Before you read on, I just want to let you know that this question is one that relates to the balance of logic and grammar.
So I know that are multiple ways to describe a first-cousin relationship. I have heard people say 'We share the same grandparents'/'He/she is the child of my aunt/uncle.'or even just 'we are first cousins'.
However, I came across an interesting situation when I tried to rephrase'One of my parents and one of his/her parents are siblings.' (Which I find wordy and repetitive) whilst still maintaining the focus on parents. When I tried rewording it like this :
- One of our parents are siblings. (Don't even think this is grammatically correct as the verb doesn't agree with the subject).
It turned out to be ambiguous, as though I am talking about only ONE parent instead of ONE PARENT ON BOTH SIDES. If I change that to:
- One of both of our parents are siblings.
It sounds very awkward and equally unclear. I remember coming across a English grammar article a long time ago describing a similar case, but have long forgot if there is a proper term for this kind of ambiguity. To further elaborate on my question, to say:
- Both of our parents are siblings.
Would also be open to more than one interpretations. What about:
- One parents from each side are siblings (or should I say "is siblings")
Overall, in the case that there are two subjects/parties involved (my cousin and I) and more than two objects (4 parents total, 2 each), how can I make myself clear?
Many thanks for your answers.