Is there any general rule how to obtain unambiguous grammar from ambiguous grammar.?

Question

Is there any general rule how to obtain unambiguous grammar from ambiguous grammar.?

Answer 1

English is a notoriously ambiguous languag while French and other languages are not. That is why French is known as the language of diplomacy... it is more precise and leaves less room for ambiguity. Even plain grammar in English can often be ambiguous, and even a single comma can change the entire meaning of the sentence so it appears we are stuck with it... There apparently seems no possibility to erase the ambiguity unless one takes extra measures and effort to explain precisely what is meant. This would entail the use of more words. One might take a clue from scientific language where scientists make a determined effort to erase all ambiguity.

Answer 2

Not so much a general rule, as a guideline: be specific!



Ambiguity often comes from using words that are too general, too many meanings for the reader or listener to chose from.



Also avoid the "is" of identification when you can. Especially in English - identification can lead to misunderstandings. So, read through what you write, and, if possible, remove tenses of the verb 'to be'. If you do use the 'is of identification', be sure that others see it in the same way as you intend.

Answer 3

Require that each word in the statement be accompanied with its definition...