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RudyB Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

Am I using the word "syntax" correctly in this paragraph?

Emulating William Elliot Griffis (1843-1928) interpretation, many observers have described Choson Korea (1392-1910) as a “Hermit Nation,” a country cut off from contact with the outer world, apart from tributary relations with China (sadae) and “neighborly” relations with Japan (kyorin). Whether such a label can be entertained or justified is questionable. The problem lies in the semantics of the word “hermit.” Hermit means “a person who has withdrawn from society and lives a solitary existence; a recluse.” I am not negating the dictionary definition of hermit but instead, simply applying the definition to the Korean situation in late Choson more appropriately. I argue King Kojong’s hermitic tendencies, rather than the Korean people as a whole impeded the formation of a modern Korea nation-state. Hence, a more correct syntax would be describing Korea as being ruled by a “Hermit Monarch.”

In addition to the correct use of the word "syntax," please let me know if you see any other wrong word usages or gramatical errors in this thesis. Thanks!
  

Top answer

Just give it a try No guarantee OK ! " many observers ( have ) described ' the ' Choson Korea ... " I think simple past is more appropriate rather than the present perfect tense.

  • Just give it a try No guarantee OK !
  • " many observers ( have ) described ' the ' Choson Korea ...
  • " I think simple past is more appropriate rather than the present perfect tense.
  • " a country ' cut off ' from contact with the ' outer ' world ...
  • " ( being cut off ) ( outside ) the word " neighborly " doesn't look good to be used in such a way.
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4 Answers
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Just give it a tryEmotion: smile No guarantee OK !

" many observers ( have ) described ' the ' Choson Korea ... " I think simple past is
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If you want more suggestions, I have a few:

If the interpretation came from someone called Griffis, then it would be Griffis's interpretation.

"Whether such a label ..." This pronoun is quite far from its antecedent (presumably Hermit Nation) and several nouns intervene, so I would be inclined to repeat it, i.e.: "Whether such a label as "Hermit" can be ..."

"... in

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