Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[navi]

Can one say:
1-I kicked the ball near the goal.
instead of:
2-I kicked the ball and sent it near the goal.

[bud]

Yes. In fact, while both are correct, #1 would be the more natural way to say it.

[navi]

Thanks Bud,
So are all of the following OK:
1-I kicked the ball close to the goal.
2-I shot the ball close to the goal.
3-I shot the ball near the goal.

My problem is that I might have sent the ball near the goal or I might have stood near the goal and shot the ball. I suppose the sentences are ambiguous.

[bud]

All of your sentences are correct, Navi, although to my ear, I like "to kick" better than "to shoot." That's because in most sports your arms are used to make a shot. Still, it works well enough.

"Close to the goal," and yet, "near the goal" (without "to") are also correct.

You are also correct about the ambiguity. I was thinking about that when I first saw your question. I think the context would usually make it clear which meaning was intended, but also, I think most would assume that you meant the ball. A rephrasing (Near the goal, I kicked the ball) would most likely be understood that the focus is "I." In each case, it is because whatever ("I" or "the ball") is closest to the clause would be assumed to be the focus.

While all of those sentences are very natural, if you want to avoid the ambiguity you could rephrase the thought. (However, I think the possibility would not even occur to most native-speakers):

I kicked the ball, but it just missed.
I nearly scored a goal.
My kick was (so) close. ("so" is optional)
I kicked the ball close to the goal, and my teammate then sent it through the posts.

... and on and on...

Nice job!

[navi]

Very good explanation. Thanks a lot.

[bud]

Thank you.