SUO‐KIF Formalizing Terms

SUO-KIF Examples for the Beginner

Introduction to formalization of terms

To formalize a term or concept in SUO-KIF in preparation for adding it to SUMO, do the following:

1. Choose a good unique term name for the concept.
2. Find where in the SUMO taxonomy the new concept should go, and add the concept as a subclass
3. Provide a documentation statement, with plain language definition.
4. Add a termFormat statement, to provide language to logic translators basic usage in natural language.
5. Add axioms that describe the relevant properties of the concept.

Example formalizations

Umbrella

(subclass Umbrella Device)

(documentation Umbrella EnglishLanguage "An umbrella or parasol is a 
folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is mounted on a 
wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is usually designed to protect a 
person against rain. [from Wikipedia]")
(termFormat EnglishLanguage Umbrella "umbrella")
(termFormat EnglishLanguage Umbrella "parasol")

(=>
  (instance ?U Umbrella)
  (hasPurpose ?U
    (exists (?R)
      (and
        (instance ?R Raining)
        (instance ?P Human)
        (located ?P ?R)
        (not
          (attribute ?P Wet))))))