Two sentences that have the same words but different meanings. (quote, difference)

[socrates]

I need an example of sentences that use the same words in different orders to mean different things.

[harhar]

Is this the Socratic method in action?


"Woman dances well, only for a little while."

"While for a little woman well, only dances."


I can do better. Let's just say I purposely did horrible so I wouldn't do your homework for you.

[jtur88]

"Will you do it?"
"Do you will it?"

Sometimes you don't even have to change anything:

"Did you ever see a cake walk?" (or home run, or house fly, or egg roll.)

[Nighteyes]

Originally Posted by jtur88

"Will you do it?"
"Do you will it?"

Sometimes you don't even have to change anything:

"Did you ever see a cake walk?" (or home run, or house fly, or egg roll.)

Sometimes you only have to change the punctuation.

Woman, without her man, is helpless.

Woman! Without her, man is helpless!

As a long-lived and experienced male, I opt for the second sentence. (How else do you think I got to be long-lived enough to gain experience?)

[Rocky Raab]

The example from Nighteyes is the one I was going to use. It comes from the thoroughly wonderful book "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" which is itself an eponymic example.

[TKramar]

oh...changing the order.

I would have suggested, "I got a run." Are you playing baseball, cribbage, wearing stockings...?

[CA4Now]

Sign often seen in streets during construction or in neighborhoods with kids: "Slow children"

Slow, children.
Slow children!
Slow, children?
Slow children?

[Rocky Raab]

I've always wondered whether those "End Construction" road signs are an advisory -- or a protest.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by harhar

Is this the Socratic method in action?


"Woman dances well, only for a little while."

"While for a little woman well, only dances."


I can do better. Let's just say I purposely did horrible so I wouldn't do your homework for you.

It doesn't matter. Someone always does it for them...

[frizzo100]

Originally Posted by Nighteyes

Sometimes you only have to change the punctuation.

Woman, without her man, is helpless.

Woman! Without her, man is helpless!

As a long-lived and experienced male, I opt for the second sentence. (How else do you think I got to be long-lived enough to gain experience?)

Here is another one:

Bill helped his brother Jack, off the horse.

or without the comma:

Bill helped his brother Jack off the horse.

It makes a big difference. Doesn't it?