1. Punctuate THIS!

    Punctuate THIS! New Member

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    subject/principle verb

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Punctuate THIS!, Oct 23, 2009.

    In Strunk and Whites The Elements of Style (Fourth Edition), an example on page 4 reads: Uncle Bert, being slightly deaf, moved forward.

    On page 29 it states that a subject should not be seperated from the principle verd, if the phrase or clause can be moved to the beginning.

    Shouldn't it be written: Being slightly deaf, Uncle Bert moved forward?
     
  2. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    the example on pg 4 was used only to show how to use two commas to set off a phrase, so wouldn't do that if it was worded the second way...

    on pg 29, the advice is qualified by 'as a rule' which means there can be exceptions... and you'll see further qualifiers in the paragraph below the examples...
     
  3. architectus

    architectus Banned

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    If the interruption between subject and its verb be short, and if it doesn't confuse the reader, then for the sake of style, in some case, it is prefered. -- Me
     
  4. Punctuate THIS!

    Punctuate THIS! New Member

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    I see it now. Thank you.
     
  5. dgraham

    dgraham New Member

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    Also, keep in mind that Strunk & White is (generally speaking) a style guide, not an English grammar, so most of their rules are breakable, but still good general advice.
     

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