Definition:Amphiboly

Definition
An amphiboly is an ambiguity resulting from poor syntax.

Examples

 * $48 \div 2 \paren {9 + 3}$

can mean either:
 * $\dfrac {48} 2 \paren {9 + 3}$

or:
 * $\dfrac {48} {2 \paren {9 + 3} }$

In propositional logic, the lack of a defined precedence between the conjunction ("and") and disjunction ("or") means that such compound statements as:


 * $p \lor q \land r$

can be interpreted as either:
 * $\paren {p \lor q} \land r$

or:
 * $p \lor \paren {q \land r}$

Also see

 * Definition:Ambiguity
 * Definition:Equivocation
 * Definition:Vague