Anonymous

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Hi. Please help me with these. For no. 3, let us assume that the X's and slashes in "XX/XX/XXXX" is for a date that includes its day, month and year. And, do you think my way of thinking for either putting or not putting the preposition "in" as laid out in my "comment" part (after the dash) is valid/correct?Yes.

1. Whatever realm we operate (in??), we tend to dwell long in it. -- I think the word "realm" carries a notion of an area (not sure I am reflecting correctly what I want to say, though), and I think the preposition "in" would be correct since we would say, "we operate in the realm."  I believe your example uses "operate" intransitively, and requires the "in" because of the location, as you say.

"The doctor plans to operate tomorrow" requires no "in", unless you add the location.

"My father operates a bulldozer" is transitive, and requires no "in," unless you add a location.

2. A place which you feel comfortable (in??) is where you might consider staying. -- I think the preposition "in" in the place indicated is correct since we write "You feel comfortable in a place." But I think if we change the word "which" to the word "where," then I think using the preposition "in" after the  word "comfortable" will be incorrect.

 What do you think?  Your analysis is correct.

3. Dates are written (as??) XX/XX/XXXX. -- I have trouble using the word "written" and "written as" in such a sentential situation as the one above. Can you help? I am not sure the word "as" which is followed by two question marks and is in parentheses is a preposition or not.  I consider the "as" to be optional.

It's an adverb and a conjunction, not a preposition. ”

"Whatever system we operate [in], we have the same problem."

In this case, "operate" could be transitive or intransitive.  We'd use the "in" only if we intend the intransitive usage.

That is, you may operate the system (trans.) or operate in the system (intrans.)