Lexical and Counterfactual Presuppositions

Presupposition refers to something the assumptions that speakers make before they utter a sentence. Their assumptions are not explicitly expressed and these assumptions are considered as communicated but not said.

Lexical presupposition refers to the assumption made by speakers that when they use one word, another meaning (through unsaid words) will be understood. Consider the following example:

Nilesh is unhappy now. (>>Nilesh used to be happy.)

Counterfactual presupposition refers to the assumption made by speakers that what is assumed is both untrue as well as contrary to know facts. This type of presupposition can usually be expressed through “if-” clauses, using conditional structures called counterfactual conditionals. Consider the following example:

If I had more time, I would have done a better job with my assignments. (>>I do not have more time.)