parallel

Share on Facebook

Anonymous

#166811 Tue, 06 Dec 05 09:51 AM

1)A time not for words, but for action <<it is correct
A time not for words but action<< why we can't use "noun+ but + noun " this structure?

2)My objections are, first, that the measure is unjust; second, that it is unconstitutional.<<correct

My objections are that the injustice of the measure and that it is uncinstitutional.<< Can i use this instead?

My objections are that the injustice of the measure and it is uncinstitutional.<< Can i use this instead?if cannot ,why?

3) In spring, in summer, or in winter <<why need comma before the word "or"?

in spring, summer or winter<< but this time ,we doesn't need to use a comma to seperate "summer" and "or" ?

Thank you^^

Anonymous

Nouns, Commas

Mister Micawber

#166837 Tue, 06 Dec 05 11:01 AM

1-- if you move the for, you can use n + but + n: A time for not words but action. (Candidly, however, you will hear it said either way-- the phrase is so short that there is little danger of miscommunication.)

2-- Neither of your alternatives are good:

My objections are that the injustice of the measure and that it is uncinstitutional. -- that the injustice of the measure has no verb.
My objections are that the injustice of the measure and it is uncinstitutional.-- no verb again.

This is OK: My objections are that the measure is unjust and that it is unconstitutional. Also OK: My objections are that the measure is unjust and unconstitutional.

3-- I see no need for the comma before or in either case: the phrases are brief enough to need no clarification. However, I know that some grammarians do insist on it-- in both sentences, actually. Comma placement is not written in stone.

Mister Micawber

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (20,199)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

Verbs, Commas

RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions