:
Wife: ‘The weatherman says that it’s going to rain.’
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 18 of 27
Husband: ‘I heard that on the radio this morning, too.’
The wife directly reports what the weatherman has said.

4. ‘It’s snowing.’
SITUATION 1:
Mary: ‘What’s the weather like in Boston?’
Steve: ‘It’s snowing.’
Steve directly gives a piece of information (to answer Mary’s question).
SITUATION 2:
Hazel: ‘Could you go and post this letter?’
Glen: ‘It’s snowing.’ (= ‘I’m afraid that I have to say ‘no’ to your request.’)
(By stating the fact that it’s snowing,) Glen indirectly refuses to go and post the letter
for Hazel.

5. ‘There’s a bend ahead.’

SITUATION 1:
A: ‘Is there any bend near here?’
B: ‘There’s a bend ahead.’
B directly informs A of the fact that there is a bend ahead of them.

SITUATION 2:
A: ‘Be careful. There’s a bend ahead.’
(= ‘Drive carefully and slow down a bit.’)
B: ‘Thanks for your timely warning.’
A indirectly asks B to drive carefully and slow down a bit (because there’s a bend
ahead).

6. ‘Keep off the grass.’

SITUATION 1:
Son: ‘What does the sign say, Mum.’
Mother: ‘Keep off the grass.’
The mother directly gives a piece of information (to answer her son’s question).
SITUATION 2:
A: ‘How smooth the lawn is!’
B: ‘Keep off the grass.’
B directly orders A not to walk on the lawn.

7. ‘I’m very upset that so many of you are talking.’

SITUATION 1:
Joe: ‘It’s my book.’
Jenny: ‘Your book is over there. This one’s mine.’
Jack: ‘Your book is there and over there is Joe’s. This one’s mine.’
Mother: ‘I’m very upset that so many of you are talking.’
The mother of three young children directly shows that she is extremely annoyed by
her children’s talkativeness.
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 19 of 27
SITUATION 2: Teacher: ‘I’m very upset that so many of you are talking.’
Class monitor: ‘Be quiet, please.’
The teacher of a big class indirectly orders her pupils to stop talking (and the monitor
just paraphrases what the teacher has really said).

8. ‘Be aware of dogs.’

SITUATION 1: [There are some dogs in the street. A sees the dogs approaching B.]
A: ‘Be aware of dogs.’
B: ‘Thanks for your timely warning.’
A directly warns B of the dogs’ approaching.
SITUATION 2:
Daughter: ‘What does the sign mean, Mum?’
Mother: ‘Be aware of dogs.’
The mother directly provides her daughter with a piece of information.

PART 5. Give a possible PRESUPPOSITION for each of the following utterances.

1 - The existential presupposition

A possessive noun phrase (abbreviated to NP) a complete statement: X had / has /
will have + an indefinite NP
1. ‘They haven’t spoken to each other since their last week’s quarrel.’
(countable noun: singular) their last week’s quarrel
The utterance presupposes that they had a quarrel last week.
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 20 of 27
2. ‘I lost my watch yesterday at Ben Thanh market.’
(countable noun: singular) my watch
The utterance presupposes that I had a watch.
3. ‘That her turtle ran away made Emily very sad.’
(countable noun: singular) her turtle
The utterance presupposes that Emily had a (pet) turtle.
4. ‘John’s sister has been in hospital for a week.’
(countable noun: singular) John’s sister
The utterance presupposes that John has a sister.
5. ‘Could you come to our party this weekend?’
our party (countable noun: singular)
The utterance presupposes that we are going to have a party this weekend.
6. ‘This is my youngest sister.’
The utterance presupposes that I have a number of younger sisters.
7. ‘I try to hand in this assignment on time.’ (countable noun: singular)
an assignment of mine = my assignment = this assignment
The utterance presupposes that I have an assignment.
8. ‘Her mother’s death was a great blow to Mary.’
‘Mary can’t get over her mother’s death.’
(8a)-The utterance presupposes that Mary’s mother died. (intransitive verb)
(8b)-The utterance presupposes that Mary’s mother is dead. (be + adjective)
A definite NP  a complete statement
There is/was/are/were (not)+ an indefinite NP (+adjunct of place)
There exist/exists/existed + an indefinite NP (+adjunct of place)
9. ‘The American girl next door is having a party.’
the American girl next door (countable noun: singular)
The utterance presupposes that there is an American girl next door.
10. ‘Children like all the pictures in this book very much.’
all the pictures in this book (countable noun: plural)
The utterance presupposes that there are a number of pictures in this book.
11. ‘The king of Sweden has just left for France.’
(countable noun: plural) the king of Sweden
The utterance presupposes that there is a king in Sweden.
12. ‘They searched everywhere for the missing child.’
(countable noun: singular) the missing child
The utterance presupposes that a child was missing.
A definite NP  an indefinite NP
13. ‘The book you gave me is worth reading.
the book (= which/that) you gave me
The utterance presupposes that you gave me a book.

2 - The factive presupposition

14. ‘Nobody realized that Kelly was ill.’
The utterance presupposes that Kelly was ill.
15. ‘Ed realized/didn’t realize that he was in debt.’
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 21 of 27
The utterance presupposes that Ed was in debt.
16. ‘I was /wasn’t aware that she was married.’
The utterance presupposes that she was married.
17. ‘It is /isn’t odd that he left early.’
The utterance presupposes that he left early.
18. ‘I am glad that it’s over.’
The utterance presupposes that it’s over.
19. ‘We regret(ted) telling him the truth.’
The utterance presupposes that we told him the truth.
20. ‘He regretted/didn’t regret not booking the ticket in advance.’
The utterance presupposes that he did not book the ticket in advance.

3- The non-factive presupposition

21. ‘I imagined that Kelly was ill.’
The utterance presupposes that Kelly was not ill.
22. ‘I dreamed that I was rich.’
The utterance presupposes that I was not rich.
23. ‘We imagined that we were in Hawaii.’
The utterance presupposes that we were not in Hawaii.
24. ‘He pretends to be ill.’
The utterance presupposes that he is not ill.
25. ‘She pretended that he had understood what she meant.’
The utterance presupposes that he did not understand what she meant.

4- The lexical presupposition

26. ‘You’re late again.’
The utterance presupposes that you were late before.
27. ‘The Brazilian team beat the French team again.’
The utterance presupposes that the Brazilian team beat/had beaten the French team
before.
28. ‘I’m not going to let him come under my roof anymore.’
The utterance presupposes that he often comes under my roof/to my house.’
29. ‘I ’m going to change job.’
The utterance presupposes that I have a job already.
30. ‘My sister’s going to change job. ’
The utterance presupposes that my sister has a job already.
31. ‘I’ve just got a driving license.’
The utterance presupposes that I had no driving license before.
The utterance presupposes that I did not have a driving license before.
32. ‘Jim wants more popcorn.’
The utterance presupposes that Jim has had/has eaten some popcorn.
33. ‘She managed/didn’t manage to pay her debt.’
The utterance presupposes that she tried to pay her debt.
The utterance presupposes that she owed a debt and she tried to pay it.
34. ‘Can you stop making that noise?’
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 22 of 27
The utterance presupposes that you are making that noise.
The utterance presupposes that there is some noise and you are making it.
35. ‘He stopped smoking.’
The utterance presupposes that he used to smoke/he once smoked.
36. ‘After a while they stopped arguing.’
The utterance presupposes that they had been arguing.
37. ‘The police ordered the teenagers to stop drinking.’
The utterance presupposes that the teenagers had been drinking.
38. ‘They started complaining.’
The utterance presupposes that they had never complained before.

5- The structural presupposition

A Wh-question  a complete statement
39. ‘Where did you buy the bike?’
The utterance presupposes that you bought a bike.
40. ‘How long has your grandfather been in hospital?’
The utterance presupposes that your grandfather has been in hospital.
41. ‘When did he leave?’
The utterance presupposes that he left.
42. ‘What do you usually do in your free time?’
The utterance presupposes that you have some free time and that you do something
at leisure.
43. ‘When did you get your bachelor degree?’
The utterance presupposes that you got a bachelor degree.
44. ‘How long have you been selling cocaine?’
The utterance presupposes that you have been selling cocaine.
45. ‘Why don’t pigs have wings?’
The utterance presupposes that pigs don’t have wings.
46. ‘How did you know the defendant had bought a knife?’
The utterance presupposes that you knew the defendant had bought a knife.
47. ‘Who is going to give me a lift to the airport?’
The utterance presupposes that the speaker needs to go to the airport,
A Wh-embedded clause  a complete statement
48. ‘I was eating popcorn when Mike smashed the television set.’
The utterance presupposes that Mike smashed the television set.
49. ‘I don’t know why I’ve got an average mark.’
The utterance presupposes that I’ve got an average mark.
50. ‘How fast was the car going when it ran the red light?’
The utterance presupposes that the car ran the red light.
51. ‘It is odd how proud he was.’
The utterance presupposes that he was proud.
52. ‘I wonder how he managed to get the job.’
The utterance presupposes that he managed to get a job.

6- The counter-factual presupposition

SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 23 of 27
An if clause  a complete statement
53. ‘If I had enough money, I would buy that house.’
The utterance presupposes that I do not have enough money.
54. ‘If I had had enough money, I would have bought that house.’
The utterance presupposes that I did not have enough money.
55. ‘If you were my friend, you’d have helped me.’
The utterance presupposes that you are not my friend.
56. ‘If he hadn’t made such a terrible mistake, we would be very happy now.’
The utterance presupposes that he did make/made a terrible mistake.
An embedded clause after ‘wish’  a complete statement
57. ‘They wish they could go on vacation now.’
The utterance presupposes that they cannot go on vacation now.
58. ‘I wish I had studied medicine.’
The utterance presupposes that I did not study medicine.
A clause with a modal perfect verb form  a complete statement
59. ‘You shouldn’t have seen such a horror film.’
The utterance presupposes that you did see/saw a horror film.
60. ‘You could have talked to the dean.’
The utterance presupposes that you did not talk to the dean.
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 24 of 27

PART 6. Write down a possible IMPLICATURE that can be drawn from the second speaker’s
response in each of the following conversations.

(1) Mary: ‘Did you manage to fix that leak?’

Jim: ‘I tried to.’
His utterance may implicate that Jim did not fix the leak.
(2) Steve: ‘What happened to your flowers?’
Jane: ‘A dog got into the garden.’
Jane’s utterance may implicate that the dog was not Jane’s and that her flowers got
destroyed.
(3) Laura: ‘Who used all the printer paper?’
Dick: ‘I used some of it.’
His utterance may implicate that Dick did not use all the paper.
(4) Gina: ‘I hear you’re always late with the rent.’
Robin: ‘Well, sometimes I am.’
His utterance may implicate that Robin is not always late with the rent.
(5) Jenny: ‘Mike and Annie should be here by now. Was their plane late?’
Alfred: ‘Possibly.’
His utterance may implicate that Alfred’s not certain that the plane was late.
(6) Gwen: ‘This cheese looks funny. The label said not to store the cheese in the
freezer.’
Alvin: ‘Yeah, I did see the label.’
His utterance may implicate that Alvin did not freeze the cheese.
(7) Mat: ‘What’s with your mother?’
Bob: ‘Let’s go to the garden.’
His utterance may implicate that Bob cannot talk about his mother’s problem in the
very place.
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 25 of 27
(8) Carmen: ‘Did you buy the car?’
Maria: ‘It cost twice as much as I thought it would.’
Her utterance may implicate that Maria did not buy the car.
(9) Robert: ‘Where’s the salad dressing?’
Gabriela: ‘We’ve run out of olive oil.’
Gabriela’s utterance may implicate that there is not any salad dressing left.
(10) Maggie: ‘The bathroom’s flooded!’
Jim: ‘Someone must have left the tap on.’
His utterance may implicate that Jim did not leave the tap on.
(11) Austin: ‘Want some fudge brownies?’
Jenny: ‘There must be 20,000 calories there.’
Her utterance may implicate that Jenny does not want any fudge brownies.
(12) Alice: ‘Have you seen my sweater?’
Max: ‘There’s a sweater on the sofa.’
His utterance may implicate that Max is not sure whether the sweater on the sofa is
Alice’s.
(13) Phil’s mother: ‘How did you do on these exams?’
Phil: ‘I failed physics.’
His utterance may implicate that Phil passed/did not fail the other exams.
(14) Paul: ‘I didn’t take it.’
Virginia: ‘Why do you always lie?’
Virginia’s utterance may implicate that it is Paul who took it.
(15) Tom: ‘It works now.’
Janet: ‘When did Eric fix it?’
Janet’s utterance may implicate that it is Eric, not Tom, who fixed it.
(16) Liza: ‘I hear you’ve invited Mat and Chris.’
Ed: ‘I didn’t invite Mat.’
His utterance may implicate that Ed invited Chris.
(17) A: ‘What are the Nelsons like?’
B: ‘They were rich.’
B’s utterance may implicate that the Nelsons are not rich any more.
(18) A: ‘What is this examination in Semantics like?’
B: ‘It is so easy this time.’
B’s utterance may implicate that the last examination in Semantics was really difficult.
(19) A: ‘Did you get the milk and the eggs?’
B: ‘I got the milk.’
B’s utterance may implicate that he/she did not get the eggs.
(20) A: ‘Did Carmen like the party?’
B: ‘She left after an hour.’
B’s utterance may implicate that Carmen did not like the party.
21-Noah: “I hope you brought the bread and the cheese.”
Ted: “Ah, I brought the bread.”
. Ted’s utterance may implicate that he didn’t bring the cheese.
22. Jeff: “Would you like some coffee?”
Stella: “It would keep me awake all night.”
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 26 of 27
 Stella’s utterance may implicate that she won’t drink the coffee.
23. Phil: “Are you going to Mark’s barbecue?”
Jean: “Well, Mark’s got those dogs now.”
 Jean’s utterance may implicate that she won’t go to the barbecue.
(24) A: ‘I hope you brought the bread and the cheese.’
B: ‘Ah, I brought the bread.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B did not bring the chees e, since what is not
mentioned was not brought.
(25) A: ‘Coffee?’
B: ‘It would keep me awake all night.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B would rather not drink coffee.
(26) A: ‘Have you finished the student’s evaluation form and reading list?’
B: ‘I’ve done the reading list.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B has not done the evaluation form, since what is not
mentioned has not been done yet.
(27)a Phil: ‘Are you going to Mark’s barbecue?’
Jean: ‘Well, Mark’s got those dogs now.’
Jean’s utterance may implicate that she is not going to Mark’s barbecue.
(28) Annie: ‘Was the dessert any good?’
Mike: ‘Annie, cherry pie is cherry pie.’
Mike’s utterance may implicate that he was not very keen on the dessert.
(29) Virginia: ‘Do you like my new hat?’
Mary: ‘It’s pink.’
Mary’s utterance may implicate that she does not like the hat.
(30) A: ‘We went to see The Omen last night but it wasn’t very scary.’
B: ‘It would keep me awake all night.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B thinks The Omen is scary.’
(31)A: ‘You look very pleased with yourself.’
B: ‘I’ve done the reading lists.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B’s pleased with himself because he’s done the
reading lists.
(32) Phil: ‘His garden looks awful.’
Jean: ‘Well, Mark’s got those dogs now.’
Jean’s utterance may implicate that Mark’s dogs have wrecked the garden.
(33) Annie: ‘I thought the pie would cheer you up.’
Mike: ‘Annie, cherry pie is cherry pie.’
Mike’s utterance may implicate that it takes more than cherry pie to cheer him up.
(34) Virginia: ‘Try the roast pork.’
Mary: ‘It’s pink.’
Mary’s utterance may implicate that she is not having the roast pork.
(35) A (to a passer-by): ‘I am out of petrol.’
B: ‘Oh; there is a garage just around the corner.’
B’s utterance may implicate that the garage is probably open and A may obtain petrol
there.
(36) A: ‘Let’s get the kids something.’
SEMANTICS – REVIEW Page 27 of 27
B: ‘Okay, but I veto I-C-E C-R-E-A-M-S.’
B’s utterance may implicate that it is not allowed to mention ice-cream directly in
front of the kids.
(37) Mother: ‘Have you finished your homework and put your books away?’
Son: ‘I have finished my homework.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B has not put his books away or the books have not
been put away yet.
(38) A: ‘Can you tell me the time?’
B: ‘Well, the milkman has come.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B does not know the exact time of the present
moment, but B can provide some information from which A may be able to deduce
the approximate time, namely the milkman has come.
(39) A: ‘John has two PhDs.’
B: ‘John has two PhDs but I don’t believe he has.’
B’s utterance may implicate that A should be suspicious of the true value of John’s two
PhDs.
(40) A: ‘Does your farm contain 400 acres56?’
B: ‘I don’t know that it does, and I want to know if it does.’
B’s utterance may implicate that B does not think that his/her farm contains 400 acres.
(41) A: ‘Where’s Bill?’
B: ‘There’s a yellow VW outside Sue’s house.’
B’s utterance may implicate that if Bill has a yellow VW, he is now in Sue’s house.

THE END.