Assertive words typically occur in affirmative contexts, while non-assertive words occur in negative or interrogative contexts.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
1 source for · 0 against
AS REPORTEDno primary record reached; this is what the reporting says
An archived web resource explains that assertive words typically occur in declarative sentences, while non-assertive words are used in questions and negative contexts.
# What is the difference between assertive and non-assertive words?
Tags: semantics, pragmatics, words
- Score: 3
- Views: 18940
- Answers: 3
- Answered: yes
- Asked by: James Grossmann (8898 rep)
- Asked: 2014-08-12
- Site: linguistics
## Question
What is the difference between assertive and non-assertive words?
I haven't been able to find an answer in my online linguistics sources such as the SIL Glossary of Linguistics Terms.
The only source I could find was an English Grammar site, namely http://www.englishgrammar.org/nonassertive-words/#mjsDTl7shKvqoAB0.99
This source states that assertive words are generally used in declarative sentences.
Examples of assertive words include "some, once, already, somebody, something, sometimes, somewhere, someone."
The source also explains that non-assertive words are used " in questions and negatives. They are also used in if-clauses and with adverbs, adjectives, verbs, prepositions and determiners that have a negative meaning."
Examples of non-assertive words include "any, anything, anybody, ever, & yet."
However, as I read the source, I wasn't able to determine exactly what the semantic or pragmatic difference between assert