1. a) The sentence is unambiguous in meaning: John is the
only one who can speak Arabic really well.
b) The sentence has an ambiguous meaning. If the speaker
puts the stress on “speak” it means that John can only speak the
language really well but not, say, write in ii or read complicated
classical Arabic texts. If the speaker stressed “Arabic” it means
that Arabic is the only language John speaks really well.
2. a) To tell the truth, I cannot talk to her any more. Frankly
is a viewpoint adverb.
b) I cannot be frank with her any more.
3. a) The first sentence is just a statement of a fact.
b) The second sentence implies surprise that the post has
not come: The post has not come yet which is surprising because
it is already rather late.
4. In a) “in this company” is the focus of communication, in
b) it isn’t. In a) the speaker implies that the company in question
is special, perhaps unique, where as in b) he implies no such
thing. He just states a fact and does it quite matter-of-factly.
5. a) They soon made up their minds that they would leave.
b) They decided that they would leave soon.
6. a) I told you to come round some time ago.
b) I had told you to come round earlier than you did.
7. a) Previously, I wanted John to have it but I’ve changed my
mind./I used to want John to have it but I’ve changed my mind.
b) I wanted John to have it earlier than he did.
8. a) When I am in London I prefer to eat in expensive restaurants
(I haven’t said anything about my preferences in other
cities).
b) It is only in London that I like to eat in expensive restaurants.
Elsewhere I don’t mind going to cheaper ones. However if
the speaker puts the stress on “expensive”, b) = a).
9. a) Peter is so good at cheating at cards that he can often get
away with it.
b) This sentence can have two meanings. It can have the
same meaning as a) in which case the speaker puts the stress on
“catch”. Or the speaker can put the stress on “Peter” implying
that Peter either does not often cheat at cards or conversly is a
very skillful cheat.
10. b) is emphatic whereas a) is not.
11. In b) “nine thirty” is emphasized, in a) there is no
emphasis.
12. In b) “carefully” is the focus of communication, in a) it
isn’t.