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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Inanimate objects and action verbs

I know you cannot use an inanimate object with an action verb, but what if your intent is sarcasm? Is it ok to use the phrase "the piece of paper must have just walked away". If so, is that considered sarcasm, or what is the correct term for that sentence?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Not sarcasm. It seems to be metaphoric. However, many action verbs are commonly used with inanimate objects.

— Mister Micawber

  • Not sarcasm.
  • It seems to be metaphoric.
  • However, many action verbs are commonly used with inanimate objects.
  • A large stone sat on my mantle for three years.
  • The stone rolled off the mantle while I was sleeping.
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4 Answers
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Not sarcasm. It seems to be metaphoric.

However, many action verbs are commonly used with inanimate objects. A large stone sat on my mantle for three years. The stone rolled off the mantle while I was sleeping. It hit the cat and knocked her out.
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Hi

I think that one form of sarcasm is to use an action verb with an inanimate noun, just as you say..

"You said you were on a diet. How did these biscuits get into your room? They just walked here?"

"So there are no revolutionaries in this part of the country - I suppose the naval base just blew itself up!"

Dave
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Anonymousthe piece of paper must have just walked away
I would call this personification, not sarcasm. Any sort of language can be used sarcastically. Sarcasm is not one of the "figures of speech". In any case, it's rare to see it listed as such. The following link lists more figures of speech than you'd ever care to know about, and 'sarcasm' isn't anywher
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Yes, personification, not metaphor. Thanks, CJ.
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