Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 37

'Yes, please do!' pleaded Alice.

• Yes, please do: An affirmative response followed by a polite request for someone to proceed with an action. 'Yes' indicates agreement or affirmation, 'please' is an adverb used to make a request more polite, 'do' is an auxiliary verb used to emphasize the request. The exclamation mark indicates enthusiasm or emphasis. [jɛs pliz du]
• pleaded: A verb indicating that someone is making an emotional or earnest appeal. [ˈplidɪd]
• Alice: A proper noun referring to a character, typically the protagonist, in Alice in Wonderland. [ˈælɪs]

'And be quick about it,' added the Hatter, 'or you'll be asleep again before it's done.'

• And be quick about it: An instruction to do something rapidly. 'And' is a conjunction linking two clauses, 'be quick' is an imperative phrase meaning to act swiftly, 'about it' refers to the task or action at hand. [ənd bi kwɪk əˈbaʊt ɪt]
• added: A verb indicating that someone is contributing to the conversation. [ˈædɪd]
• the Hatter: A proper noun referring to a character in Alice in Wonderland, known for his eccentric behavior. 'Hatter' is a noun referring to someone who makes or sells hats. [ðə ˈhætər]
• or: A conjunction introducing a consequence if the previous condition is not met. [ər]
• you'll be asleep again: A statement indicating that someone will fall asleep once more. 'You'll' is a contraction of 'you will', 'be asleep' is a state of being unconscious or sleeping, 'again' is an adverb indicating repetition. [jul bi əsˈlip əˈgɛn]
• before: A conjunction indicating that something will happen sooner than something else. [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• it's done: A phrase indicating that something will be completed. 'It's' is a contraction of 'it is', where 'it' refers to the task or action at hand, 'done' is an adjective indicating completion. [ɪts dən]

'Once upon a time there were three little sisters,' the Dormouse began in a great hurry; 'and their names were Elsie, Lacie, and Tillie; and they lived at the bottom of a well—'

• Once upon a time: A conventional phrase used to begin a fairy tale or story. [wəns əˈpɑn ə taɪm]
• there were: A phrase indicating the existence of something in the past. [ðɛr wər]
• three little sisters: A noun phrase referring to three young female siblings. 'Three' is a numeral indicating quantity, 'little' is an adjective indicating small size or young age, 'sisters' is a noun referring to female siblings. [θri ˈlɪtəl ˈsɪstərz]
• the Dormouse: A proper noun referring to a character in Alice in Wonderland, known for sleeping frequently. 'Dormouse' is a noun referring to a small rodent known for hibernating. [ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• began: A verb indicating the start of an action or speech. [bɪˈgæn]
• in a great hurry: An adverbial phrase indicating that something is done quickly or hastily. 'In a great hurry' means to do something quickly. [ɪn ə greɪt ˈhəri]
• and: A conjunction used to connect clauses or phrases. [ənd]
• their names were: A phrase indicating the names of the aforementioned sisters. [ðɛr neɪmz wər]
• Elsie, Lacie, and Tillie: Proper nouns referring to the names of the three sisters. [ˈɛlsi lacie ənd ˈtɪli]
• and: A conjunction used to connect clauses or phrases. [ənd]
• they lived: A phrase indicating where the sisters resided. [ðeɪ lɪvd]
• at the bottom of a well: A prepositional phrase indicating the location of their residence. 'At the bottom of a well' means residing at the lowest part of a water source. [æt ðə ˈbɑtəm əv ə wɛl-]

'What did they live on?' said Alice, who always took a great interest in questions of eating and drinking.

• What did they live on: A question asking about the sustenance or diet of the three little sisters. 'What' is an interrogative pronoun, 'did they live on' refers to their source of food or nourishment. [wət dɪd ðeɪ lɪv ɔn]
• said: A verb indicating who is speaking. [sɛd]
• Alice: A proper noun referring to a character, typically the protagonist, in Alice in Wonderland. [ˈælɪs]
• who always took a great interest: A relative clause describing Alice's characteristic of being very interested. 'Who' is a relative pronoun referring to Alice, 'always' is an adverb indicating frequency, 'took a great interest' means to be very interested. [hu ˈɔlˌweɪz tʊk ə greɪt ˈɪntəˌrɛst]
• in questions of eating and drinking: A prepositional phrase specifying the subject of Alice's interest. 'In questions of eating and drinking' refers to topics related to food and beverages. [ɪn kˈwɛsʧənz əv ˈitɪŋ ənd ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ]

'They lived on treacle,' said the Dormouse, after thinking a minute or two.

• They lived on treacle: A statement indicating the sustenance of the three little sisters. 'They' refers to the three little sisters, 'lived on' means to subsist or be nourished by, 'treacle' is a noun referring to a thick, sticky syrup. [ðeɪ lɪvd ɔn treacle]
• said: A verb indicating who is speaking. [sɛd]
• the Dormouse: A proper noun referring to a character in Alice in Wonderland, known for sleeping frequently. 'Dormouse' is a noun referring to a small rodent known for hibernating. [ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• after thinking a minute or two: A prepositional phrase indicating the duration of thought before answering. 'After thinking' means following a period of contemplation, 'a minute or two' refers to a short amount of time. [ˈæftər ˈθɪŋkɪŋ ə ˈmɪnət ər tu]

'They couldn't have done that, you know,' Alice gently remarked; 'they'd have been ill.'

• They couldn't have done that: Indicates disbelief or disagreement that someone was capable of doing something [ðeɪ ˈkʊdənt hæv dən ðət]
• you know: A phrase used for emphasis or to seek agreement [ju noʊ]
• Alice gently remarked: Alice said something in a soft and kind manner [ˈælɪs ˈʤɛntli rɪˈmɑrkt]
• they'd have been ill: contraction of 'they would have been ill', meaning they would have become sick [ðeɪd hæv bɪn ɪl]

'So they were,' said the Dormouse; 'VERY ill.'

• So they were: Agreement with a previous statement that they were indeed ill [soʊ ðeɪ wər]
• said the Dormouse: The Dormouse spoke [sɛd ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• VERY ill: Emphasizes the severity of their illness [ˈvɛri ɪl]

Alice tried to fancy to herself what such an extraordinary ways of living would be like, but it puzzled her too much, so she went on: 'But why did they live at the bottom of a well?'

• Alice tried to fancy to herself: Alice attempted to imagine [ˈælɪs traɪd tɪ ˈfænsi tɪ hərˈsɛlf]
• what such an extraordinary ways of living: referring to unusual or remarkable lifestyles [wət səʧ ən ˌɛkstrəˈɔrdəˌnɛri weɪz əv ˈlɪvɪŋ]
• would be like: what it would be like to experience such lifestyles [wʊd bi laɪk]
• but it puzzled her too much: but she found it too confusing [bət ɪt ˈpəzəld hər tu məʧ]
• so she went on: so she continued speaking [soʊ ʃi wɛnt ɔn]
• But why did they live at the bottom of a well: Questioning the reason for residing in a well [bət waɪ dɪd ðeɪ lɪv æt ðə ˈbɑtəm əv ə wɛl]

'Take some more tea,' the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.

• Take some more tea: An offer to have additional tea [teɪk səm mɔr ti]
• the March Hare said to Alice: The March Hare addressed Alice [ðə mɑrʧ hɛr sɛd tɪ ˈælɪs]
• very earnestly: in a serious and sincere manner [ˈvɛri ˈərnəstli]

'I've had nothing yet,' Alice replied in an offended tone, 'so I can't take more.'

• I've had nothing yet: Meaning she hasn't had any tea yet [aɪv hæd ˈnəθɪŋ jɛt]
• Alice replied: Alice responded [ˈælɪs rɪˈplaɪd]
• in an offended tone: showing she was upset or insulted [ɪn ən əˈfɛndɪd toʊn]
• so I can't take more: Therefore, she cannot have more tea [soʊ aɪ kænt teɪk mɔr]

'You mean you can't take LESS,' said the Hatter: 'it's very easy to take MORE than nothing.'

• You mean you can't take LESS: Suggesting that Alice meant to say she couldn't take less tea [ju min ju kænt teɪk lɛs]
• said the Hatter: The Hatter spoke [sɛd ðə ˈhætər]
• it's very easy to take MORE than nothing: It is simple to consume more than zero [ɪts ˈvɛri ˈizi tɪ teɪk mɔr ðən ˈnəθɪŋ]

'Nobody asked YOUR opinion,' said Alice.

• Nobody: No person; not anyone [ˈnoʊˌbɑˌdi]
• asked: To put a question to; request an answer from [æst]
• YOUR: Belonging to or associated with the person being addressed [jʊr]
• opinion: A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge [əˈpɪnjən]
• said: Past tense of 'say'; to utter words [sɛd]
• Alice: A proper noun, referring to a specific person named Alice [ˈælɪs]

'Who's making personal remarks now?' the Hatter asked triumphantly.

• Who's: Contraction of 'who is'; used to ask about someone's identity or role [huz]
• making: Present participle of 'make'; to create or produce something [ˈmeɪkɪŋ]
• personal: Relating to a particular person; private [ˈpərsɪnəl]
• remarks: Comments or statements [rɪˈmɑrks]
• now: At the present time; immediately [naʊ]
• the Hatter: A proper noun, referring to a specific character known as the Hatter [ðə ˈhætər]
• asked: Past tense of 'ask'; to inquire [æst]
• triumphantly: In a way that shows great happiness or joy at a victory or achievement [traɪˈəmfəntli]

Alice did not quite know what to say to this: so she helped herself to some tea and bread-and-butter, and then turned to the Dormouse, and repeated her question.

• Alice: A proper noun, referring to a specific person named Alice [ˈælɪs]
• did not: Past tense negative form of 'do'; indicates that something was not done [dɪd nɑt]
• quite: To a certain extent; somewhat [kwaɪt]
• know: To be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• what: Used to ask for information specifying something [wət]
• to say: To utter words; express oneself verbally [tɪ seɪ]
• to: Expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• this: Referring to something just mentioned or observed [ðɪs]
• so: Therefore; for that reason [soʊ]
• she: Pronoun referring to a female person [ʃi]
• helped: Past tense of 'help'; to assist or aid someone [hɛlpt]
• herself: Reflexive pronoun referring back to 'she' [hərˈsɛlf]
• to: Expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• some: An unspecified amount or number [səm]
• tea: A beverage made by infusing dried leaves in hot water [ti]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• bread-and-butter: Slices of bread spread with butter [bread-and-butter]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• then: At that time; next [ðɛn]
• turned: Past tense of 'turn'; to change direction [tərnd]
• to: Expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• the Dormouse: A proper noun, referring to a specific character known as the Dormouse [ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• repeated: Past tense of 'repeat'; to say something again [rɪˈpitɪd]
• her: Belonging to or associated with the female person previously mentioned [hər]
• question: A sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information [kˈwɛʃən]

The Dormouse again took a minute or two to think about it, and then said, 'It was a treacle-well.'

• The Dormouse: A proper noun, referring to a specific character known as the Dormouse [ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• again: Once more; another time [əˈgɛn]
• took: Past tense of 'take'; to seize or get hold of something [tʊk]
• a minute: A unit of time equal to sixty seconds [ə ˈmɪnət]
• or: Used to link alternatives [ər]
• two: The number 2 [tu]
• to: Expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• think: To have thoughts or beliefs [θɪŋk]
• about: Concerning or regarding [əˈbaʊt]
• it: Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• then: At that time; next [ðɛn]
• said: Past tense of 'say'; to utter words [sɛd]
• It: Pronoun referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]
• was: Past tense of 'be'; indicates a state of being [wɑz]
• a: Indefinite article; refers to a non-specific thing [ə]
• treacle-well: A well filled with treacle (molasses [treacle-well]

'There's no such thing!' Alice was beginning very angrily, but the Hatter and the March Hare went 'Sh!

• There's: Contraction of 'there is'; indicates existence [ðɛrz]
• no: Not any; none [noʊ]
• such: Of the type previously mentioned [səʧ]
• thing: An object or entity [θɪŋ]
• Alice: A proper noun, referring to a specific person named Alice [ˈælɪs]
• was: Past tense of 'be'; indicates a state of being [wɑz]
• beginning: Starting to do something [bɪˈgɪnɪŋ]
• very: To a great degree; extremely [ˈvɛri]
• angrily: In an angry manner [ˈæŋgrəli]
• but: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• the Hatter: A proper noun, referring to a specific character known as the Hatter [ðə ˈhætər]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• the March Hare: A proper noun, referring to a specific character known as the March Hare [ðə mɑrʧ hɛr]
• went: Past tense of 'go'; to move or travel [wɛnt]
• Sh: Used to tell someone to be quiet [sh]

'No, please go on!' Alice said very humbly; 'I won't interrupt again.

• No: Expression of disagreement or refusal [noʊ]
• please go on: Polite request for someone to continue speaking or doing something [pliz goʊ ɔn]
• Alice said: Attribution of the statement to Alice [ˈælɪs sɛd]
• very humbly: In a modest and respectful manner [ˈvɛri ˈhəmbli]
• I won't interrupt: Promise not to disturb or interfere [aɪ woʊnt ˌɪntərˈəpt]
• again: Not repeating the action of interrupting [əˈgɛn]

'One, indeed!' said the Dormouse indignantly.

• One, indeed: Expression of surprise or disbelief regarding the number one [wən ˌɪnˈdid]
• said the Dormouse: Attribution of the statement to the Dormouse [sɛd ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• indignantly: Expressing anger or annoyance at perceived unfairness [ˌɪnˈdɪgnənˌtli]

'What did they draw?' said Alice, quite forgetting her promise.

• What did they draw: Inquiry about the subject of the sisters' drawing [wət dɪd ðeɪ drɔ]
• said Alice: Attribution of the question to Alice [sɛd ˈælɪs]
• quite forgetting: Completely failing to remember [kwaɪt fərˈgɛtɪŋ]
• her promise: The commitment she made earlier [hər ˈprɑməs]

'Treacle,' said the Dormouse, without considering at all this time.

• Treacle: A thick, sticky, dark syrup [treacle]
• said the Dormouse: Attribution of the statement to the Dormouse [sɛd ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• without considering: Without giving thought or attention [wɪˈθaʊt kənˈsɪdərɪŋ]
• at all: In any way or to any extent [æt ɔl]
• this time: On this particular occasion [ðɪs taɪm]