Utterances, Sentences and Propositions

What is an utterance?

• A rule of grammar

• A sentence's deep structure

• A specific physical event of producing language

• The abstract meaning of a sentence

Which of the following is an example of an utterance?

• The sentence "Birds fly" written in a textbook

• A person saying "Hello" on the phone at 8:00 AM

• The idea that flying is common for birds

• The grammatical rule for forming greetings

How do utterances differ from sentences?

• Utterances are always longer than sentences

• Utterances are grammatical rules, sentences are not

• Utterances are physical instances in time; sentences are abstract

• Utterances are not part of communication

Which of the following is true of utterances?

• They must be grammatically correct to be utterances

• They exist independently of context

• They are tied to specific times and places

• They are the same as propositions

What is a sentence in semantics?

• A real-time use of language

• An abstract, well-formed string of words governed by grammar

• A group of sounds

• A truth-value judgment

Which of the following best distinguishes a sentence from an utterance?

• Sentences are produced in real time

• Sentences are unique events in context

• Sentences are abstract and not tied to time or place

• Sentences are always longer than utterances

Which example illustrates a sentence?

• The word "Stop!" shouted during a fire drill

• The mental structure behind the phrase "I am hungry"

• The written phrase "I am hungry" in a grammar book

• A person reading "I am hungry" at noon

Which of the following statements is FALSE about sentences?

• Sentences are abstract linguistic structures

• Sentences can be written or spoken

• Sentences are physical actions that occur in time

• Sentences are governed by grammatical rules

Which of the following best defines a proposition?

• A specific way of saying something in a context

• A set of grammatical rules

• The meaning underlying a sentence or utterance

• A string of phonemes

Which of the following sentences expresses the same proposition as "John gave Mary a book"?

• Mary received a book from John

• John writes a book

• Mary gives a book to John

• A book was read by Mary