English usage and grammar

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Which meaning did they intend? (lemmy.world)

submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by BullishUtensil@lemmy.world to c/english@lemmy.ca

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Sitting at a lunch restaurant where one can order either from self service kiosks, or from a person behind the counter. The counter has a handwritten sign "cash only at register".

Now, which meaning do you think that they intended? That if I want to pay in cash, I have to go to the counter? That if I walk up to the counter, I have to pay in cash?

(Yes, I could have asked, but by the time I spotted the sign, there wasn't anyone by the counter, and I had already successfully used the self service kiosk).

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[–] hitmyspot@aussie.zone 2 points 10 months ago

Hard to say. Could be either as I wouldn't expect grammar to be fully correct in a fast food establishment, especially if it's temporary.

If cards are not accepted at the register, cash only is appropriate. However, of the.kiosks don't allow cash, then cash can only be used there.

If it's the former, it would be easier to say no card payment at register, or change the word order to 'Only cash taken at register' If it's the latter a comma would help: 'Cash, only at register'.

Cash,