Can you please give an example of Grice's maxim of quantity?

Grice's maxim of quantity requires that you make your contribution to the conversation as informative as is needed for the current exchange. For example, let's say that A asks B "What did you have for breakfast this morning?" If B responds, "I had some toast and jam," B is obeying the maxim of quantity, by giving as much information as is needed. However, let's say B responds "I had some breakfast before yoga class. The daily stretching is really making a difference to my fitness!" This is a violation of Grice's maxim of quantity because A) it does not give the requested information about breakfast, and B) it gives more information than is necessary for the current exchange.

Related English Language A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain communication accommodation theory?


What are the main theorists and theories in child language acquisition?


What’s the difference between a dialect and an accent?


What is the Universal Grammar Theory?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy