reading question again

[Taka]

The sentences:

We do not know how to express ouselves because we have often had to do so in the same or similar ways in the past. It is very rare that what we wish to express now is exactly the same as something we have wanted to say previously. There is usually some difference of emphasis, of conviction or of situation at the very least. In other words, the demands that we want to place on language are virtually limitless.

About "at the very least", what part of the sentence does it modify? My text says it is:

There is usually some difference of emphasis, of conviction or of situation at the very least.

But IMO it is:

There is usually some difference of emphasis, of conviction or of situation at the very least.

What do you think, teachers?

 

[Tdol]

To get to your interpretation, I think you'd need a comma. I could easilybe wrong, though. ;-)

 

[Taka]

To get to your interpretation, I think you'd need a comma.

Where should the comma be placed, in front of "or of situation" or "at the very least"?

 

[Tdol]

It would probably be beter to move it:

of conviction or, at the very least, of situation.

That way, there would be no ambigiuiy. ;-)

 

[Taka]

It would probably be beter to move it:

of conviction or, at the very least, of situation.

That way, there would be no ambigiuiy. ;-)

Yes. I know if "at the very least" were in that position, there would be no ambiguity. But you said:

To get to your interpretation, I think you'd need a comma.

So, I'm just wondering where the comma should be.

 

[Tdol]

You could argue for either, though before 'at' would make more sense to me. ;-)

 

[Taka]

OK. Thank you!