but can it is hoped be

Question

"The stories have not been altered in any way, but can it is hoped be read easily and without frequent reference to a dictionary."

What does "can it is hoped be" mean? It is confusing as grammatically, still and meaning. Would you like to explain it?

Thank you.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

hhttWhat does "can it is hoped be" mean? It is confusing as grammatically, still and meaning. Would you like to explain it?

Two commas that should set of this non-essential clause have been omitted.

"The stories have not been altered in any way, but can, it is hoped, be read easily and without frequent reference to a dictionary."

The parenthetical phrase can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.

"The stories have not been altered in any way, but can [, it is hoped, ] be read easily and without frequent reference to a dictionary."

"The stories have not been altered in any way, but can be read easily and without frequent reference to a dictionary."

Clive · Answer

"The stories have not been altered in any way, but can, it is hoped, be read easily and without frequent reference to a dictionary."

It is hoped is parenthetical, so show this by using commas orr brackets.

It means people hope, I hope.

Hhtt · Answer

Clive"The stories have not been altered in any way, but can, it is hoped, be read easily and without frequent reference to a dictionary."It is hoped is parenthetical, so show this by using commas orr brackets.It means people hope, I hope.

But in the original, an Oxford Publication, there is no commas or brackets. So do you think it is a typo in the book?

Thank you.

Clive · Answer

It was probably a stylistic choice by the author.

When you are a very good writer, you can make such choices, Until then, use commas.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

And when you are a very good reader, you can recognize such phrases.

but can it is hoped be

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