A puzzling question

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1. Using this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait. What is the original sentence  here? - I think it is : By using this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait. Or : When you use this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait.    Am I right?2.  When studying for a long time, you should know when to take a restWhat is the original sentence  here? - I think it is : When you  study for a long time, you should know when to take a rest Am I right?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Omar AhmedWhat is the original sentence here?

There is no original sentence. The structure stands just fine on its own.

Omar AhmedBy using this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait. Or : When you use this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait. Am I right?

Yes, both times. You could also say "If you use this system …." or "This system will enable you to …."

Omar Ahmed2. When studying for a long time, you should know when to take a restWhat is the original sentence here?

The structure is faulty. The duration of your study session has no bearing on what you ought to know. Everybody knows what you mean, but they also know that you don't have a good grip on syntax. The sentence makes sense as "When studying for a long time, you should rest periodically."

CalifJim · Answer

Omar Ahmed
1. Using this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait.
What is the original sentence here?
- I think it is : By using this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait.
Or : When you use this system, you will quickly be able to see what you have to do now and what can wait. Am I right?
2. When studying for a long time, you should know when to take a rest
What is the original sentence here?
- I think it is : When you study for a long time, you should know when to take a rest
Am I right?

Yes, but you're not looking for original sentences; you're looking for paraphrases that substitute finite verb phrases for non-finite constructions.

In fact, both of those can be interpreted the same way if you'd like. The participle clause is related to the main phrase by a conditional relationship in both cases.

If you use this system, you will be able ...
If you (are going to) study for a long time, you should plan ...

(I think I might have used "plan" instead of "know" in the second sentence.)

There is often more than one way to paraphrase participle clauses.

CJ

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