Public trust in science plays a crucial role in shaping science-society relations. Surveys are widely used to measure such trust, yet the operationalisation and interpretations of corresponding items present significant challenges. This chapter explores the complexities of measuring trust in science through surveys and the implications for interpreting public attitudes across different contexts. First, it examines the challenges of operationalising the multi-dimensional concept of trust in science in form of survey items. Second, it unpacks the role of question wording, demonstrating how semantics and pragmatics influence survey responses. A paradigm-syntagma framework is introduced to systematically categorise trust-related survey items. Third, the chapter uses an empirical analysis of Eurobarometer data to illustrate the complexity of interpreting survey items on trust in science. The findings underscore the risks of oversimplified rankings and comparisons and advocate for a more context-sensitive approach to survey interpretation.