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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Not least (of which)
I love my government not least for the extent to which it leaves me alone.
The tea leaves must be fresh, the pot should be warmed and not least, the water must be boiling when used.
Should/could the above examples be followed by of which, like the one below?
He has many engaging qualities, not least of which is his charming smile.
Thank you
The tea leaves must be fresh, the pot should be warmed and not least, the water must be boiling when used.
Should/could the above examples be followed by of which, like the one below?
He has many engaging qualities, not least of which is his charming smile.
Thank you
Top answer
You only need 'of which' if you've explicitly said the things to be ranked in importance in the sentence, like 'engaging qualities'. ' Instead, the things to be ranked are only implied (1: reasons you love the government, 2: ways to make great tea). Because the reasons (1) and the ways (2) aren't explicitly mentioned, you can't refer to them later in the sentence with 'which'.
- You only need 'of which' if you've explicitly said the things to be ranked in importance in the sentence, like 'engaging qualities'.
- ' Instead, the things to be ranked are only implied (1: reasons you love the government, 2: ways to make great tea).
- Because the reasons (1) and the ways (2) aren't explicitly mentioned, you can't refer to them later in the sentence with 'which'.
- ' I hope that makes sense!
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2 Answers
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You only need 'of which' if you've explicitly said the things to be ranked in importance in the sentence, like 'engaging qualities'.
In sentences 1 and 2 you haven't explicitly said what the things to be ranked are, so if you said 'not least of which' it would prompt the question 'not least of what?' Instead, the things to be ranked are only implied (1: reasons you love the government,
In sentences 1 and 2 you haven't explicitly said what the things to be ranked are, so if you said 'not least of which' it would prompt the question 'not least of what?' Instead, the things to be ranked are only implied (1: reasons you love the government,
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Hi, yes that makes perfect sentence, thanks. In fact, I knew this was the answer but needed to articulate it to a pupil, and I seemed to struggle with this task. Cheers.
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