Language: verbs with multiple meanings, part1: English weighs in

Self-tutoring about verbs with two meanings: the tutor mentions an example from English.

In yesterday’s post I mention the French verb faire, which means “to make” or “to do.” Although a French person may see all that as one idea, it’s two different meanings to an English person.

English contains verbs with multiple meanings, as well: fix, for example. You can fix a sandwich, but you can also fix a car.

Interestingly, every English speaker I know says fix a car, but no place I’ve ever lived do people say fix a sandwich. Yet, I’ve heard numerous people, on TV and such, say it.

Perhaps fix can mean one or two actions, depending on your region. Interesting, eh?