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Pokh Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Modifier
A recent national study of the public schools shows that every thirty-two pupils now has one microcomputer, four times as many as four years ago.
Is above sentence correct? I guess it implies Four years ago Every thirty-two pupils had 1/4 computer...perhaps non sensical... Can someone clarify?
Thank you
Is above sentence correct? I guess it implies Four years ago Every thirty-two pupils had 1/4 computer...perhaps non sensical... Can someone clarify?
Thank you
Top answer
It's not quite grammatical – or clear – but that doesn't affect the intent. This is what is meant: A recent national study of the public schools shows that one out of every thirty-two pupils now has a microcomputer, four times as many as four years ago.
- It's not quite grammatical – or clear – but that doesn't affect the intent.
- This is what is meant: A recent national study of the public schools shows that one out of every thirty-two pupils now has a microcomputer, four times as many as four years ago.
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2 Answers
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It's not quite grammatical – or clear – but that doesn't affect the intent. This is what is meant:
A recent national study of the public schools shows that one out of every thirty-two pupils now has a microcomputer, four times as many as four years ago.
A recent national study of the public schools shows that one out of every thirty-two pupils now has a microcomputer, four times as many as four years ago.
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There are not now, and there were not then, exactly 32 students. There were hundreds/thousands of students.
Now, there is one computer for every 32 students. Four years ago, there was one computer for every 128 students.
This is a question of logical meaning, not English.
Now, there is one computer for every 32 students. Four years ago, there was one computer for every 128 students.
This is a question of logical meaning, not English.
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