The sentence "Visiting relatives can be a nuisance" can be interpreted in at least two very different ways.This sentence has:
A)one surface structure and at least two deep structures
B)one deep structure and at least two surface structures
C)two surface structures and at least two deep structures
D)one deep structure and one surface structure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sentence has one surface structure (the way it is written) but can be interpreted in at least two different ways, indicating multiple deep structures (the underlying meanings). One interpretation is that the act of visiting relatives is a nuisance, and the other is that relatives who visit can be a nuisance.

The Sentence "Visiting Relatives Can Be a Nuisance" Can Be