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Buffalo buffalo buffalo: One-word sentences and how they work - Emma Bryce

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‘Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo’ is a grammatically correct sentence. How? Emma Bryce explains how this and other one-word sentences illustrate some lexical ambiguities that can turn ordinary words and sentences into mazes that mess with our minds.

Here's an example of lexical ambiguity. See if you can figure out what this sentence is saying: "Will, Will will Will's will to Will?"

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Emma Bryce
  • Animator Henry Chung, Noel Wong, Plamen Ananiev
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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