same thing twice vs same two things

[newlearn]

Some of my friends think that there is a difference between "the same thing twice" and "the same two things". I really don't see anything different between them. Let me give an example.

(1) I carelessly put the same noun twice in my last sentence.

(2) I carelessly put the same two nouns in my last sentence.


In (1), "the same noun twice" means that you wrote the same noun two times. In (2), "the same two nouns" means that you have two nouns, and they are the same. However, my friends argue that in (2), you have two items that are not the same.

What is the difference between the two phrases? Please explain the difference. Thank you very much.

 

[newlearn]

Thank you Piscean. I am still confused about "the same two nouns". Why do people use the word "same" when the items are different? Could you please explain it? Thanks a lot.

 

[Raymott]

Can you give an example of this usage of "the same two nouns" - preferably with a link? That would give us something to discuss.

Here is one correct usage of "the same two nouns":
Teacher: Here are two nouns: "cat, dog." Can you use those nouns in a sentence?
Student: "The dog chased the cat."
Teacher: Good, now can you use the same two nouns in a question?
Student: "Is the dog chasing the cat?"
Teacher: Very good.

 

[newlearn]

Thank you very much Raymott. Your example has helped me understand what "the same two nouns" means. In other words, you are referring to the two nouns, which were previously used. Thanks a lot.

 

[Tdol]

(1) I carelessly put the same noun twice in my last sentence.

I was attacked by a dog, and the dog bit me. (dog = same noun twice, one sentence)

(2) I carelessly put the same two nouns in my last sentence.

I saw a dog and a cat. The dog and cat were sleeping in the garden. (dog and cat = same two nouns, two sentences)