amphibology
/ˌæmfɪˈbɑlədʒi/
noun
- A phrase or sentence that can be understood in more than one way because of its grammar or word order, often causing confusion.
- The sentence 'I saw the man with the telescope' is an amphibology because it could mean either I used a telescope to see the man or the man had a telescope.
- The lawyer pointed out the amphibology in the contract to argue that the clause was unclear.
- Writers sometimes use amphibology on purpose to create humor or mystery in a story.
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