A sentence by CJ

Question

Sorry to steal another man's sentence, but CJ's sentence is relevant to my query:

I have underlined the version I feel are incorrect, or at least ambiguous:

The use of the past tense chose and the use of would makes the message consistent, both being associated with hypothetical situations. (CJ's version)

The use of the past tense chose and the use of would makes the message consistent, both of which are being associated with hypothetical situations.

The use of the past tense chose and the use of would makes the message consistent, both associated with hypothetical situations.

1) Which would you choose, and why?

2) Do you think the underlined version is incorrect?

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And a similar situation with the active voice, simple present:

I saw many cars in my driveway, two of which looked very dirty.

I saw many cars in my driveway, two looked very dirty.

I saw many cars in my driveway, two looking very dirty.

3) Which would you choose and why?

4) Do you think the underlined version is incorrect?

Thanks for you time!

Dimsumexpress · Accepted Answer

1) Which would you choose, and why?

2) Do you think the underlined version is incorrect?

And a similar situation with the active voice, simple present:

I saw many cars in my driveway, two looked very dirty.

If you must combine the two thoughts into a single sentence, the above appears incorrect to me.

I would personally use a semicolon to link the separate thoughts:

I saw many /several cars in my driveway; two of which looked very dirty.

Or express the 2 thoughts independently:

I saw several cars in my driveway. Two of them looked very dirty

English 1b3 · Answer

Sorry, but your first sentence is wrong

The clause is a relative, dependent clause. A dash or comma needs to be there.

Also, I need to edit my first post: simple past, not simple present.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

English 1b3,

English 1b3Sorry, but your first sentence is wrong The clause is a relative, dependent clause. A dash or comma needs to be there.

Also, I need to edit my first post: simple past, not simple present.

If this is the one you meant:

I saw several cars in my driveway; two of which looked very dirty.

Ummm....If you say so. But I would like to hear from the experts.

I saw several cars in my driveway which looked very dirty. I would agree this is a relative clause.

My extra 2 cents: A dash is definitely incorrect. A comma may be an alternative to semicolon which I have opted.

A sentence by CJ

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