Grices Maxims

Grices Maxims

Maxim of Quantity:

The maxim of quantity is where you only give the information that is needed and that relates to the question/topic. 

For example (this is an incorrect example of a maxim of quantity):

Person 1: Do you know the time?

Person 2: It's five o clock here, in America its two o clock.

This extra information is unnecessary and excessive.

Maxim of Quality:

The maxim of quality is where you give reliable and truthful information that can be supported by evidence.

For example (this is an incorrect example of a maxim of quality):

Person 1:Do you know the time?

Person 2: Yes it's five o clock.

- It is really three o clock and therefore the information is false.

Maxim of Relation:

 

The maxim of relation is where your conversation and contribution to a discussion is relevant and relates to the situation or topic.

For example (this is an incorrect example of a maxim of relation):

Person 1: Do you know the time?

Person 2: It's Tuesday today.

This is a bad example as Person Two provides information that is irrelevant and unwanted in the conversation.

Maxim of Manner:

The maxim of manner is where you avoid ambiguity and speak briefly and orderly.

For example (this is an incorrect example of a maxim of manner):

'The professor came in and the student left'. • Indicates that student left after (or, as a result of) the professor coming but is unclear.