Here’s a sentence that is ambiguous
between a relative and a complement clause:
Elizabeth believes the theory that
Camilla proposed to Charles.
- In the relative interpretation,
Camilla proposed a certain theory to Charles (perhaps that good things
come to those who wait), and Elizabeth believes
that theory.
- In the complement
interpretation, Elizabeth
believes the theory that it was Camilla who proposed marriage to Charles,
rather than the reverse.
________________________
Richard Veit
Department of English, UNCW
Wilmington, NC 28403-5947
910-962-3324