Grice's Conversational Maxims

The Maxim of Relevance:

Teacher: Do you have the assignment finished?
Student: Are you coming to the football game tonight?
Teacher: Maybe. Do you have the assignment finished?
Student: It's going to be a really good game.

This maxim was violated as the student tried to get me off topic by changing the subject of conversation. The student is trying to avoid the assignment with humor.

The Maxim of Quality:

Teacher (to student): What are you doing?
Student:(with chemistry book on desk) I am working on my Spanish assignment.

This maxim is violated with a particular facial expression and intonation of voice because they know that they are caught.

The Maxim of Quantity:

Student: What does your husband look like?
Teacher: My husband.

The maxim is violated for politeness. It is said in a sarcastic tone because I do not want to discuss personal information. Students know that this tone means that they need to drop the conversation.

The Maxim of Manner:

Students: Who is your substitute Mrs. G.?
Teacher: You know her.  She was in for Mr. Smith. She is Emily's mother.

This maxim was violated for politeness because I could not remember my substitutes name. I knew it was Emily's mom and they did not have the same last name.