ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: irony

CalifJim — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:58:41 GMT

New2grammar
I'm struggling to understand when it can be used and when it can't.

99.9% of the time it can't be used. It's much too confusing, even for this native speaker. I hardly ever use that word, and I'm not quite sure what I do mean when I say it!

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony

Re: irony

New2grammar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:01:43 GMT

I don't think so. My dictionary says something like there is contrast, it can be ironic. However, I don't know what the extent is. I mean, any contrast will do?

This apple looks like a watermelon. Isn't it ironic?

I'm struggling to understand when it can be used and when it can't.

Re: irony

Avangi — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:54:15 GMT

What seems to be referred to as "verbal irony" is not the irony I learned as a child, which I would call "situation irony." I vote for number four. I suppose if you look hard enough, you can find irony in all of them. (contrasts/opposites)

The third one is an interesting challenge for those who feel opposites is the key.

In your opinion, is humor an essential ingredient?

- A.

irony

New2grammar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:45:32 GMT

The more I try to understand the meaning of irony, the more confused I get.

If you in a black suit stand in front of a white wall, is it ironic?

If a short girl walks in 4 inch high heels, is it ironic?

If a black guy in a black suit gives a speech about black people, is it ironic.

If a woman talks about how faitful her husband is when her husband is seen intimate with a girl, is it ironic?
Thanks in advance.