Blocking Circumstance

Related terms

  • RT Concession Relation
Definition note

A blocking circumstance is a factor, sometimes expressed along with a concession relation , that:

  • thwarts an expected event or state
  • results in an unexpected event or state
Example note

In the following example, you’re not big enough is the blocking circumstance and the concession is I know you want to play. The implied unexpected state is not being able to play:

  • I know you want to play, but you’re not big enough.
Bibliographic note
Page/s: 135
Source: Longacre 1983

Longacre, Robert E. 1983.The grammar of discourse. New York: Plenum.