5 ms·

This is an example of linguistic ellipsis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipsis_(linguistics) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipsis_(linguistics) E.g. "Shou

This is an example of linguistic ellipsis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipsis_(linguistics) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipsis_(linguistics) E.g. "Should I call you, or you me?" <== from "or [should] you [call] me" So the sentence is actually: * Typically there is an avoidance relationship between a man and his mother-in-law, * usually [there is an avoidance relationship] between a woman and her father-in-law, * and sometimes [there is an avoidance relationship] between any person and their same-sex parent-in-law. The three parts are in parallel and connected by a comma/and list structure. It's confusing because the structuring and words create some ambiguity, though the sentence is valid overall.

0_____0 4y ago
It seems... fine? Not sure how I would word this to be more clear without a dramatic break in style e.g. your bullet point list.
- creamyhorror 4y ago
  The confusing-ness comes from a few factors: (1) the fact that commas are very commonly used to mark an appositive phrase, so the second part initially looks like it's an appositive (meaning that it elaborates on the first part); (2) ellipsis of this extent is not so common in modern writing, so less experienced readers will get confused; and (3) it isn't so common to put more than two full clauses in a comma/and list. If I were trying to reduce confusing-ness, I would reduce the extent of ellipsis, break up the parts into two sentences, use semicolons, switch to plural 'relationships', or directly number the parts: * There is typically an avoidance relationship between a man and his mother-in-law, and usually one between a woman and her father-in-law. Sometimes, there is one between any person and their same-sex parent-in-law. * Avoidance relationships exist (1) typically between a man and his mother-in-law; (2) usually between a man and his mother-in-law; and (3) sometimes between a woman and her father-in-law. It feels like refactoring in programming!
  - adrianmonk 4y ago
    > It feels like refactoring in programming! Let's try it with a zip() function on two lists! This is better, right? "There is an avoidance relationship between a man and his mother-in-law, a woman and her father-in-law, and any person and their same-sex parent, typically, usually, and sometimes, respectively."
  - creamyhorror 4y ago
    Oops, typo, I meant: * Avoidance relationships (1) typically exist between a man and his mother-in-law; (2) usually exist between a woman and her father-in-law; and (3) sometimes exist between any person and their same-sex parent-in-law.

0_____0 4y ago

It seems... fine? Not sure how I would word this to be more clear without a dramatic break in style e.g. your bullet point list.

creamyhorror 4y ago
The confusing-ness comes from a few factors: (1) the fact that commas are very commonly used to mark an appositive phrase, so the second part initially looks like it's an appositive (meaning that it elaborates on the first part); (2) ellipsis of this extent is not so common in modern writing, so less experienced readers will get confused; and (3) it isn't so common to put more than two full clauses in a comma/and list. If I were trying to reduce confusing-ness, I would reduce the extent of ellipsis, break up the parts into two sentences, use semicolons, switch to plural 'relationships', or directly number the parts: * There is typically an avoidance relationship between a man and his mother-in-law, and usually one between a woman and her father-in-law. Sometimes, there is one between any person and their same-sex parent-in-law. * Avoidance relationships exist (1) typically between a man and his mother-in-law; (2) usually between a man and his mother-in-law; and (3) sometimes between a woman and her father-in-law. It feels like refactoring in programming!
- adrianmonk 4y ago
  > It feels like refactoring in programming! Let's try it with a zip() function on two lists! This is better, right? "There is an avoidance relationship between a man and his mother-in-law, a woman and her father-in-law, and any person and their same-sex parent, typically, usually, and sometimes, respectively."
- creamyhorror 4y ago
  Oops, typo, I meant: * Avoidance relationships (1) typically exist between a man and his mother-in-law; (2) usually exist between a woman and her father-in-law; and (3) sometimes exist between any person and their same-sex parent-in-law.