a. We laughed at the colourful ball.
Meaning 1: We laughed at the colourful ball that was held.
Meaning 2: We were at the colourful ball and we laughed.
b. He was knocked over by the punch.
Meaning 1: He was knocked over by the strong liquor.
Meaning 2: He was knocked over after he was punched.
c. The police were urged to stop drinking by the fifth.
Meaning 1: The police were urged to stop drinking at the fifth glass of liquor.
Meaning 2: The police were urged to stop drinking by the fifth day.
d. I said I would file it on Thursday.
Meaning 1: I said I would compile it on Thursday.
Meaning 2: I said I would hand it in on Thursday.
e. I cannot recommend visiting professors too highly.
Meaning 1: I cannot recommend professors who are visiting too highly.
Meaning 2: I cannot recommend too highly on visiting the professors
f. The license fee for pets owned by senior citizens who have not been altered is $1.50. (Actual notice)
Meaning 1: The license fee for senior citizens who own pets that have not been spayed or neutered is $ 1.50.
Meaning 2: The license fee for senior citizens who are mentally incapable that own pets is $ 1.50.
g. What looks better on a handsome man than a tux? Nothing! (Attributed to Mae West)
Meaning 1: What looks better on handsome man than a tux? When he is wearing nothing.
Meaning 2: Nothing looks better on a handsome man than a tux.
h. Wanted: Man to take care of cow that doesn’t not smoke or drink.
Meaning 1: A man is wanted to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.
Meaning 2: A man who does not smoke or drink is wanted to take care of cow.
i. For sale: Several old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.
Meaning 1: Several old dresses that are in beautiful condition from grandmother are for sale
Meaning 2: Several old a dresses from a grandmother in beautiful condition are for