'No, indeed(Expressing agreement or confirmation with emphasis [noʊ ˌɪnˈdid]),' said(Verbal attribution [sɛd]) Alice(Identifying the speaker [ˈælɪs]). 'What(Inquiring about something [wət]) sort of(Type or kind of [sɔrt əv]) a dance(A form of structured movement to music [ə dæns]) is it(Asking about the nature of the dance [ɪz ɪt])?'
'Why(Used to express surprise, impatience, or as an introduction to an explanation [waɪ]),' said(Verbal attribution [sɛd]) the Gryphon(Identifying the speaker [ðə gryphon]), 'you(Referring to the participants [ju]) first(Initially; at the beginning [fərst]) form into(Arrange yourselves into [fɔrm ˈɪntu]) a line(A straight row [ə laɪn]) along(Following the course of [əˈlɔŋ]) the sea-shore(The edge of the land where it meets the sea [ðə sea-shore-])—'
'Two lines(Expressing surprise or emphasis about the number of lines [tu laɪnz])!' cried(Exclaimed loudly [kraɪd]) the Mock Turtle(Identifying the speaker [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]). 'Seals(Listing a type of sea creature [silz]), turtles(Listing a type of sea creature [ˈtərtəlz]), salmon(Listing a type of sea creature [ˈsæmən]), and so on(Indicating that the list continues [ənd soʊ ɔn]); then(Next; after that [ðɛn]), when you've cleared(After you have removed [wɪn juv klɪrd]) all(Every single one [ɔl]) the jelly-fish(A type of sea creature [ðə jelly-fish]) out of the way(Removed from the path or area [aʊt əv ðə weɪ-])—'
'THAT(Referring to something previously mentioned or understood in the context [ðət]) generally(usually; in most cases [ˈʤɛnərəli]) takes some time(requires a certain amount of time to complete or happen [teɪks səm taɪm]),' (punctuation mark used to separate clauses or phrases)interrupted(to break into someone's conversation or activity [ˌɪntərˈəptɪd]) the Gryphon(a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]).
'—you(Referring to the person being addressed [-ju]) advance(to move forward [ədˈvæns]) twice(two times; on two occasions [twaɪs-])—'
'Each(every one of two or more people or things, regarded and identified separately [iʧ]) with(accompanied by; having or possessing [wɪθ]) a lobster(a marine crustacean with a cylindrical body, stalked eyes, and large claws, which is widely used as food [ə ˈlɑbstər]) as(used to indicate by comparison the way that something appears or is done [ɛz]) a partner(a person who dances with someone; someone who shares an activity or endeavor [ə ˈpɑrtnər])!' cried(shouted; exclaimed loudly [kraɪd]) the Gryphon(a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]).
'Of course(certainly; definitely; as expected [əv kɔrs]),' the Mock Turtle(a fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who is a turtle with the head, hooves, and tail of a calf [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) said(uttered words; expressed verbally [sɛd]): 'advance(to move forward [ədˈvæns]) twice(two times; on two occasions [twaɪs]), (punctuation mark used to separate clauses or phrases)set to(to begin working on something; to prepare for something [sɛt tɪ]) partners(people who dance or do something together [ˈpɑrtnərz-])—'
'—change(to make or become different [-ʧeɪnʤ]) lobsters(marine crustaceans with a cylindrical body, stalked eyes, and large claws, which are widely used as food [ˈlɑbstərz]), (punctuation mark used to separate clauses or phrases)and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) retire(to withdraw from action or danger; to go away to or from a particular place [ˌriˈtaɪər]) in(expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]) same(identical; not different [seɪm]) order(the arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other [ˈɔrdər]),' continued(to go on; to proceed [kənˈtɪnjud]) the Gryphon(a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]).
'Then(after that; next; afterward [ðɛn]), (punctuation mark used to separate clauses or phrases)you(the person being addressed [ju]) know(used to indicate that the speaker assumes the listener understands or is familiar with something [noʊ]),' the Mock Turtle(a fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who is a turtle with the head, hooves, and tail of a calf [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) went on(continued speaking [wɛnt ɔn]), (punctuation mark used to separate clauses or phrases)'you(the person being addressed [ju]) throw(to propel something through the air with force [θroʊ]) the(used to refer to something specific [ðə-])—'
'The lobsters(Referring to the marine crustaceans [ðə ˈlɑbstərz])!' shouted(exclaimed loudly and vehemently [ˈʃaʊtɪd]) the Gryphon(a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]), (punctuation mark used to separate clauses or phrases)with(accompanied by; having or possessing [wɪθ]) a bound(a leaping movement [ə baʊnd]) into(expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ˈɪntu]) the air(the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen [ðə ɛr]).
'—as(used to indicate by comparison the way that something appears or is done [-ɛz]) far(to a great distance [fɑr]) out(away from the inside or center [aʊt]) to(expressing direction or location [tɪ]) sea(the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface [si]) as(used to indicate by comparison the way that something appears or is done [ɛz]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) can(able to do something [kən-])—'
'Swim(move through water by means of the limbs or fins [swɪm]) after(following in time or order [ˈæftər]) them(referring to the lobsters [ðɛm])!' screamed(uttered a loud, piercing cry [skrimd]) the Gryphon(a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]).
'Turn(move so that you are facing in the opposite direction [tərn]) a somersault(an acrobatic movement in which a person turns head over heels in the air or on the ground and lands on their feet [ə ˈsəmərˌsɔlt]) in(expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]) the sea(the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface [ðə si])!' cried(exclaimed loudly [kraɪd]) the Mock Turtle(a fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who is a turtle with the head, hooves, and tail of a calf [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]), (punctuation mark used to separate clauses or phrases)capering(skipping or dancing about in a lively or playful way [capering]) wildly(in an uncontrolled or unrestrained manner [ˈwaɪldli]) about(approximately; around [əˈbaʊt]).
'Change lobsters again(An exclamation or command, possibly related to a game or activity within the story. 'Change lobsters' suggests a change of partners or roles involving lobsters. 'Again' indicates a repetition of this action. [ʧeɪnʤ ˈlɑbstərz əˈgɛn])!' yelled(To shout something loudly, usually when angry, excited, or trying to be heard. [jɛld]) the Gryphon(A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. In this context, it is a character in the story. [ðə gryphon]) at the top of its voice(As loudly as possible; using the full power of one's voice. [æt ðə tɔp əv ɪts vɔɪs]).
'Back to land again(Returning to the shore or ground after being in the water or elsewhere. 'Again' suggests a return to a previous state or location. [bæk tɪ lænd əˈgɛn]), and that's all the first figure(Referring to a step or sequence in a dance or game. 'That's all' indicates the completion of that particular part. [ənd ðæts ɔl ðə fərst ˈfɪgjər]),' said the Mock Turtle(The speaker is the Mock Turtle, a character in the story, likely named for its resemblance to a turtle. [sɛd ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]), suddenly dropping his voice(Abruptly speaking more quietly, perhaps to indicate a change in mood or to share a secret. [ˈsədənli ˈdrɑpɪŋ hɪz vɔɪs]); and the two creatures(Referring to two characters in the story, likely the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle. [ənd ðə tu ˈkriʧərz]), who had been jumping about like mad things(Describing energetic and uncontrolled movement, suggesting excitement or frenzy. 'Like mad things' is an idiom for acting wildly. [hu hæd bɪn ˈʤəmpɪŋ əˈbaʊt laɪk mæd θɪŋz]) all this time(Throughout the duration of the events being described. [ɔl ðɪs taɪm]), sat down again(Returned to a seated position. 'Again' indicates a repetition of this action. [sæt daʊn əˈgɛn]) very sadly(Expressing a great deal of sorrow or unhappiness. [ˈvɛri ˈsædli]) and quietly(Without making noise or disturbance. [ənd kˈwaɪətli]), and looked at Alice.
'It must be(Expressing a deduction or conclusion based on available information. [ɪt məst bi]) a very pretty dance(Describing a dance as visually appealing or graceful. 'Very' intensifies the adjective 'pretty'. [ə ˈvɛri ˈprɪti dæns]),' said Alice(The speaker is Alice, a character in the story. [sɛd ˈælɪs]) timidly.
'Would you like(A polite way of offering something or asking if someone desires something. [wʊd ju laɪk]) to see(To observe or witness something. [tɪ si]) a little of it(A small portion or example of something. In this case, referring to the dance. [ə ˈlɪtəl əv ɪt])?' said the Mock Turtle.
'Very much indeed(An emphatic affirmation, indicating strong agreement or desire. 'Indeed' reinforces the statement. [ˈvɛri məʧ ˌɪnˈdid]),' said Alice.
'Come(An invitation or encouragement to do something. [kəm]), let's try(Suggesting an attempt or experiment. [lɛts traɪ]) the first figure(Referring to the initial step or sequence in a dance or game. [ðə fərst ˈfɪgjər])!' said the Mock Turtle(The speaker is the Mock Turtle, a character in the story. [sɛd ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) to the Gryphon(Addressing the Gryphon, another character in the story. [tɪ ðə gryphon]). 'We can do(Expressing the ability to manage or proceed without something. [wi kən du]) without lobsters(Indicating that lobsters are not necessary for the activity. [wɪˈθaʊt ˈlɑbstərz]), you know(A phrase used to emphasize or seek agreement from the listener. [ju noʊ]). Which shall sing(Asking which of the characters will perform a song. [wɪʧ ʃæl sɪŋ])?'
'Oh(Expresses surprise, understanding, or emphasis [oʊ]), YOU(Refers to the person being addressed, emphasizing that they are the one who should sing [ju]) sing(To produce musical sounds with the voice [sɪŋ]),' (Indicates the end of the quote)said(Past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]) the Gryphon(Refers to a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, previously introduced in the story [ðə gryphon]). (Indicates the end of the sentence)'I've(Contraction of 'I have' [aɪv]) forgotten(Past participle of 'forget', meaning unable to remember [fərˈgɑtən]) the words(Refers to the lyrics of the song [ðə wərdz]).'
So(Therefore; as a result [soʊ]) they(Refers to a group of individuals or characters previously mentioned [ðeɪ]) began(Past tense of 'begin', meaning to start an action [bɪˈgæn]) solemnly(In a serious and dignified manner [ˈsɔləmli]) dancing(Moving rhythmically to music [ˈdænsɪŋ]) round and round(In a circular motion, repeatedly [raʊnd ənd raʊnd]) Alice(The main character in the story [ˈælɪs]), (Used to separate elements in a list or to add a pause)every now and then(Occasionally; from time to time [ˈɛvəri naʊ ənd ðɛn]) treading(Stepping or walking on [ˈtrɛdɪŋ]) on her toes(Specifically stepping on her toes, causing discomfort [ɔn hər toʊz]) when(At the time that; during the event of [wɪn]) they(Referring to the group dancing around Alice [ðeɪ]) passed(Moved by or went past [pæst]) too close(Near enough to cause contact or discomfort [tu kloʊz]), (Used to separate elements in a list or to add a pause)and(Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) waving(Moving back and forth [ˈweɪvɪŋ]) their forepaws(The front paws of the creatures [ðɛr forepaws]) to mark the time(To keep the rhythm of the music [tɪ mɑrk ðə taɪm]), (Used to separate elements in a list or to add a pause)while(During the time that [waɪl]) the Mock Turtle(A character in the story, a turtle that imitates a mock turtle soup [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) sang(Past tense of 'sing', meaning to produce musical sounds with the voice [sæŋ]) this(Refers to the song that follows [ðɪs]), (Used to separate elements in a list or to add a pause)very slowly(At a slow pace [ˈvɛri sˈloʊli]) and(Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) sadly(In a sorrowful manner [ˈsædli]):—
(Indicates the beginning of a quote within a quote) '"Will(Expresses a request or willingness [wɪl]) you(Refers to the person being addressed [ju]) walk(To move at a moderate pace by foot [wɔk]) a little(A small amount or distance [ə ˈlɪtəl]) faster(At a greater speed [ˈfæstər])?" (Indicates a question and the end of the quote within a quote)said(Past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]) a whiting(A type of fish [ə ˈwaɪtɪŋ]) to(Expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) a snail(A slow-moving creature with a shell [ə sneɪl]).
(Indicates the beginning of a quote) "There's(Contraction of 'there is', indicating existence [ðɛrz]) a porpoise(A marine mammal similar to a dolphin [ə ˈpɔrpəs]) close(Near in distance [kloʊz]) behind(At the back of [bɪˈhaɪnd]) us(Refers to a group including the speaker [ˈjuˈɛs]), (Used to separate elements in a list or to add a pause)and(Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) he's(Contraction of 'he is', referring to the porpoise [hiz]) treading(Stepping or walking [ˈtrɛdɪŋ]) on(Located upon [ɔn]) my(Belonging to the speaker [maɪ]) tail(The rear appendage of an animal [teɪl]).
See(To perceive with the eyes; observe [si]) how(In what way or manner [haʊ]) eagerly(With great enthusiasm or willingness [ˈigərli]) the lobsters(Marine crustaceans with elongated bodies and muscular tails [ðə ˈlɑbstərz]) and(Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) the turtles(Reptiles with a bony shell [ðə ˈtərtəlz]) all(Every one of a group [ɔl]) advance(Move forward; proceed [ədˈvæns])!
They(Refers to a group of individuals or characters previously mentioned, in this case, lobsters and turtles [ðeɪ]) are(Present tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [ər]) waiting(Remaining in place until a particular event happens [ˈweɪtɪŋ]) on(Located at or upon [ɔn]) the shingle(A beach covered with small pebbles or stones [ðə ˈʃɪŋgəl])—(Indicates a pause or break in thought)will(Expresses a request or willingness [wɪl]) you(Refers to the person being addressed [ju]) come(To move or travel towards a place [kəm]) and(Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) join(To become a member of; participate in [ʤɔɪn]) the dance(A series of rhythmic movements performed to music [ðə dæns])?
Will(auxiliary verb used to express future tense, willingness, or a request [wɪl]) you(the person being addressed [ju]), won't(contraction of 'will not', expressing a negative future action or unwillingness [woʊnt]) you(the person being addressed [ju]), will(auxiliary verb used to express future tense, willingness, or a request [wɪl]) you(the person being addressed [ju]), won't(contraction of 'will not', expressing a negative future action or unwillingness [woʊnt]) you(the person being addressed [ju]), will(auxiliary verb used to express future tense, willingness, or a request [wɪl]) you(the person being addressed [ju]) join(to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]) the dance(a social gathering where people move rhythmically to music [ðə dæns])?