Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Dick said:

This is what I think the writer originally intended.   But, as it is written, it is not clear if the runway is moving backward at that speed and the plane is traveling forward at an unknown speed or if the plane is moving forward at that speed and the runway is moving backward at an unknown speed.

That is EXACTLY the problem that remains.

I tend to accept the version that the runway moves backwards at an unknown speed more since I can, as seen above, restructure the original statement without replacing a word to say this without ambiguity:

“An airplane cannot take off at a speed equal to its normal ground speed during takeoff from a runway which is moving backwards (like a treadmill).”

If I wanted it to be the other version   and write it without ambiguity (and not restructure the sentence but replace as litttle as possible), I would have to replace the word "its" with   the words "the airplane's". I find it hard to accept that the part of the sentence that includes the "its" is supposed to be semantically linked with the runway and define its(!) speed but cannot (as we seem to agree) be replaced with the words "the runway's":

“An airplane cannot take off from a runway which is moving backwards (like a treadmill)

at a speed equal to THE AIRPLANE'S normal ground speed during takeoff.”

By the way, thank you all for bouncing this around. It is a pleasure to discuss this with folks who enjoy words. Please bounce this just a few more times. I think I am almost content.

Heimhenge said:

OK, Karsten, I'll bounce in one final time. Going back to your original post, I agree that the question, as stated, could have more than one correct answer. As I said earlier, it's a poorly written question. I've read several revisions of that question in this thread, and most are good. Best of luck in your challenge to the question-writer!

Metaphorical speaking, if that is "bouncing", you are not much fun to play ball with. You just handed the ball back, told me that you are done playing, and that all others should go home too.

I think, I am at peace with the fact that in this case one either needs to move words or replace the "its" to reach an absolutely clear statement. I feel that moving words (and putting the sentence segment with the "its" where it belongs) is more proper.

Thank you, it was interesting!

Thank you for your kind response.

Nothing happened with my challenge to the question. I have tried to discuss the issue with that person and the ambiguity turned to be the problem. He/she did not see though that there is even a reason to rephrase the statement. I had a good discussion with others about the grammar vs. physics issue and that was useful.

I am at peace. Thank you all for helping out.