Reply
Thu 27 Jan, 2005 04:51 am
I don't know how to describe the problem exactly but look at this example:
As an editor I cut out from the finished work a big shot of Anicka, who according to a real story...
As an editor I cut out a big shot of Anicka from the finished work, who
according to...
The first example doesn't sound like the word order is right, but it connects. The second example has correct word order in the first clause, but it doesn't connect with the next clause.
How to solve it? I come across this problem all the time when translating from Czech where you can do almost anything with word order, you can play with it as you wish, but I don't think English is so tolerant.
In English useage, the placement of a modifying clause is important. The second example you give is quite incorrect because the "who" (starting the next clause) now seems to refer to the preceding words "finished work," whereas you mean it to refer to "Anicka." The first version of your sentence is much better. As you say, it "connects," it makes sense to the reader.
My favorite example of a misplaced modifier is the story of the two men talking to each other. The first man says, "Do you know that guy with the wooden leg, named Joe?" The second answers, "I'm not sure. What's the name of his other leg?"
Thank you Merry Andrew. Your example is fun, but how would you correct it so it makes sense and is grammatically correct?
Change the word order, ryunin.
"Do you know that guy named Joe who has the wooden leg?"
silly me, it looks difficult, but in fact is quite easy
do you think, Merry Andrew, you could have a look at my unanswered posts, if you are not too busy, they are from today or yesterday
thank you
ryunin, I can't find any unanswered posts among your contributions. Looks like you're getting pretty good advice from Boomerang and others.
you're right, I am getting a lot of assistance around now, when it is about 7 pm in the US, West or East? but here it is almost 3 pm, too bad because now I could learn a lot from you guys, but I have to sleep and tomorrow morning I will be finishing the work alone again as you guys will be all asleep
next time I will try to improve the timing or hire a native speaker who I can meet physically and talk
anyway, this forum has helped me a lot, really
OK goodnite and see you next time
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace