English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Repetition for clarity
1a. Couldn't it be reduced form because repeating the words is unnecessary?
1b. Couldn't it be a reduced form, reduced because repeating the words is unnecessary?
Is b better, because it is clearer what the adverbial clause in bold modifies (that is, reduced, not 'be')?
2a. I saw a man with a basket of fresh berries and a stack of magazines, selling to the people in the neighbourhood.
2b. I saw a man with a basket of fresh berries and a stack of magazines, a man selling to the people in the neighbourhood.
For the sake of this question, assume there is no better way to write this sentence above. Do you prefer 2a or 2b?
1b. Couldn't it be a reduced form, reduced because repeating the words is unnecessary?
Is b better, because it is clearer what the adverbial clause in bold modifies (that is, reduced, not 'be')?
2a. I saw a man with a basket of fresh berries and a stack of magazines, selling to the people in the neighbourhood.
2b. I saw a man with a basket of fresh berries and a stack of magazines, a man selling to the people in the neighbourhood.
For the sake of this question, assume there is no better way to write this sentence above. Do you prefer 2a or 2b?
Top answer
2b feels like a literary style, chosen to create a particular effect. 2a is more standard.
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2b feels like a literary style, chosen to create a particular effect. 2a is more standard.
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