a car to...

[navi tasan]

Could the sentences 1 and 2 be used instead of the meaning sentences in each case:

1) I am thinking about a car to take us there.
MEANING: I am thinking about which car to use to go there.

2) I am thinking about a car to leave town in.
MEANING: I am thinking about which car to leave town in.

Do '1' and '2' have any other meanings?

Gratefully,
Navi.

HAPPY 2017

 

[emsr2d2]

Neither of them suggests that the person is thinking about "which" car to use. To me, they simply mean that the person is considering using a car as the form of transport for each purpose.

 

[navi tasan]

Thank you very much, emsr2d2,

So,

A) I am thinking about a car to drive to work in.
would mean:
A1) I am considering buying a car to drive to work in.
(Maybe I am thinking of a specific car, and maybe I am just thinking about getting a car)

And:
B) I am considering a house to live in after I retire.
would mean:
B1) I am considering buying a house to live in after I retire.
(Maybe I am thinking about a specific house and maybe I am just thinking about buying a house. I don't have any idea which house I will buy.)

Is that correct?

Gratefully,
Navi.

 

[Tdol]

I think that it could mean which car, but more likely the type of transport.

 

[Skrej]

I am thinking about a car to drive to work in.

Either you're debating whether or not to buy a car, or possibly you're debating between a car and some other type of transport (say a bicycle or pickup). Context would clarify which.

B) I am considering a house to live in after I retire.

Either you're considering whether or not to buy a house, or possibly you're debating between buying and renting. It could also be a debate between buying a house or some other option such as a condo. Context would clarify.

That indefinite article doesn't indicate any idea of specificity to me. If you said something like "I'm considering buying this (one) house/car" or "There's this (one) house/car I'm considering buying", then it would be much clearer you have a particular house/car in mind. The debate would then be more about that particular model or unit. You're going to buy something, it's just a question of which one.

Your examples above suggest to me debate about the purchase itself rather than particular models or units.

 

[navi tasan]

Thank you all very much,

This is a tough one.

It is clear that the debate is about the purchase itself and the car or house is secondary. But let me try something:

- I am thinking about a car to drive to work in.
- What car would you like?
- I am thinking about buying John's car. He wants to sell it.

The sentence in red focuses on the idea of buying a car. But isn't it possible that the speaker does have a specific one in mind?

I might be pushing things, in which case, I apologize. I am a bit confused... (Just a bit?)

Gratefully,
Navi.

 

[Skrej]

Yes, it's possible there's a specific one in mind, as Tdol mentioned in post #4. It's just that's the less likely interpretation.

 

[tedmc]

I am thinking about a car to drive to work in.

People can only guess what you intention is. You could be more specific, unless you want to be vague.

 

[Tdol]

Navi navigates the seas of ambiguity.

 

[Skrej]

Sometimes on a raft, sometimes in a bathtub.

 

[navi tasan]

Thank you all very much,

I am the rafter of the roof, but why would I use the bathtub when I can use the sink? The sink won't sink.

Does 'No' mean 'North' or is it ambiguous?

I think my name is ambiguous! The meaning depends on the context!

I'm sorry. I am a bit tipsy right now!

Thanks again and a happy 2017 to everybody!

Respectfully,
Navi.

 

[emsr2d2]

One of the most splendid tipsy posts I've ever seen!

However, I think it's probably time for this thread to say goodnight. It might be time for Navi to say goodnight too! ;-)