bridge, boat
1. People can go across a river on this
(Is 'this' a bridge or a boat?)
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bridge, boat
2. you can go across water in this
(Is 'this' a bridge or a boat?)
1. bridge
2. boat
In everyday English, one may ride either "in" or "on" a boat. One may only cross the water "on" a bridge, though. So #1 can be either a boat or a bridge. #2 only "in" a boat. The shape of a boat allows one to ride "in" or "on" it. A bridge does not enclose one as the hull of a boat does, so only "on" a bridge.
To determine whether 'this' refers to a bridge or a boat in the given scenarios, we can analyze the descriptions provided.
1. In the first scenario, "People can go across a river on this." Since bridges are commonly used to cross rivers, it is more likely that 'this' refers to a bridge.
2. In the second scenario, "You can go across water in this." Both bridges and boats can be used to cross bodies of water. However, boats are specifically designed for water transportation, while bridges are typically constructed above water. Based on this information, 'this' could potentially refer to either a bridge or a boat.
To definitively determine whether 'this' refers to a bridge or a boat in the second scenario, we need more context or specific information.