ambiguous example

[ambiguous]

1.Yesterday, Lowa saw a dog in the garden.
"in the garden" modifies the verb "saw" or the object "dog"?
This ambiguity happens in other languages as well.
Sometimes, how do you solve it? thanks

 

[2006]

1.Yesterday, Lowa saw a dog in the garden.
Does "in the garden" modifiy the verb "saw" or the object "dog"?

It clearly modifies "a dog".

 

[Raymott]

1.Yesterday, Lowa saw a dog in the garden.
"in the garden" modifies the verb "saw" or the object "dog"?
It refers to both, because the dog is in the garden. [See below*]
This ambiguity happens in other languages as well.
Sometimes, how do you solve it? thanks

Ambiguities can usually be solved by common sense and context.
If a sign says "Dogs must be carried on the escalators", you don't need to look for a dog just to use the escalator.
(Of course, that's no excuse for ambiguities.)

* Anyway, you're asking the wrong question. It should be "Does 'in the garden' refer to the dog or Lowa?"