Denial Phase 5: Like Phase 1, this refers to the use of a negative word to deny the truth value of a previously stated or implied proposition.  The difference is that the word occurs within the context of an utterance with a main verb. Most of the negatives that are used in complete utterances (i.e., those with a verb) will be classified as denial rather than rejection. 

 

Utterance

Context/Explanation

I don’t like ice cream.

The speaker is denying that she likes ice cream.  The main verb category (for like) is state.

She won’t jump over the fence.

The speaker is denying that someone will jump over a fence. The main verb category (for jump) is locative action.

I don’t see the present.

The speaker is denying that she sees a present. The main verb category (for see) is notice/perception.