Skiing was canceled on account of snow.

Why is this Ironic?

Skiing depends upon a lot of snow. This sounds like situational irony.

http://grammar.about.com/od/il/g/ironyterm.htm

My mom went to the grocery store.she forgot her purse.

The statement "Skiing was canceled on account of snow" is ironic because skiing is typically associated with snowy conditions. The irony lies in the fact that the very thing that is necessary for skiing (snow) is the reason for its cancellation. Ironic situations often involve a contrast between what is expected or intended to happen and what actually happens.

To understand irony in a statement like this, it's necessary to have background knowledge and make an inference. Here's how you can identify the irony in such situations:

1. Identify the expectation: In this case, skiing is expected to happen since it requires snow.

2. Identify the outcome: The skiing is canceled.

3. Compare the expectation with the outcome: The cancellation of skiing due to snow is unexpected and contradicts the initial expectation, making it an example of irony.

Recognizing irony often requires an understanding of the context, cultural norms, and the contrasting elements involved in a particular situation. It may also vary depending on the perspective and the context in which the statement is made.