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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Sentence inquiry
Are both of these sentences correct? Which one conveys that each of use wants a new car?
We both want to buy new cars.
We both want to buy a new car.
We both want to buy new cars.
We both want to buy a new car.
Top answer
There is an element of ambiguity in both statements. Usually, the context will make the intended meaning clear. If it doesn't, then ask.
- There is an element of ambiguity in both statements.
- Usually, the context will make the intended meaning clear.
- If it doesn't, then ask.
- Clive
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10 Answers
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There is an element of ambiguity in both statements. Usually, the context will make the intended meaning clear.
If it doesn't, then ask.
Clive
If it doesn't, then ask.
Clive
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CliveThere is an element of ambiguity in both statements. Usually, the context will make the intended meaning clear. If it doesn't, then ask.CliveThanks. But there is no context, and that is why I am asking. Are yoi saying that it is not a good sentence and do you suggest that it is better to change the context to make it clearer, such as 'each of us wants to
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CliveYesThanks. How about:
We both prefer females to massage us.
We both prefer a female to massage us.
Which of these do you prefer?
Is there also ambiguity?
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CliveI have no preference.Both are still ambiguous.I see. So when a sentence is ambiguous it is best to rephrase it, right? Because I do come across a lot of sentences that are ambiguous.
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As Clive said before, usually context or common sense takes care of ambiguity. When it does not, just ask.
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BarbaraPAAs Clive said before, usually context or common sense takes care of ambiguity. When it does not, just ask.Thanks. Do you mean rephrasing or changing the context takes care of that matter?
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You START with a context.
You don't "change the context."
If you have two people who are not married (or otherwise in a relationship in the same household) and you say the both want a car, you can reasonably assume they EACH want their own car. The context clears up the ambiguity.
When the context does not clear it up (they are married, for example), and you really car
You don't "change the context."
If you have two people who are not married (or otherwise in a relationship in the same household) and you say the both want a car, you can reasonably assume they EACH want their own car. The context clears up the ambiguity.
When the context does not clear it up (they are married, for example), and you really car
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BarbaraPAYou START with a context. You don't "change the context."If you have two people who are not married (or otherwise in a relationship in the same household) and you say the both want a car, you can reasonably assume they EACH want their own car. The context clears up the ambiguity. When the context does not clear it up (they are married, for example), and you reall
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