Which construction is reflected in "It's not a goat"?

Which construction is reflected in "It's not a goat"?

• A. Possessor + possession
• B. Denial
• C. Attribute + entity
• D. Agent + action

Answer: (B)

The phrase "It's not a goat" clearly demonstrates the concept of denial. In this construction, the speaker is indicating that something does not belong to the category or identity of a goat. Denial is often characterized by negating a statement or asserting the non-existence or non-identity of the subject being discussed. The focus of the phrase is on rejecting a certain identity, which is central to the meaning conveyed. This construction can be distinguished from other types. For example, attributive phrases involve ascribing a quality to a subject, such as in "It's a large animal," where both the attribute (large) and the entity (animal) are described. The possessor + possession construction involves a relationship where one entity owns or possesses another, such as "John's book." Agent + action constructions describe what someone or something does, such as "The dog barks," where the agent (the dog) performs an action (barks). In contrast, the denial present in the phrase specifically negates the identity of the subject, illustrating a clear example of the denial construction.

The phrase "It's not a goat" clearly demonstrates the concept of denial. In this construction, the speaker is indicating that something does not belong to the category or identity of a goat. Denial is often characterized by negating a statement or asserting the non-existence or non-identity of the subject being discussed. The focus of the phrase is on rejecting a certain identity, which is central to the meaning conveyed.

This construction can be distinguished from other types. For example, attributive phrases involve ascribing a quality to a subject, such as in "It's a large animal," where both the attribute (large) and the entity (animal) are described. The possessor + possession construction involves a relationship where one entity owns or possesses another, such as "John's book." Agent + action constructions describe what someone or something does, such as "The dog barks," where the agent (the dog) performs an action (barks). In contrast, the denial present in the phrase specifically negates the identity of the subject, illustrating a clear example of the denial construction.