ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: sentence rephrasing

Clive — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:14:29 GMT

Hi,

Yes, but to my mind 'If there is . . it is . . ' introduces at least the possibility that there may be some slight doubt about it in the speaker's mind. The structure can, of course, also be used simply as a form of emphasis. But in some contexts, at least some ambiguity may remain.

Best wishes, Clive

Re: sentence rephrasing

RayH — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:23:37 GMT

Anonymous

Interestingly, there is a specific type of child abduction can have negative psychological effects on individuals only marginally involved in it, and that is infant abduction.
Can this sentence be rephrased as follows? Please advise.
Interestingly, if there is a specific type of child abduction which can have negative psychological effects on individuals only marginally involved in it is infant abduction.

Here's my take on rephrasing your sentence:
Interestingly, if there is a specific type of child abduction which can have negative psychological effects on individuals only marginally involved, in it is infant abduction.

Re: sentence rephrasing

Clive — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:26:01 GMT

Hi,

Interestingly, there is a specific type of child abduction which/that can have negative psychological effects on individuals only marginally involved in it, and that is infant abduction.

Can this sentence be rephrased as follows? Please advise.

No, say it this way. Interestingly, ~~if there is~~ a specific type of child abduction which can have negative psychological effects on individuals only marginally involved in it is infant abduction.

Best wishes, Clive

sentence rephrasing

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:01:47 GMT

Interestingly, there is a specific type of child abduction can have negative psychological effects on individuals only marginally involved in it, and that is infant abduction.

Can this sentence be rephrased as follows? Please advise.

Interestingly, if there is a specific type of child abduction which can have negative psychological effects on individuals only marginally involved in it is infant abduction.