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Pructus Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Not to V
Hello, Dear Gurus and Members!!
I'd like to be advised on the structure of "not to V".
Your task is not to make a sound.
Can this sentence be understood in two meanings?
1. You task is “not to make a sound under any circumstances”.
2. Your task is not “to make a sound”, but to do something else.
Likewise....
To perceive is not to know.
1. To perceive is “not to know”. ? Implying “You perceive because you don’t know”.
2. To perceive is not “to know”. ? Implying “To perceive does not guarantee that you know”.
I'd like to be advised on the structure of "not to V".
Your task is not to make a sound.
Can this sentence be understood in two meanings?
1. You task is “not to make a sound under any circumstances”.
2. Your task is not “to make a sound”, but to do something else.
Likewise....
To perceive is not to know.
1. To perceive is “not to know”. ? Implying “You perceive because you don’t know”.
2. To perceive is not “to know”. ? Implying “To perceive does not guarantee that you know”.
Top answer
pructus Can this sentence be understood in two meanings? No; it means only #1 to me. For #2 you need further explanatory context.
- pructus Can this sentence be understood in two meanings?
- No; it means only #1 to me.
- For #2 you need further explanatory context.
- pructus To perceive is not to know.
- It means only #2 to me.
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2 Answers
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pructusCan this sentence be understood in two meanings?No; it means only #1 to me. For #2 you need further explanatory context.
pructusTo perceive is not to know.It means only #2 to me. I am unable to read #1 into it.
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