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Handtalk Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

"call" "see" ambiguities in meaning

Hi, I have questions about word usage and meaning.

When you say,
"Call the lawyer!"
are you telling to "phone" the layer or "bring" the lawyer?

How about when you say,
"The man requested that his lawyer be called."

Similarly,
When you say,
"I saw her in my math class."
are you saying you "sighted" her or "greeted" (may be even chatted with)" her?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

' means to telephone them. Same with 'The man requested that his lawyer be called'. He wants to speak with his lawyer, if they then decide that they should meet somewhere that's up to them.

  • ' means to telephone them.
  • Same with 'The man requested that his lawyer be called'.
  • He wants to speak with his lawyer, if they then decide that they should meet somewhere that's up to them.
  • "I saw her in my math class" could mean either or depending on what evoked the statement.
  • " Sam "yeah, I saw her in my math class" Hope this helps, -Ruru
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6 Answers
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Handtalk,

I would have to say that 'Call the lawyer!' means to telephone them.

Same with 'The man requested that his lawyer be called'. He wants to speak with his lawyer, if they then decide that they should meet somewhere that's up to them.

"I saw her in my math class" could mean either or depending on what evoked the statement.

Bob "Have you talked to Stacy
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What about if the lawyer is next room? In this case I would think it means bring him in.
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Thanks Oprahruru.
So, generally laywers are someone to "phone", not to summon...?
Or just the contex I provided specifically tells you so?
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Yes, in my opinion, Lawyers are someone you would generally phone because their profession is oral, they do not need to be physically present to give advice.
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Hi guys,
When you speak of calling someone, it can inolve telephoning or simply summoning the person by raising my voice.

Usually, the context makes the intended meaning very clear.
eg If I'm in a police station at 3am and my lawyer is at home in bed, I need to use a phone.

Clive
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Thanks Oprahruru and Clive.
I think I got it.

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