Rewrite the sentence

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mfterry2005  #41464  Tue, 10 Aug 04 04:52 AM
Hi everybody,

I have problem for rewrite following sentences. I would like to make these less verbosity.

1.During the time that I am a vacation, my assistant, whose name is Clare Wong, will be in charge of the Settlement Section.

2.Because of the fact of recent discoveries, we shall have to being our planning over again.

3.As a consequence of this, pleas let us hear form you at an early date.


Thank in advance.
  
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CalifJim  #41469  Tue, 10 Aug 04 05:37 AM
These aren't really that verbose. You need to watch your spelling, however! Smile [:)]

Here are approximately the same thoughts in fewer words.

1. While I'm away, Ms. Wong will head up the Settlement Section.
2. Due to recent discoveries, we'll have to start over again.
3. So let's hear from you asap.
  
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anon1  #41477  Tue, 10 Aug 04 06:44 AM
Hi CalifJim,

I've been a fan of yours lurking in the background. You've certainly done wonderful work here. I really like and appreciate how you provide comprehensive answers.

With respect to sentence 2, I would rewrite it as follows:

2) Because of recent discoveries, we'll have to plan again.

I recall that "Due to" was frowned upon by some people as a way to begin a sentence. I think it is a pedantic point, as "Due to" is a commonly used as an introduction. Perhaps you might even like to elaborate on the "Due to" stuff for those learning our language.

Again, very nice work.

MountainHiker

  
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anon1  #41567  Tue, 10 Aug 04 08:23 PM
Here are some links with regard to "Due to"...
(feel free to use live links or just cut and paste the links)

1) Using Due To: http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000208.htm

2) The Grammar Logs: http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/grammarlogs3/grammarlogs429.htm

3) AUE : FAQ excerpt Due To:http://alt-usage-english.org/excerpts/fxduetox.html

4) Garbl's Editorial Style Manual: http://garbl.home.comcast.net/stylemanual/d.htm#due%20to%20the%20fact

This "due to" stuff usually gives me fits. I always have to look it up myself, again and again.

For those that are curious, I hope the links help.

MountainHiker

I just decided to use keywords so that I can search my messages in these forums more readily.

Keywords: "due to" "caused by" "because of"
  
CalifJim  #41639  Wed, 11 Aug 04 07:07 AM
MountainHiker,

Thanks for the links! I read every one of them!Smile [:)] More specifically, thank you for the opportunity to learn something new. I was completely unaware of the nuances of "due to". I was bound and determined to shorten everything I could in that sentence, and it seems I went too far!

You sent me running to my American Heritage Dictionary, particularly the usage notes. The result is that I'm in a distinct minority. Only 16% of the usage panel accepted "due to" in writing (with the meaning "because of"). Maybe I'm the victim of the corporation I work for. I must read "due to" as "because of" in company e-mails ten times a day, so it never occurred to me that it was considered a problem case.

Thanks for the vote of confidence as well. It's certainly good to know that my musings and scribblings are of some use!

Jim
  
anon1  #41649  Wed, 11 Aug 04 07:36 AM
Hey CalifJim,

My pleasure. To be honest, I break the "due to" rule, often with reckless abandon and glee. It is sooo widely used now. But I thought that since we're trying to teach others the proper usage, we might as well flag this issue to others' attention, and they can decide if they want to break this rule.

Your contributions here are widely appreciated by one and all. It's great to have you on board.

Looking forward to reading more of your posts.

MountainHiker
  
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