Scalar Implicature
Pattern
Chose weaker term→stronger term does not apply — scale-based inference
Definition
An inference based on the speaker choosing a weaker term from an ordered scale, implying the stronger term does not apply. Arises from the maxim of quantity — be as informative as required.
Examples
Example 1
'Some students passed the exam.' — the choice of 'some' over 'all' implicates that not all students passed, even though 'some' logically includes 'all'.
AI Detection Note
AI often violates scalar implicature by using hedge words ('some', 'many', 'often') without intending the scalar inference. This creates vagueness that feels evasive rather than informative.
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