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Anonymous Posted 3 years ago
Grammar

Sentence meaning

Hello,

So, I have this sentence:

"I can't give you anything you wish for."

Is it true that this sentence has two meanings?

1. I can give you nothing you wish for.

2. There are some things I can't give you despite your wishing for them.

Though, I feel like in order for the sentence to gain meaning (2.), we would have to emphasize the "anything" and pronounce the "you wish for" part with rising intonation when pronouncing it.

Are these assumptions correct?

  1. Thanks a lot for any insights!
  

Top answer

" OK, let's take the same sentence with a different relative clause to make it easier to understand. ) It has one meaning. Pronunciation makes no difference.

— AlpheccaStars

  • " OK, let's take the same sentence with a different relative clause to make it easier to understand.
  • ) It has one meaning.
  • Pronunciation makes no difference.
  • If the item cost $10, I can give it to you.
  • 01, I can't give it to you.
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2 Answers
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anonymous"I can't give you anything you wish for."

OK, let's take the same sentence with a different relative clause to make it easier to understand.

Here are the two

a) I can't give you anything [that you wish for.] (Your sentence.)

b) I can't give you anything [that costs more than $10.] (A clearer sentence.)

It has one meaning

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anonymousIs it true that this sentence has two meanings?

It can. Ambiguity is a pitfall that awaits all writers. Context clears things up nicely, though. Usually.

anonymousAre these assumptions correct?

I'd say so, but I would also expect more words and different ones:

anonymous1. I can
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