Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 64

'If you didn't sign it,' said the King, 'that only makes the matter worse.

• If you didn't sign it: A conditional statement; 'if' introduces a condition; 'you' refers to the person being addressed; 'didn't sign' means did not put one's signature on something; 'it' refers to something previously mentioned. [ɪf ju ˈdɪdənt saɪn ɪt]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the King: The monarch speaking. The comma separates the speaker from the dialogue. [ðə kɪŋ]
• that only makes the matter worse: 'that' refers to the fact that the person didn't sign the document; 'only' emphasizes the negative impact; 'makes the matter worse' means exacerbates the situation. [ðət ˈoʊnli meɪks ðə ˈmætər wərs]

There was a general clapping of hands at this: it was the first really clever thing the King had said that day.

• There was: Indicates the existence of something. [ðɛr wɑz]
• a general clapping of hands: 'general' means widespread or common; 'clapping of hands' is the act of applauding. [ə ˈʤɛnərəl ˈklæpɪŋ əv hænz]
• at this: 'at this' refers to something previously mentioned, likely a statement or action. The colon introduces an explanation or elaboration. [æt ðɪs]
• it was: 'it' refers to something previously mentioned. [ɪt wɑz]
• the first really clever thing: 'first' indicates priority; 'really' emphasizes the adjective; 'clever thing' refers to a smart or intelligent statement or action. [ðə fərst ˈrɪli ˈklɛvər θɪŋ]
• the King had said: 'the King' refers to the monarch; 'had said' indicates a past action. [ðə kɪŋ hæd sɛd]
• that day: 'that day' refers to the current day within the narrative. [ðət deɪ]

'That PROVES his guilt,' said the Queen.

• That PROVES his guilt: 'That' refers to something previously mentioned; 'PROVES' means demonstrates or establishes something as true; 'his guilt' refers to the fact that someone is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing. The apostrophe indicates the beginning and end of the Queen's statement. [ðət pruvz hɪz gɪlt]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Queen: The monarch speaking. [ðə kwin]

'It proves nothing of the sort!' said Alice. 'Why, you don't even know what they're about!'

• It proves nothing of the sort: 'It' refers to something previously mentioned; 'proves nothing' means does not demonstrate anything; 'of the sort' emphasizes the negation. The exclamation point indicates strong emotion. [ɪt pruvz ˈnəθɪŋ əv ðə sɔrt]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: The character speaking. [ˈælɪs]
• Why: An interjection used to express surprise, mild protest, or as an introduction to an explanation. [waɪ]
• you don't even know: 'you' refers to the person being addressed; 'don't' is a contraction of 'do not'; 'even' emphasizes the lack of knowledge; 'know' means to be aware of or understand. [ju doʊnt ˈivɪn noʊ]
• what they're about: 'what they're about' refers to the subject or topic being discussed or the reason for something; 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are'. The exclamation point indicates strong emotion. [wət ðɛr əˈbaʊt]

'Read them,' said the King.

• Read them: An imperative sentence. 'Read' is the verb, 'them' refers to something previously mentioned. The comma indicates a pause. [rɛd ðɛm]
• said: past tense of the verb 'say', indicating who spoke the words. [sɛd]
• the King: identifies the speaker as 'the King'. The period marks the end of the sentence. [ðə kɪŋ]

The White Rabbit put on his spectacles. 'Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?' he asked.

• The White Rabbit: A character named 'The White Rabbit'. [ðə waɪt ˈræbɪt]
• put on: to place clothing or accessories on one's body. [pʊt ɔn]
• his spectacles: referring to eyeglasses. The period marks the end of the sentence. [hɪz ˈspɛktəkəlz]
• Where: interrogative adverb, asking about location. [wɛr]
• shall: auxiliary verb used to express future tense or offer/suggestion, here used to ask for guidance. [ʃæl]
• I begin: the subject 'I' is asking where to start. The comma indicates a pause. [aɪ bɪˈgɪn]
• please: used to show politeness. [pliz]
• your Majesty: a formal way to address a king or queen. The question mark indicates a question. [jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]
• he: referring to 'The White Rabbit'. [hi]
• asked: past tense of the verb 'ask', indicating that he posed a question. The period marks the end of the sentence. [æst]

'Begin at the beginning,' the King said gravely, 'and go on till you come to the end: then stop.'

• Begin: imperative verb, meaning to start. [bɪˈgɪn]
• at: preposition indicating a point in time or space. [æt]
• the beginning: the start. The comma indicates a pause. [ðə bɪˈgɪnɪŋ]
• the King: identifies the speaker as 'the King'. [ðə kɪŋ]
• said: past tense of the verb 'say', indicating who spoke the words. [sɛd]
• gravely: adverb meaning seriously. The comma indicates a pause. [ˈgreɪvli]
• and: conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
• go on: phrasal verb meaning to continue. [goʊ ɔn]
• till: preposition/conjunction meaning until. [tɪl]
• you come: the subject 'you' reaches a point. [ju kəm]
• to: preposition indicating direction or arrival. [tɪ]
• the end: the final point. The colon introduces a further instruction. [ðə ɛnd]
• then: adverb indicating sequence. [ðɛn]
• stop: imperative verb, meaning to cease. The period marks the end of the sentence. [stɑp]

These were the verses the White Rabbit read:—

• These: plural demonstrative pronoun, referring to something previously mentioned. [ðiz]
• were: past tense of the verb 'to be'. [wər]
• the verses: lines of poetry. [ðə ˈvərsɪz]
• the White Rabbit: A character named 'The White Rabbit'. [ðə waɪt ˈræbɪt]
• read: past tense of the verb 'read', indicating that he recited the verses. The colon introduces the verses.

'They told me you had been to her,

• They: plural pronoun referring to a group of people. [ðeɪ]
• told: past tense of the verb 'tell', meaning to inform. [toʊld]
• me: first-person singular object pronoun. [mi]
• you: second-person singular pronoun. [ju]
• had been: past perfect tense of the verb 'to be'. [hæd bɪn]
• to: preposition indicating direction. [tɪ]
• her: third-person singular object pronoun, referring to a female. The comma indicates a pause. [hər]

And mentioned me to him:

• And: conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
• mentioned: past tense of the verb 'mention', meaning to refer to briefly. [ˈmɛnʃənd]
• me: first-person singular object pronoun. [mi]
• to: preposition indicating direction. [tɪ]
• him: third-person singular object pronoun, referring to a male. The colon introduces a further statement. [ɪm]

She gave me a good character,

• She: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a female. [ʃi]
• gave: past tense of the verb 'give', meaning to provide. [geɪv]
• me: first-person singular object pronoun. [mi]
• a good character: a positive description of someone's qualities. The comma indicates a pause. [ə gʊd ˈkɛrɪktər]

But said I could not swim.

• But: conjunction introducing a contrasting statement. [bət]
• said: past tense of the verb 'say', meaning to express in words. [sɛd]
• I: first-person singular pronoun. [aɪ]
• could: past tense of the modal verb 'can', indicating ability or possibility. [kʊd]
• not: negative particle. [nɑt]
• swim: to propel oneself through water. The period marks the end of the sentence. [swɪm]

He sent them word I had not gone

• He: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a male. [hi]
• sent: past tense of the verb 'send', meaning to dispatch. [sɛnt]
• them: third-person plural object pronoun. [ðɛm]
• word: a message. [wərd]
• I: first-person singular pronoun. [aɪ]
• had not gone: past perfect tense of the verb 'to go', indicating that the action of going did not happen. [hæd nɑt gɔn]

(We know it to be true):

• We: first-person plural pronoun. [(wi]
• know: present tense of the verb 'to know', meaning to be aware of. [noʊ]
• it: third-person singular pronoun, referring to something previously mentioned. [ɪt]
• to be: infinitive form of the verb 'to be'. [tɪ bi]
• true: accurate or factual. The colon introduces a further statement. [tru)]

If she should push the matter on,

• If: conjunction introducing a conditional clause. [ɪf]
• she: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a female. [ʃi]
• should: auxiliary verb used to express possibility or condition. [ʃʊd]
• push: verb meaning to exert force in order to move something away. [pʊʃ]
• the matter: a situation or issue. [ðə ˈmætər]
• on: to continue or proceed. The comma indicates a pause. [ɔn]

What would become of you?

• What: interrogative pronoun, asking about something. [wət]
• would: auxiliary verb used to express conditional or future tense. [wʊd]
• become: verb meaning to happen to. [bɪˈkəm]
• of: preposition indicating relationship or belonging. [əv]
• you: second-person singular pronoun. The question mark indicates a question. [ju]

I gave her one, they gave him two,

• I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• gave: past tense of 'give', meaning to transfer possession or provide something [geɪv]
• her: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a female [hər]
• one: the number 1, referring to a single item [wən]
• they: third-person plural pronoun, referring to a group of people [ðeɪ]
• gave: past tense of 'give', meaning to transfer possession or provide something [geɪv]
• him: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a male [ɪm]
• two: the number 2, referring to two items [tu]

You gave us three or more;

• You: second-person singular or plural pronoun, referring to the person or people being addressed [ju]
• gave: past tense of 'give', meaning to transfer possession or provide something [geɪv]
• us: first-person plural pronoun, referring to the speaker and at least one other person [ˈjuˈɛs]
• three: the number 3, referring to three items [θri]
• or: a conjunction used to introduce an alternative [ər]
• more: a greater amount or number [mɔr]

They all returned from him to you,

• They: third-person plural pronoun, referring to a group of people [ðeɪ]
• all: every one of a group [ɔl]
• returned: past tense of 'return', meaning to go back or come back [rɪˈtərnd]
• from: indicating a starting point or origin [frəm]
• him: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a male [ɪm]
• to: indicating direction or recipient [tɪ]
• you: second-person singular or plural pronoun, referring to the person or people being addressed [ju]

Though they were mine before.

• Though: conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though' [ðoʊ]
• they: third-person plural pronoun, referring to a group of people [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wər]
• mine: belonging to me [maɪn]
• before: previously; in the past [ˌbiˈfɔr]

If I or she should chance to be

• If: a conditional conjunction, introducing a hypothetical situation [ɪf]
• I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• or: a conjunction used to introduce an alternative [ər]
• she: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a female [ʃi]
• should: auxiliary verb expressing possibility or condition [ʃʊd]
• chance: to happen by accident or unexpectedly [ʧæns]
• to: used to express purpose or intention [tɪ]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]

Involved in this affair,

• Involved: connected or concerned with someone or something [ˌɪnˈvɑlvd]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• this: referring to something nearby or already mentioned [ðɪs]
• affair: an event or sequence of events of specified kind or that has caused public interest or notoriety [əˈfɛr]

He trusts to you to set them free,

• He: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• trusts: to have confidence in someone or something [trəsts]
• to: used to express purpose or intention [tɪ]
• you: second-person singular or plural pronoun, referring to the person or people being addressed [ju]
• to: used to express purpose or intention [tɪ]
• set: to put in a specified state or condition [sɛt]
• them: third-person plural pronoun, referring to a group of people [ðɛm]
• free: not under the control or power of someone else; able to act or think as one wants [fri]

Exactly as we were.

• Exactly: in a precise and accurate manner [ɪgˈzæktli]
• as: used to indicate that things happen in the way described [ɛz]
• we: first-person plural pronoun, referring to the speaker and at least one other person [wi]
• were: past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wər]

My notion was that you had been

• My: belonging to me [maɪ]
• notion: a conception of or belief about something [ˈnoʊʃən]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wɑz]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• you: second-person singular or plural pronoun, referring to the person or people being addressed [ju]
• had: past tense of 'have', indicating possession or experience [hæd]
• been: past participle of 'be', indicating a state of being [bɪn]

(Before she had this fit)

• Before: earlier than [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• she: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a female [ʃi]
• had: past tense of 'have', indicating possession or experience [hæd]
• this: referring to something nearby or already mentioned [ðɪs]
• fit: a sudden attack or convulsion [fɪt]

An obstacle that came between

• An: indefinite article, used before words beginning with a vowel sound [ən]
• obstacle: a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress [ˈɑbstəkəl]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• came: past tense of 'come', meaning to move or travel towards or into a place [keɪm]
• between: in the space separating two things [bɪtˈwin]

Him, and ourselves, and it.

• Him: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a male [ɪm]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• ourselves: first-person plural reflexive pronoun, referring to the speaker and at least one other person [ɑrˈsɛlvz]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• it: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a thing or situation [ɪt]

Don't let him know she liked them best,

• Don't: contraction of 'do not', used to express a negative command or request [doʊnt]
• let: to allow or permit [lɛt]
• him: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a male [ɪm]
• know: to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• she: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a female [ʃi]
• liked: past tense of 'like', meaning to find pleasant or enjoyable [laɪkt]
• them: third-person plural pronoun, referring to a group of things [ðɛm]
• best: in the most excellent or desirable way [bɛst]

For this must ever be

• For: used to introduce a reason or explanation [fər]
• this: referring to something nearby or already mentioned [ðɪs]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• ever: at all times; always [ˈɛvər]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]

A secret, kept from all the rest,

• A: indefinite article, used before words beginning with a consonant sound [ə]
• secret: something kept hidden or unexplained [ˈsikrɪt]
• kept: past participle of 'keep', meaning to retain possession of [kɛpt]
• from: indicating a starting point or origin [frəm]
• all: every one of a group [ɔl]
• the: definite article, referring to something specific [ðə]
• rest: the remaining people or things [rɛst]

Between yourself and me.'

• Between: in the space separating two things [bɪtˈwin]
• yourself: second-person singular reflexive pronoun, referring to the person being addressed [ˈjɔrsɛlf]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• me: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [mi]

'That's the most important piece of evidence we've heard yet,' said the King, rubbing his hands; 'so now let the jury—'

• That's: contraction of 'that is' [ðæts]
• the most important piece of evidence: the single item of proof that carries the greatest weight or significance [ðə moʊst ˌɪmˈpɔrtənt pis əv ˈɛvədəns]
• we've: contraction of 'we have' [wiv]
• heard: past participle of 'hear', meaning to perceive with the ear [hərd]
• yet: up to this point in time; so far [jɛt]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• the King: the male ruler of a kingdom [ðə kɪŋ]
• rubbing his hands: the action of moving one's hands back and forth against each other, often indicating anticipation or satisfaction [ˈrəbɪŋ hɪz hænz]
• so: therefore; as a result [soʊ]
• now: at the present time; immediately [naʊ]
• let: allow or permit [lɛt]
• the jury: a body of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on evidence submitted to them [ðə ˈʤʊri-]

'If any one of them can explain it,' said Alice, (she had grown so large in the last few minutes that she wasn't a bit afraid of interrupting him,) 'I'll give him sixpence.

• If: used to introduce a conditional clause [ɪf]
• any one of them: any single person from a group of people [ˈɛni wən əv ðɛm]
• can: able to; having the ability to [kən]
• explain it: to make something clear or understandable [ɪkˈspleɪn ɪt]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• Alice: a proper noun, referring to a specific person [ˈælɪs]
• she: pronoun referring to Alice [(ʃi]
• had grown: past perfect tense of 'grow', meaning to increase in size [hæd groʊn]
• so large: to a great extent in physical dimensions [soʊ lɑrʤ]
• in the last few minutes: during the most recent short period of time [ɪn ðə læst fju ˈmɪnəts]
• that: used to introduce a result clause [ðət]
• she wasn't: contraction of 'she was not' [ʃi ˈwəzənt]
• a bit afraid: not at all scared [ə bɪt əˈfreɪd]
• of interrupting him: to stop someone from speaking by saying or doing something [əv ˌɪntərˈəptɪŋ ɪm]
• I'll: contraction of 'I will' [aɪl]
• give him: to provide something to someone [gɪv ɪm]
• sixpence: a former British coin worth six pennies [sixpence]

The jury all wrote down on their slates, 'SHE doesn't believe there's an atom of meaning in it,' but none of them attempted to explain the paper.

• The jury: a body of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on evidence submitted to them [ðə ˈʤʊri]
• all: every one of a group [ɔl]
• wrote down: to record something in writing [roʊt daʊn]
• on their slates: on small, flat pieces of material used for writing [ɔn ðɛr sleɪts]
• SHE: pronoun referring to a female person [ʃi]
• doesn't: contraction of 'does not' [ˈdəzənt]
• believe: to accept something as true [bɪˈliv]
• there's: contraction of 'there is' [ðɛrz]
• an atom of meaning: the smallest possible amount of significance or sense [ən ˈætəm əv ˈminɪŋ]
• in it: contained within something [ɪn ɪt]
• but: used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• none of them: not one person from a group [nən əv ðɛm]
• attempted: tried to do something [əˈtɛmptəd]
• to explain: to make something clear or understandable [tɪ ɪkˈspleɪn]
• the paper: a piece of material used for writing or printing [ðə ˈpeɪpər]

'If there's no meaning in it,' said the King, 'that saves a world of trouble, you know, as we needn't try to find any.

• If: used to introduce a conditional clause [ɪf]
• there's: contraction of 'there is' [ðɛrz]
• no meaning: without significance or sense [noʊ ˈminɪŋ]
• in it: contained within something [ɪn ɪt]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• the King: the male ruler of a kingdom [ðə kɪŋ]
• that: referring to the absence of meaning [ðət]
• saves: to prevent the waste of something [seɪvz]
• a world of trouble: a great amount of difficulty or problems [ə wərld əv ˈtrəbəl]
• you know: used to indicate that the listener is already aware of something [ju noʊ]
• as: because [ɛz]
• we needn't: contraction of 'we need not' [wi ˈnidənt]
• try: to make an attempt or effort [traɪ]
• to find: to discover or locate something [tɪ faɪnd]
• any: some; one or some of a thing or number of things, whether specifically identified or not [ˈɛni]

And yet I don't know,' he went on, spreading out the verses on his knee, and looking at them with one eye; 'I seem to see some meaning in them, after all.

• And: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• yet: nevertheless; despite that [jɛt]
• I don't know: expressing uncertainty or doubt [aɪ doʊnt noʊ]
• he went on: he continued speaking [hi wɛnt ɔn]
• spreading out: to extend something over a large area [ˈsprɛdɪŋ aʊt]
• the verses: lines of poetry [ðə ˈvərsɪz]
• on his knee: on the upper part of the leg when bent [ɔn hɪz ni]
• and looking: to direct one's gaze towards something [ənd ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• at them: referring to the verses [æt ðɛm]
• with one eye: using a single eye to see [wɪθ wən aɪ]
• I seem: it appears to me [aɪ sim]
• to see: to perceive with the eyes [tɪ si]
• some meaning: a degree of significance or sense [səm ˈminɪŋ]
• in them: contained within the verses [ɪn ðɛm]
• after all: despite indications to the contrary [ˈæftər ɔl]

"—SAID I COULD NOT SWIM—" you can't swim, can you?' he added, turning to the Knave.

• SAID I COULD NOT SWIM: a direct quote indicating an inability to swim [-sɛd aɪ kʊd nɑt swɪm-]
• you can't: contraction of 'you cannot' [ju kænt]
• swim: to propel oneself through water [swɪm]
• can you: a tag question used to confirm information [kən ju]
• he added: he said in addition [hi ˈædɪd]
• turning: to change direction [ˈtərnɪŋ]
• to the Knave: a playing card or a dishonest man [tɪ ðə neɪv]