Seeing clearly: Frame Semantic, Psycholinguistic, and Cross ...

CHAPTER 2. A FRAME SEMANTIC ANALYSIS 52
We can test for distinctness of senses by trying to invent sentences that produce
zeugma; I will not create the thousands of sentences necessary to test all possible combi-
nations of the 23 senses listed above, but will give a few representative examples (15)-(21),
varying the syntax where possible so that it will not interfere with the semantics. In each
case, the rst (a) sentence of a pair uses the same sense of see twice, while the second (b)
sentence uses di erent senses. The reader may nd some of the (b) sentences stranger than
others, but none of them seem as natural as the corresponding (a) sentences that do not
combine di erent senses.
(15) a. determine + determine:
Let's see if she's interested in a picnic and, if so, where she suggests we go.
b. visit + determine:
Let's see Mom and if she's interested in a picnic.
(16) a. consult + consult:
Next week I have to see my doctorandmylawyer.
b. consult + visit:
Next week I have toseemy doctor and my mother.
(17) a. experience + experience:
Bill saw combat in Vietnam and hard times after he returned to America.
b. experience + eye:
Jim saw combat in Kuwait and the Pyramids on his way home.
(18) a. envision + envision:
I see a tall, dark woman in your future and an important meeting at which
you will be presented with an award.
b. eye + envision:
I see the red Miata across the street and a tall, dark woman in your future.
(19) a. recognize + recognize:
Mary saw the sincerity of his a ection for her, but also that he would never be
the kind of husband she needed.
b. eye + recognize:
Mary saw the pile of work on her desk and the impossibility of going home
on time.