Part II: Examples

• Particular Affirmative: 

1. “Some cats are albinos” 
2. “Some cats are dogs” 

Propositions (1) and (2) are both examples of the Particular Affirmative. However, there is an important distinction: (1) is true because some cats are in fact albino (2% of them, actually!). But (2) is false, given that cats and dogs are separate species (no member of one category is also a member of the other). 

• Particular Negative: 

3. “Some snakes are not reptiles”
4. “Some snakes are not poisonous”

Propositions (3) and (4) are both examples of the Particular Negative. But once again, there is an important distinction: (3) is false whereas (4) is true. 

[Activity]: Fill in the box below with your own examples of a Particular Affirmative proposition that is true, a Particular Affirmative proposition that is false, a Particular Negative proposition that is true, and a Particular Negative proposition that is false. You can even mix it up! When you’re done, share your examples with at least two of your classmates so you can check each other’s work.