Discuss the ambiguity of the following sentences. Which are lexically ambiguous? Which are structurally ambiguous?
John sat on Jumbo's trunk.
This sentence is lexically ambiguous. The word “trunk” has more than one meaning. It can refer to the main part of the human body, or a large strong box with a lid used for storing or transporting clothes, books, etc.
The little girl hit the child with the toy.
This sentence is structurally ambiguous. The adverb phrase “with the toy” can serve as a manner to modify the subject or as a post-attribute to modify the object.
Chocolate cakes and pies are my favorite desserts.
This sentence is structurally ambiguous. The attribute “chocolate” can modify the cakes and pies, that is, chocolate cakes and chocolate pies, or only modify the cakes.
We used to meet near the bank every afternoon.
This sentence is lexically ambiguous. The word “bank” has more than one meaning. It can refer to the sides of a river or refer to a financial institution.