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Zazzex Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Choosing between the formal and the informal
Hello,
I don't quite understand, first, the structure and, second, the meaning of the following sentence from The Elements of Style.
The intent is to suggest that in choosing between the formal and the informal, the regular and the offbeat, the general and the special, the orthodox and the heretical, the beginner err on the side of conservatism, on the side of established usage.
Should it be corrected as follows?
The intent is to suggest that in choosing between the formal and the informal, the regular and the offbeat, the general and the special, and the orthodox and the heretical, the beginner err on the side of conservatism (no comma) and on the side of established usage.
thanks a lot
I don't quite understand, first, the structure and, second, the meaning of the following sentence from The Elements of Style.
The intent is to suggest that in choosing between the formal and the informal, the regular and the offbeat, the general and the special, the orthodox and the heretical, the beginner err on the side of conservatism, on the side of established usage.
Should it be corrected as follows?
The intent is to suggest that in choosing between the formal and the informal, the regular and the offbeat, the general and the special, and the orthodox and the heretical, the beginner err on the side of conservatism (no comma) and on the side of established usage.
thanks a lot
Top answer
It's a matter of style -- which is to be expected in a book named the elements of style -- to leave out the first 'and'; you could put it there, but it is not required. Without it the sentence "runs better". The last part of the sentence adds to the description given before, saying it in different words.
- It's a matter of style -- which is to be expected in a book named the elements of style -- to leave out the first 'and'; you could put it there, but it is not required.
- Without it the sentence "runs better".
- The last part of the sentence adds to the description given before, saying it in different words.
- It's not quite the same as using 'and'.
- With the 'and', the beginner errs on two sides: the side of conservatism and the side of established usage.
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6 Answers
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It's a matter of style -- which is to be expected in a book named the elements of style -- to leave out the first 'and'; you could put it there, but it is not required. Without it the sentence "runs better".
The last part of the sentence adds to the description given before, saying it in different words. It's not quite the same as using 'and'. With the 'and', the beginner errs on
The last part of the sentence adds to the description given before, saying it in different words. It's not quite the same as using 'and'. With the 'and', the beginner errs on
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Hello, Ferdis, thanks for reply.
I thought when you list things "AND" is required.
e.g.: ...... A, B, C, D, and E.
But, from your words that it's a matter of style, is it ok to take out "AND"?
e.g.: ...... A, B, C, D, E.
I thought when you list things "AND" is required.
e.g.: ...... A, B, C, D, and E.
But, from your words that it's a matter of style, is it ok to take out "AND"?
e.g.: ...... A, B, C, D, E.
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Well, technically you could say that it is not really a list as written. The choice is between two things: the formal and the informal. The writer then continues to describe this pair of words in a number of different words. You could make it a list, though, by using 'and'. I suppose it would still make sense then with little change in meaning.
Sometimes the 'and' is left out in an actua
Sometimes the 'and' is left out in an actua
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Hi guys,
'err' is fine as written.
Here's the idea.
The intent is to suggest that . . . the beginner (should) err on the side of conservatism . . .
Best wishes, Clive
'err' is fine as written.
Here's the idea.
The intent is to suggest that . . . the beginner (should) err on the side of conservatism . . .
Best wishes, Clive
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Clive'err' is fine as written.
Here's the idea.
The intent is to suggest that . . . the beginner (should) err on the side of conservatism .
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ferdisSubjunctive, right? I always make mistakes with thatYou and 90% of native speakers.
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