Across

Question

Hello...Is it true that we can say like below?A. He ran across the field. ? He ran crossing the field.B. Across the field, he ran.  ? He ran at a place that was located across the field from here.*********And also, A. can be interpreted to mean the same with B, according to the context?

Wilpeter · Accepted Answer

A. “He ran across the field.” (He ran from one side of the field to the other.)
In the alternate version, “He ran, crossing the field.” (Crossing the field supports the verb.)
B. “Across the field he ran.” (Same meaning as A.)
“He ran at a place that was located across the field from here.” (In this sentence, “a place” represents an arena or race track. It’s location is on the other side of this field. I am not sure if it was intended, but was located implies it may no longer be there—otherwise, “that was” could be omitted.)
A is not quite the same as B in meaning. In A, you describe an action that involves crossing a field; whereas in B, the action starts at a place across the field from here.

CalifJim · Answer

pructusA. He ran across the field. ? He ran crossing the field.

I don't sense that "He ran crossing the field" is anything that we English speakers might say, especially in an ordinary conversation.

pructusB. Across the field , he ran. [no comma] ? He ran at to a place that was located across the field ~~from here~~.

"Across the field he ran" is a variant of "He ran across the field" with the same meaning, but which might be used in a more literary work, not often in ordinary conversation. All of that "He ran to a place ..." is the meaning, but we wouldn't say it like that.

Note that the motion need not originate "here".

CJ

Pructus · Answer

.
Thanks so much for the explanations, wilpeter and CJ!!
I feel that I didn't put down well what I wanted to ask.
I feel that I asked two questions at this thread, so I will make it one for now.
I rewrite my question.

*********

A. He ran across the field.

The A. can be interpreted in two meanings?
A-1. He ran from one place of the field to another place of the field, i.e. He crossed the field, running.
A-2. He ran, at a place located across the field, i.e. He didn't cross the field, it is just that the place he ran in was across the field from the speaker's positon.

CalifJim · Answer

pructusA-1. He ran from one place of the field to another place of the field, i.e. He crossed the field, running.

This is the normal interpretation if nothing in the context contradicts it.

pructusA-2. He ran, at a place located across the field, i.e. He didn't cross the field, it is just that the place he ran in was across the field from the speaker's position.

This is a possible interpretation, but it can't stand on its own without further context that supports it.

CJ

Pructus · Answer

I see... I see...
That is so clear....
Thanks so much, CJ!!

Pructus · Answer

After some thought....

"He decided on the chair." can also be interpreted in two meanings, A and B below?
And A meaning is default and B meaning needs more context?

A. He decided to buy the chair.
B. He made a decision, while he was seated on the chair.

CalifJim · Answer

pructus"He decided on the chair." can also be interpreted in two meanings, A and B below?And A meaning is default and B meaning needs more context?

Yes, and yes.

pructusAfter some thought....

You've been doing a lot of thinking lately.

CJ

Pructus · Answer

Thanks for the confirmation CJ!!
Yes, I've been thinking a lot about this lately.
This is very interesting subject.
Not so easy, though...

Pructus · Answer

I see... I see...
Thanks so much, wilpeter!!
And sorry I forgot to express my gratitudes...

Across

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