Just as

Question

1) Tom hates Jeff just as Jeff hates Tom.

2) Tom hates Jeff, just as Jeff hates Tom.

3) Tom hates Jeff like Jeff hates Tom.

4) Tom hates Jeff, like as Jeff hates Tom.

In which cases are we saying that:

a) Tom hates Jeff in the same way that Jeff hates Tom.

and which cases are we saying that:

b) Tom hates Jeff and Jeff hates Tom.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

navitasan
1) Tom hates Jeff just as Jeff hates Tom.
2) Tom hates Jeff, just as Jeff hates Tom.
3) Tom hates Jeff like Jeff hates Tom.
4) Tom hates Jeff, like as Jeff hates Tom.

In which cases are we saying that:
a) Tom hates Jeff in the same way that Jeff hates Tom.
and which cases are we saying that:
b) Tom hates Jeff and Jeff hates Tom.

Commas are not so full of meaning that they can reliably be used like this.

All four are ambiguous with regard to the two possible meanings you have suggested below your sentences. To remove the ambiguity you would have to write a) or b).

CJ

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