Jobb  +  62629 Tue, 21 Dec 04 04:16 AM Is the sentence okay? From the discussion of this forum, how many have we seen emphasize substantiation and logic, and possess the ability of independent thinking and analysis? Jobb Joined on Sun, Jul 11 2004 Regular Member 812

	Mister Micawber  +  62699 Tue, 21 Dec 04 02:25 PM Whew! Not so easy, Jobb, because your structure does not reveal your precise meaning. Try this: 'In the discussions on this forum, how many have we seen who, possessing the abilities of independent thinking and analysis, emphasize substantiation and logic?' Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,501 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

	Jobb  +  62820 Wed, 22 Dec 04 04:16 AM I meant " How many have we seen emphasize substantiation and logic, and how many have we seen possess the ability of independent thinking and analysis?" Jobb

	Mister Micawber  +  62851 Wed, 22 Dec 04 09:28 AM Ah. Well, you can use my previous sentence subordinating the 'possession' clause; or if you wish to coordinate, you had better use: 'How many have we seen emphasize substantiation and logic, and how many have we seen who possess the abilities of independent thinking and analysis?' We can observe the act of emphasis, but we cannot observe the act of possession, so you need to rephrase slightly, as I did, to indicate that 'independent thinking and analysis' are already possessed, not in the act of possessing. Mister Micawber Clauses

	taiwandave  +  62923 Wed, 22 Dec 04 05:57 PM Jobb, this sentence is far too long. How about this: Among the forum's participants, how many emphasize substantiation and logic? How many are capable of independent thinking and analysis? taiwandave Joined on Mon, Jun 7 2004 Taoyuan City, Taiwan Full Member 287