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Alexclx Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
how to understand the sentence
Will anybody kindly help me with this sentence: On hearing this, he was happy.
1) He was in the state of happiness.
2)He became happy( that is, he changed to the state of happiness)
Which is the correct understanding?
Thanks a lot.
1) He was in the state of happiness.
2)He became happy( that is, he changed to the state of happiness)
Which is the correct understanding?
Thanks a lot.
Top answer
Hi, #2. Clive
- Hi, #2.
- Clive
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5 Answers
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alexclxWill anybody kindly help me with this sentence: On hearing this, he was happy.With all due respect to Clive, I have
1) He was in the state of happiness.
2)He became happy( that is, he changed to the state of happiness)
Which is the correct understanding?
Thanks a lot.
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Hi, thank you for your help. I have a further question. If the phrase "On hearing this" is removed, which understanding shall I take?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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alexclxIf the phrase "On hearing this" is removed ...Then the state-of-happiness interpretation applies!
You're right, the presence or absence of the introductory words changes the meaning of the main clause.
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Hi,
On hearing this, he was happy.
It seems reasonable to assume that we are talking about a situation where he was not happy already.
So, before he heard this he was not happy.
When he heard it, what happened? Obviously, he became happy, and I would argue that that is the meaning the writer wants to convey.
Consider a more stark example.
On hearing of his
On hearing this, he was happy.
It seems reasonable to assume that we are talking about a situation where he was not happy already.
So, before he heard this he was not happy.
When he heard it, what happened? Obviously, he became happy, and I would argue that that is the meaning the writer wants to convey.
Consider a more stark example.
On hearing of his
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