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Lucas21c Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Ambiguity

Could you tell me who prepares for it in the following sentences?
Thank you.

1. I find someone to prepre for it.
2. I find someone preparing for it.
3. I find someone so as to prepare for it.
4. I find someone, preparing for it.
  

Top answer

It is difficult to make a judgement when the rest of the sentence is so odd, in particular the choice of simple present for the main verb.

  • It is difficult to make a judgement when the rest of the sentence is so odd, in particular the choice of simple present for the main verb.
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16 Answers
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It is difficult to make a judgement when the rest of the sentence is so odd, in particular the choice of simple present for the main verb.
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1. Is #3 also confusing?

2. How could you correct the above sentences to convey the idea of "I find someone so that I prepare for it," "I find someone who prepare for it," and "I who prepare for it find someone" respectively? I hope you correct them as little as possible so that I can understand the structures.
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lucas21cI find someone
That is odd and not very useful. Recast with I found someone or I'll find someone or I'm going to find someone or I've found someone. Those are all common, natural and useful forms of the verb.
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If you want to remove ambiguity then you cannot just tinker with your sentences. You need to say something like:

I need to find someone who will make (the) preparations/prepare things.
I need to find someone so that I can make (the) preparations/prepare things.


I am not sure why you would need someone in order that you could make the preparations.
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Does "I need to find John to prepare for throwing a party" sound okay?
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lucas21cDoes "I need to find John to prepare for throwing a party" sound okay?
Is this what you mean?—

I need to find John to help prepare/throw a party.
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Who helps throw a party?
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To fivejedjon:

Could you tell me why?
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lucas21cWho helps throw a party?
Presumably John, or you wouldn't need him.

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