discussion-on-ambiguity

Syntax: A Generative Introduction points out that one of the uses of tree diagrams is that they allow us to see very clearly the differences in ambiguous readings of the same sentence. For example, page 96 contains the sentence, “The man killed the king with the knife.” Did the man kill the king by using a knife, or did he kill the king who was holding a knife (as opposed to another king who didn’t have a knife)? These two different interpretations can be expressed by two very different tree diagrams.

First, do a search to find three ambiguous sentences not listed in Syntax: A Generative Introduction, or invent your own. Then, paraphrase each of the sentences to clearly show the two different meanings that are possible. Finally, make tree diagrams for each of the different meanings for all three sentences (six diagrams in total). Draw the diagrams in a Word document and attach it to your post. Also, clearly cite the sources in which you found the sentences (if they aren’t invented by you).

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length