Answer to Question #142784 in English for Mariline Renol

Question

You can usually question a presupposition by using the wait-a-minute test. Presupposition survives/still holds under that test.

(1) John is surprised that Rose is pregnant

(presupposes: Rose is pregnant)

(2) Wait a minute, I didn’t know Rose is pregnant!

(presupposition 'Rose is pregnant' still holds)



Identify the presupposition in (3) and prove that it is a presupposition by using the wait-a-minute test.

(3) I regret that I told Susan my secret.

Answer 1

Wait a minute, I told Susan my secret!

The presupposition in (3) is, (I told Susan my secret)