Structurally Ambiguous Phrases

This content explores structurally ambiguous noun and verb phrases, illustrating how their structures can lead to multiple interpretations. Through examples and images, you will grasp the complexity of such linguistic constructions.

• Linguistics
• Interpretation
• Language Analysis
• Ambiguity
• Syntax

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Uploaded on Feb 19, 2025 | 1 Views

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Presentation Transcript

1. Section 4 Ambiguous structures

2. Structurally ambiguous noun phrase. A noun phrase is considered as STRUCTURALLY AMBIGUOUS when its structure permits more than one interpretation. Example: 1. Some Japanese print collectors 1a. some Japanese collectors of prints 1b. some collectors of Japanese prints 2. More exciting ideas 2a. more ideas that are exciting 2b. ideas that are more exciting

3. 1a. some Japanese collectors of prints 1b. some collectors of Japanese prints collectors collectors

4. 2b. ideas that are more exciting 2a. more ideas that are exciting

5. Structurally ambiguous verb phrase. 1. [He] watched the hunters with the binoculars. This verb phrase is structurally ambiguous because: 1a. He watched the hunterswith binoculars. SVOA 1b. He watchedthe hunterswith binoculars. SVO

6. 1a. He watched the hunterswith binoculars. SVOA 1b. He watchedthe hunterswith binoculars. SVO

7. Structurally ambiguous verb phrase. 2. [They] are moving sidewalks. This verb phrase is structurally ambiguous because: 2a. They are moving sidewalks. SVO 2b. They are moving sidewalks. SVC

8. Structurally ambiguous verb phrase. 3. [The witch] turned on the stove. This verb phrase is structurally ambiguous because: 3a. The witch turnedon the stove. SVO 3b. The witch turned on the stove. SVA

9. 3b. The witch turned on the stove. SVA 3a. The witch turnedon the stove. SVO

10. Exercise 1. An old car enthusiast 2. More boring subjects 3. John saw the performers with the binoculars. 4. She decided on the train.

11. Homework 1. A foreign stamp collector 2. An American car importer 3. More interesting places 4. Harry watched the dog with one eye.