How does a proceeding adverb affect multiple verbs separated by commas?

Question

Hi everyone,I apologize if my title is poorly worded. I was arguing with a coworker earlier about the definition of the word "sentience" as relayed to us by Google. More specifically, we were arguing about the meaning of the first sentence, which is as follows: "Sentience is the capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively."My coworker (who also happens to be my boss) contends that the adverb "subjectively" applies only to "experience."My understanding is that the adverb "subjectively" applies to all three of the preceding verbs. If it did not, the verbs would have to be either separated by semicolons, or "experience subjectively" would have had to come before the other two verbs, no?I'm not concerned about the philosophical meaning of sentience, but about the literal meaning of that specific sentence. I was so adamant on my stance that I promised him I would ask the experts on a grammar forum tonight, so if anyone can please clear this up, it would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance!Nate

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Nate RifkinMy understanding is that the adverb "subjectively" applies to all three of the preceding verbs.

That is mine, too—based on the meanings of the words in the sentence.

Nate RifkinIf it did not, the verbs would have to be ...separated by semicolons

Bad punctuation.

Nate Rifkinor "experience subjectively" would have had to come before the other two verbs, no?

That would be wise structuring. However, it is not required; the original sentence would be just ambiguously framed if the meaning were not clear. For instance, this is clear enough:

Sentience is the capacity to feel, perceive, or tap dance rhythmically.

There, the meaning must be obvious enough for no one to misinterpret the reference of the adverb. Structuring choice depends on meaning, not on a rule.

Clive · Answer

I would say there is some ambiguity.

It would be clearer to say

eg "Sentience is the subjective capacity to feel, perceive, or experience."

eg "Sentience is the capacity to feel, perceive, or experience, all subjectively."

CalifJim · Answer

Nate RifkinSentience is the capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively.

Personally I have no doubt that the author intended 'subjectively' to apply to all three verbs. I base this on semantics, not on grammar or punctuation.

There is no reason that I can see for excluding 'feel' or 'perceive' from being subjective in a discussion of sentience.

CJ

How does a proceeding adverb affect multiple verbs separated by commas?

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