when I was arrested

[navi tasan]

1) He was happy when he heard the news. I was too.
Could that mean:
He was happy when he heard the news. And I was happy when I heard the news. (We didn't hear it at the same time.)
Normally '1' would mean: ...I was happy when he heard the news.

2) He was surprised when he was arrested. I was too.
Could that mean:
He was surprised when he was arrested, and I was surprised when I was arrested.
Normally '2' would mean: .... I was surprised when he was arrested/

I think '1' works with that meaning but '2' doesn't...

Gratefully,
Navi

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Good question! You might get several opinions here.

I agree with you. Your understanding of each is the more likely one.

Obviously, each could have been phrased more clearly. When we're left on our own to piece together the meaning of ambiguous sentences, the blame goes to the person who said it if we get it wrong.

 

[Tarheel]

I interpret #1 as meaning I was happy when I heard the news. (That's the only thing that makes sense to me.)

I agree with your interpretation of #2. I would have a different opinion only if it mentioned that "I" was also arrested.

As always, more context would make things more clear. (There is always context.)

 

[Tdol]

It's unlikely to me that you were arrested.