[Grammar] Please help to explain on this phrase meaning.?

Status
Not open for further replies.

n4me

New member
Joined
Jun 30, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Don't run and walk in line = don't run and don't walk in line

Is it the same meaning?
How if this order phrase: Don't run, Please walk in line. Like this we don't use conjunction "and" so it wouldn't confuse the meaning to don't run and (don't) walk in line. Am I right?

Help to explain this grammar rule of this conjuntion rule "don't" + verb + and + verb. Thanks
 

Raymott

VIP Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
English
Home Country
Australia
Current Location
Australia
Don't run and walk in line = don't run and don't walk in line

Is it the same meaning?
How if this order phrase: Don't run, Please walk in line. Like this we don't use conjunction "and" so it wouldn't confuse the meaning to don't run and (don't) walk in line. Am I right?

Help to explain this grammar rule of this conjuntion rule "don't" + verb + and + verb. Thanks
If this construction leads to an ambiguous sentence, you shouldn't use it.
In speech, the intonation would usually give the meaning.
"Don't drink and drive" is unambiguous to a native speaker. It means "Don't drive after you've been drinking alcohol"
So, it means: Don't [A and B].
Your sentence means: Don't A and Do B.
Another meaning is: Don't A and Don't B, as in "Don't do drugs and engage in antisocial behaviour."
Don't A and Don't B = Don't [A or B].

When this construction is used, you can usually tell its meaning from the context. Naturally, it's often used ambiguously.

PS: The best fix for your sentence is: "Walk in line and don't run."
 
Last edited:

casablanca_30391

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Vietnamese
Home Country
Vietnam
Current Location
Vietnam
I agree with Raymott:)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top