Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 29

'I didn't know that Cheshire cats always grinned; in fact, I didn't know that cats COULD grin.'

• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• didn't know: did not know; past tense of 'know', to be aware of something [ˈdɪdənt noʊ]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• Cheshire cats: fictional cats known for their grin [ˈʧɛʃər kæts]
• always: at all times; invariably [ˈɔlˌweɪz]
• grinned: past tense of 'grin', to smile broadly [grɪnd]
• in fact: actually; as a matter of fact [ɪn fækt]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• didn't know: did not know [ˈdɪdənt noʊ]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• cats: domestic felines [kæts]
• COULD grin: were able to grin; emphasizes the ability [kʊd grɪn]

'They all can,' said the Duchess; 'and most of 'em do.'

• They: referring to cats [ðeɪ]
• all: every one of them [ɔl]
• can: are able to [kən]
• said: past tense of 'say', to utter words [sɛd]
• the Duchess: a noblewoman holding the rank of a duchess [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• do: perform the action of grinning [du]

'I don't know of any that do,' Alice said very politely, feeling quite pleased to have got into a conversation.

• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• don't know: do not know [doʊnt noʊ]
• of any: of any examples [əv ˈɛni]
• that: who or which [ðət]
• do: perform the action of grinning [du]
• Alice: the main character in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' [ˈælɪs]
• said: past tense of 'say', to utter words [sɛd]
• very politely: in a courteous manner [ˈvɛri pəˈlaɪtli]
• feeling: experiencing an emotion [ˈfilɪŋ]
• quite pleased: very happy [kwaɪt plizd]
• to have got: to have succeeded [tɪ hæv gɑt]
• into: entering into [ˈɪntu]
• a conversation: an exchange of words [ə ˌkɑnvərˈseɪʃən]

'You don't know much,' said the Duchess; 'and that's a fact.'

• You don't know much: A direct quote indicating the Duchess's belief that the listener lacks knowledge. 'You' is the person being addressed, 'don't know' is a negation of knowledge, and 'much' indicates the extent of the lack of knowledge. The comma indicates a pause before the attribution. [ju doʊnt noʊ məʧ]
• said: The verb indicating who is speaking. [sɛd]
• the Duchess: Identifies the speaker as the Duchess. The semicolon connects two related independent clauses. [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• and that's a fact: The Duchess's emphatic statement confirming her previous assertion. 'and' connects the two clauses, 'that's' is a contraction of 'that is', and 'a fact' emphasizes the truthfulness of the statement. [ənd ðæts ə fækt]

Alice did not at all like the tone of this remark, and thought it would be as well to introduce some other subject of conversation.

• Alice: The name of the character. [ˈælɪs]
• did not at all like: Expresses Alice's strong dislike. 'did not' is a negation, 'at all' emphasizes the negation, and 'like' indicates her feeling. [dɪd nɑt æt ɔl laɪk]
• the tone of this remark: Refers to the manner or attitude conveyed by the statement. 'the tone' indicates the way something is said, 'of this remark' specifies which statement's tone is being referred to. [ðə toʊn əv ðɪs rɪˈmɑrk]
• and: Connects two related ideas. [ənd]
• thought: Indicates Alice's internal thought process. [θɔt]
• it would be as well: Expresses the idea that something would be a good idea. 'it would be' is a conditional statement, 'as well' means equally good or advisable. [ɪt wʊd bi ɛz wɛl]
• to introduce: To bring something new into the situation. [tɪ ˌɪntrəˈdus]
• some other subject: A different topic. 'some other' indicates a change from the current topic, 'subject' refers to the topic of conversation. [səm ˈəðər ˈsəbʤɪkt]
• of conversation: Relates the subject to the act of talking. [əv ˌkɑnvərˈseɪʃən]

While she was trying to fix on one, the cook took the cauldron of soup off the fire, and at once set to work throwing everything within her reach at the Duchess and the baby—the fire-irons came first; then followed a shower of saucepans, plates, and dishes.

• While: Indicates that two actions are happening at the same time. [waɪl]
• she was trying: Indicates Alice's effort. [ʃi wɑz traɪɪŋ]
• to fix on one: To decide on a particular subject. 'to fix on' means to choose, 'one' refers back to 'subject'. [tɪ fɪks ɔn wən]
• the cook: The person who is cooking. [ðə kʊk]
• took: Past tense of 'take', meaning to grab or remove. [tʊk]
• the cauldron of soup: The large pot containing soup. 'the cauldron' is a large metal pot, 'of soup' specifies what is in the pot. [ðə ˈkɔldrən əv sup]
• off the fire: Removed from the heat source. 'off the fire' indicates the location from which the cauldron was taken. [ɔf ðə faɪər]
• and: Connects two related actions. [ənd]
• at once: Immediately. [æt wəns]
• set to work: Began working. 'set to work' means to start doing something with effort. [sɛt tɪ wərk]
• throwing: Propelling something through the air. [θroʊɪŋ]
• everything: All items. [ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ]
• within her reach: Items that she could easily grab. 'within her reach' means close enough to be grabbed. [wɪˈθɪn hər riʧ]
• at the Duchess: The target of the throwing. [æt ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• and the baby: Also a target of the throwing. The dash indicates a sudden break in the sentence. [ənd ðə ˈbeɪbi-]
• the fire-irons: Tools used for tending a fire. [ðə fire-irons]
• came first: Were the first items thrown. The semicolon separates two related independent clauses. [keɪm fərst]
• then: Next in sequence. [ðɛn]
• followed: Came after. [ˈfɑloʊd]
• a shower of saucepans, plates, and dishes: A large number of kitchen items being thrown. 'a shower of' means a lot of, 'saucepans' are cooking pots, 'plates' are for serving food, and 'dishes' are general tableware. [ə ʃaʊər əv saucepans pleɪts ənd ˈdɪʃɪz]

The Duchess took no notice of them even when they hit her; and the baby was howling so much already, that it was quite impossible to say whether the blows hurt it or not.

• The Duchess: The character being described. [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• took no notice: Did not pay attention. 'took no notice' means ignored. [tʊk noʊ ˈnoʊtɪs]
• of them: Referring to the items being thrown. [əv ðɛm]
• even when: Despite the fact that. [ˈivɪn wɪn]
• they hit her: The items made contact with her. The semicolon separates two related independent clauses. [ðeɪ hɪt hər]
• and: Connects two related ideas. [ənd]
• the baby: The infant being described. [ðə ˈbeɪbi]
• was howling: Making a loud, distressed cry. [wɑz ˈhaʊlɪŋ]
• so much: To a great extent. [soʊ məʧ]
• already: Previously. [ɔˈrɛdi]
• that: Indicates a consequence. [ðət]
• it was quite impossible: It was not possible at all. 'it was quite impossible' means completely not able to. [ɪt wɑz kwaɪt ˌɪmˈpɑsəbəl]
• to say: To determine. [tɪ seɪ]
• whether: Indicates a choice between two possibilities. [ˈwɛðər]
• the blows: The impacts. [ðə bloʊz]
• hurt it: Caused pain to the baby. [hərt ɪt]
• or not: The alternative possibility. [ər nɑt]

'Oh, PLEASE mind what you're doing!' cried Alice, jumping up and down in an agony of terror. 'Oh, there goes his PRECIOUS nose'; as an unusually large saucepan flew close by it, and very nearly carried it off.

• Oh: An exclamation expressing surprise, understanding, or concern [oʊ]
• PLEASE: Used to make a polite request or entreaty [pliz]
• mind: To pay attention to or be careful about something [maɪnd]
• what you're doing: What you are currently in the process of doing [wət jʊr duɪŋ]
• cried: Exclaimed loudly; expressed strong emotion [kraɪd]
• Alice: The name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• jumping up and down: Leaping repeatedly in an excited or agitated manner [ˈʤəmpɪŋ əp ənd daʊn]
• in an agony of terror: Experiencing extreme fear and distress [ɪn ən ˈægəni əv ˈtɛrər]
• Oh: An exclamation expressing surprise, understanding, or concern [oʊ]
• there goes: An expression indicating that something is being lost or ruined [ðɛr goʊz]
• his PRECIOUS nose: Referring to someone's valued nose, possibly implying it is in danger [hɪz ˈprɛʃəs noʊz]
• as: Used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place [ɛz]
• an unusually large saucepan: A cooking pot that is bigger than normal [ən ənˈjuˌʒuəli lɑrʤ ˈsɔˌspæn]
• flew close by it: Moved rapidly past a particular point [flu kloʊz baɪ ɪt]
• and very nearly carried it off: Almost removed it completely; narrowly avoided taking it away [ənd ˈvɛri ˈnɪrli ˈkɛrid ɪt ɔf]

'If everybody minded their own business,' the Duchess said in a hoarse growl, 'the world would go round a deal faster than it does.'

• If: Expressing a condition [ɪf]
• everybody: Everyone; all people [ˈɛvriˌbɑdi]
• minded: Took care of; paid attention to [ˈmaɪndɪd]
• their own business: Their personal affairs or concerns [ðɛr oʊn ˈbɪznɪs]
• the Duchess: A noblewoman holding the title of Duchess [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• said: Spoke; uttered words [sɛd]
• in a hoarse growl: With a rough, low, and guttural voice [ɪn ə hɔrs graʊl]
• the world: The Earth; the planet we live on [ðə wərld]
• would go round: Would rotate or revolve [wʊd goʊ raʊnd]
• a deal faster: Significantly quicker [ə dil ˈfæstər]
• than it does: Compared to its current speed [ðən ɪt dɪz]

'Which would NOT be an advantage,' said Alice, who felt very glad to get an opportunity of showing off a little of her knowledge. 'Just think of what work it would make with the day and night!

• Which: Referring to the previous statement [wɪʧ]
• would NOT be an advantage: Would not be beneficial or helpful [wʊd nɑt bi ən ædˈvæntɪʤ]
• said: Spoke; uttered words [sɛd]
• Alice: The name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• who felt: Experiencing a particular emotion [hu fɛlt]
• very glad: Extremely happy or pleased [ˈvɛri glæd]
• to get an opportunity: To receive a chance or occasion [tɪ gɪt ən ˌɑpərˈtunəti]
• of showing off: Displaying one's abilities or knowledge in a boastful way [əv ʃoʊɪŋ ɔf]
• a little of her knowledge: A small amount of what she knows [ə ˈlɪtəl əv hər ˈnɑlɪʤ]
• Just think: Consider; imagine [ʤɪst θɪŋk]
• of what work: The amount of effort or activity [əv wət wərk]
• it would make: It would create or cause [ɪt wʊd meɪk]
• with the day and night: Relating to the cycle of daylight and darkness [wɪθ ðə deɪ ənd naɪt]

'Talking of axes,' said the Duchess, 'chop off her head!'

• Talking of axes: Beginning a conversation about axes, possibly in response to a previous topic. 'Talking of' introduces a related but potentially different subject. [ˈtɔkɪŋ əv ˈækˌsɪz]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Duchess: identifies the speaker as the Duchess [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• chop off her head: an exclamation indicating a desire to decapitate someone. 'Chop off' means to sever with a sharp blow. [ʧɑp ɔf hər hɛd]

Alice glanced rather anxiously at the cook, to see if she meant to take the hint; but the cook was busily stirring the soup, and seemed not to be listening, so she went on again: 'Twenty-four hours, I THINK; or is it twelve?

• Alice: Name of the character [ˈælɪs]
• glanced: Took a quick look [glænst]
• rather: To some extent; somewhat [ˈrəðər]
• anxiously: In a worried or nervous manner [ˈæŋkʃəsli]
• at: Preposition indicating direction [æt]
• the cook: A person who prepares food [ðə kʊk]
• to see if: In order to determine whether [tɪ si ɪf]
• she: Referring to the cook [ʃi]
• meant: Intended [mɛnt]
• to take: To act upon [tɪ teɪk]
• the hint: An indirect suggestion [ðə hɪnt]
• but: Conjunction indicating contrast [bət]
• the cook: A person who prepares food [ðə kʊk]
• was: Past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• busily: Actively and attentively [ˈbɪzəli]
• stirring: Mixing with a circular motion [stərɪŋ]
• the soup: A liquid dish [ðə sup]
• and: Conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• seemed: Appeared [simd]
• not to be: Was not [nɑt tɪ bi]
• listening: Paying attention [ˈlɪsənɪŋ]
• so: Therefore [soʊ]
• she: Referring to Alice [ʃi]
• went on: Continued [wɛnt ɔn]
• again: Once more [əˈgɛn]
• Twenty-four hours: A period of time [tˈwɛntiˌfɔr aʊərz]
• I THINK: An expression of uncertainty [aɪ θɪŋk]
• or: Conjunction indicating alternative [ər]
• is it: Questioning whether it is [ɪz ɪt]
• twelve: The number 12 [twɛlv]

'Oh, don't bother ME,' said the Duchess; 'I never could abide figures!' And with that she began nursing her child again, singing a sort of lullaby to it as she did so, and giving it a violent shake at the end of every line:

• Oh: An exclamation of surprise, annoyance, or understanding [oʊ]
• don't bother: Do not annoy or disturb [doʊnt ˈbɑðər]
• ME: Referring to the Duchess [mi]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Duchess: Identifies the speaker as the Duchess [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• I: Referring to the Duchess [aɪ]
• never: At no time; not ever [ˈnɛvər]
• could abide: Could not tolerate or endure [kʊd əˈbaɪd]
• figures: Numbers or calculations [ˈfɪgjərz]
• And: Conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• with that: Immediately after that [wɪθ ðət]
• she: Referring to the Duchess [ʃi]
• began: Started [bɪˈgæn]
• nursing: Feeding or comforting a baby [ˈnərsɪŋ]
• her child: Her offspring [hər ʧaɪld]
• again: Once more [əˈgɛn]
• singing: Producing musical sounds with the voice [ˈsɪŋɪŋ]
• a sort of: A type of [ə sɔrt əv]
• lullaby: A soothing song to help someone sleep [ˈlələˌbaɪ]
• to it: To the child [tɪ ɪt]
• as: While [ɛz]
• she: Referring to the Duchess [ʃi]
• did so: Was doing that [dɪd soʊ]
• and: Conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• giving: Providing [ˈgɪvɪŋ]
• it: Referring to the child [ɪt]
• a violent shake: A forceful movement back and forth [ə ˈvaɪələnt ʃeɪk]
• at the end: At the conclusion [æt ðə ɛnd]
• of every line: Of each line of the lullaby [əv ˈɛvəri laɪn]