Which does this modify?

Check your idioms here:
http://www.answers.com/topic/scratch-the-surface

The phrase is confusing. I may mean either of:

(1) Interns superficially learn how to do planning and production, etc.
(2) Superficially speakin

Teleostomi

Interns learn how to do planning and production, media research and media contact, just to scratch the surface.

(1)Interns learn how (just) to scratch the surface

(2) Just to scratch the surface, interns learn how to...

I want to know which "just to scratch the surface" is modifying. Which inte

I agree with Philip

Yes, my first read is the same as Philip and Pieanne. Just to scratch the surface of what they will learn...

But you could also argue that they will just scratch the surface on learning how to do any of the things listed.

The first interpretation makes the internship seem of far greater value to the intern than the latter reading.

Grammar GeekYes, my first read is the same as Philip and Pieanne. Just to scratch the surface of what they will learn...

But you could also argue that they will just scratch the surface on learning how to do any of the things listed.

The first interpretation makes the internship seem of far greater value to the intern than the latter reading.

First reading: If you do your internship with us, you will learn a lot - just to scratch the surface of all the things you will learn, you will... (and then list a couple of the things): The interns will acquire a great deal of knowledge.

Second reading: If you do your intership with us, you will learn just a little about a couple thing: The interns don't learn very much.

An inte

Thanks, GG.

What an ambiguous sentence!

It can be interpreted three ways! Including the one Marius has proposed.

Ambiguities aside, the usual meaning of the phrase just to scratch the surface when it is placed after a list (such as planning and production, media research and media contact) is and that is only the beginning of a much longer list.

I need milk, eggs, meat, cheese, and fish, [just to scratch the surface / and that's just the beginning

Thanks, Calif Sultan Jim, you made it perfectly clear!

I understand you support GG's first reading.

I understand you support GG's first reading.

Yes. You understand correctly.

CJ