In-Depth Tips from Dr English

Sometimes the English language can present examples of usage which are very slightly contradictory and create an amusing opposite to the intended meaning.

Often the wrong choice of vocabulary or synonym can provide an amusing outcome.

Study the examples below and see if you can identify why they are seen as humorous.


Warning on the grounds of a private school:

Of course, in the above example, the term trespassing is an illegal act which takes place without permission. The result is a contradiction.


On an African River highway:

How can you see the sign if it is underwater?


On a poster in the USA:

How can you understand the sign if you cannot read?


In a city restaurant:

Does this mean that there are nine days in a week?


A sign on an automatic restroom hand dryer:

Why would you use it if not to dry wet hands?


In a Indian maternity ward:

Since a maternity ward in the place where people give birth to children it would be difficult to enforce this rule!

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel:

The confusion here lies in the fact that the reader is likely to think that famous Russians get buried every day except on Thursdays and not that they are permitted to visit the cemetery every day.