Unit 5: Function Labels: 5.10 Ambiguity
Some sentences are ambiguous because it is not clear whether an adverb is acting as an independent A or is a degree adverb acting as M within a phrase. Sentence 17 could have either analysis.
17. The FT Index rose slightly later
PARAPHRASES:
17a. Later, the FT Index rose slightly.
17b. Slightly later, the FT Index rose.
17a.
Cl [
S
NP
NP
M
(The
d
(The
d
M
FT
N
FT
N
H
Index)
N
Index)
N
P
VP
VP
H
(rose)
V
(rose)
V
A
AvP
AvP
H
(slightly)
Av
(slightly)
Av
A
AvP
AvP
H
(later)
Av
(later)
Av
]
17b.
Cl [
S
NP
NP
M
(The
d
(The
d
M
FT
N
FT
N
H
Index)
N
Index)
N
P
VP
VP
H
(rose)
V
(rose)
V
A
AvP
AvP
M
(slightly
Av
(slightly
Av
H
later)
Av
later)
Av
]
These examples show the importance of bracketing in revealing the structures of sentences.
