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. |