Exercise Different types of ambiguity
The following material is an adapted form of material created by student participants of the project e-Learning Resources for Semantics (e-LRS).
Involved participants: Nicki, Marc M, Leo, Anna Böcher, Lorena
Different types of ambiguity
2. Which two meanings does the following sentence contain? Paraphrase them.
We need more intelligent administrators.
Check your solutions here
Here we have a case of structural ambiguity, i.e. the ambiguity arises on the sentence level.
There are two different ways how this sentence can be read:
Possibility 1:
We have enough administrators, but they are not bright enough and need to become more intelligent.
Here, more is used as a comparative particle. So, more intelligent forms one constituent.
Possibility 2:
We do not have enough administrators and need more administrators who are intelligent.
3. Think of an ambiguous phrase or sentence on your own and explain its ambiguity.
Check your solutions here
1. I rushed out and killed a huge lion in my pajamas! - How did the lion get in your pajamas?
2. Man in restaurant: I will have two lamb-chops. And make them lean, please. - Waiter: To which side?
3. Why was Cinderella thrown off the football game? - Because she ran from the ball.