Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
person who designs gardens or large areas
check
courtesy
landscaper
plumber
full quiz correct answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   Album   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

ambiguous or not?



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Usage of article: I'm expecting the call from a client in the Netherlands. | "way of doing something" vs "way to do something"?
listening exercisestell a friend
Message
Author
ambiguous or not? #1 (permalink) Tue Jun 03, 2008 19:05 pm   ambiguous or not?
 

Hi,
Please have a look at this:

My family is planning a visit to the US, which have issued them visas that are good for six months and expire by the end of the year

This is a mistake correcting exercise and I choose "have" and change it into "has". But do agree this is an ambiguous sentence? I mean: it's hard to understand who/what "issued them visas", right?
_________________
:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...
Nessie
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 16 Feb 2008
Posts: 1102

ambiguous or not? #2 (permalink) Tue Jun 03, 2008 19:25 pm   ambiguous or not?
 

It should be:

My family is planning a visit to the US, which has issued them visas that are good for six months and expire by the end of the year.

Break it down into separate sentences:

My family is planning a visit to the US. The US has issued them visas. The visas are good for six months. The visas expire by the end of the year.
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.
Prezbucky
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 2621
Location: Nashville, TN (USA)

In this story you'll learn how to use the English articlesEnglish grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skillsAre you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!Here is how you can learn English the fun way! Click to subscribe to free email English course
ambiguous or not? #3 (permalink) Tue Jun 03, 2008 19:26 pm   ambiguous or not?
 

As for whether or not it's ambiguous, I don't think so: The first "which" must logically refer to "US".
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.
Prezbucky
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 2621
Location: Nashville, TN (USA)

Display posts from previous:   
Usage of article: I'm expecting the call from a client in the Netherlands. | "way of doing something" vs "way to do something"?
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on ESL EFL Forums
Can a voice resemble another voiceDifference between said and toldExpression: "What time do you make it now?"Expression: "She speaks through nose."misrelated participleUsage of wannaToss vs Throwit was the first time that OR whenWhat does "field a question" mean?Bargain vs moderateUse of "ravel".what is the difference between assets and wealthnative and non-native language using style

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course
First name E-mail