Questions tagged [semantics]
The semantics tag has no usage guidance.
14
questions
-2
votes
2answers
67 views
What class are you studying?
It is a tendency among teachers of English in India to ask and teach sentences of this kind in the class.
What class are you studying?
Inwhich class are you studying?
...
-1
votes
1answer
34 views
I thought/ didn't think you were/ not coming
We usually say :
I don't think he will pass.
Not
I think he will not pass.
I didn't think he was coming.
But not I thought you were not coming.
I know that it is called ...
1
vote
1answer
21 views
If a sentence is quashed, does it mean that there's no sentence at all anymore?
If a sentence is quashed, does it mean that there's no sentence at all anymore (i.e. the convicted is acquitted) or, if a sentence is only reduced or, say, replaced with probation, the word's ...
0
votes
1answer
19 views
Does the verb 'apply' necessarily imply that you ask that something be given to you? Can it be used if there's no direct personal gain?
For example, if a person or some nonprofit sends implicating information to a law enforcement agency and requests that company A should be investigated and, if found guilty, punished because they ...
1
vote
1answer
60 views
The school is open from 10 A.M to 5 P.M
I know that open is an ergative verb and it can be used transitively and intransitively and open is also an adjective.
The school opens at 10 A.M and closes at 5 P.M.
The school is opened at ...
-1
votes
1answer
51 views
'non-been Being'
The word 'being' can mean 'creature' or 'as' (i.e: 'being / as a rich man'). What is the meaning of 'non-been Being' exactly? . Is this ambiguous?
1
vote
0answers
44 views
To infinitive VS bare infinitive
He made me laugh(active)
I was made to laugh by him(passive voice)
In the active voice made is followed by personal object and bare infinitive.
But in the passive voice made is followed ...
24
votes
5answers
6k views
Is “Ram married his daughter” ambiguous?
Ram married his daughter is ambiguous because:
Marry means marry somebody to become a spouse.
The second meaning is perform the marriage ritual as a priest.
So, if Ram is a priest he can marry his ...
0
votes
1answer
56 views
The clerk concerned VS the concerned clerk
I want to meet the concerned clerk
I want to meet the clerk concerned
According the grammar book by David Green the first sentence means I want to meet the clerk who is tense or ...
0
votes
2answers
67 views
He left her a widow
He left her a widow.
I think this sentence is ambiguous.
The possible meanings are:
1. He died and she became a widow.
2. He kept a widow in her care.
Could you please analyze the sentences and ...
1
vote
2answers
44 views
You must have mended your shoes
Your shoes are shining:
You must have mended your shoes.
You must have your shoes mended.
This was the question given in an examination.
Most students and some teachers found the ...
0
votes
2answers
52 views
Not all language tests are of the same kind
Not all language tests are of the same kind.
All language tests are not of the same kind
I think both the sentences mean the same thing though they are syntactically different.
What is the part ...
2
votes
1answer
90 views
I want to make friendship with you
I know that to make friends with somebody is idiomatic in English.
But in India I hear people saying
I want to make friendship with you
I think native speakers do not accept make friendship with ...
0
votes
1answer
410 views
Semantics (English linguistics): “words as containers of meaning”
I have a big doubt... I’m taking an english linguistics course and I don’t understand this section of the book :( There would be any person who already finished this subject would explain me.
It is ...
