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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Oddly worded sentence of mine

Discussed separately, both seem simple enough to understand. Discussed together, however, and they make me think twice.

1) Are the two phrases in bold OK? Are they reduced adverbial clauses, with 'when' elided?

2) and-- it sounds natural to have 'and' above, but I don't think it is correct. What do you think?





Thanks

  

Top answer

1. Yes. They are OK and are short for "When (they are) discussed separately/together".

— Mr Wordy

  • 1.
  • Yes.
  • They are OK and are short for "When (they are) discussed separately/together".
  • 2.
  • "and" is not right.
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4 Answers
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1. Yes. They are OK and are short for "When (they are) discussed separately/together".

2. "and" is not right. You may have in mind a phrasing such as "Discuss them together, however, and they become confusing", which is OK.
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Thanks.

Tricky question:

Do you know why only some aderbials starting with when can be reduced?

When I walked home, I ...

When walked home, I

Walked home, I...
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The only reducible ones that I can think of at the moment involve a past participle in a passive or adjectival role, or involve a present participle. For example,

"(When (they are)) eaten quickly, they give you indigestion."

"(When (I was)) walking home, I saw a strange light."

I'm not 100% sure that this is complete though.

There are other subtleties too. For
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Mr WordyThe only reducible ones that I can think of at the moment involve a past participle in a passive or adjectival role, or involve a present participle. For example,

"(When (they are)) eaten quickly, they give you indigestion."

"(When (I was)) walking home, I saw a strange light."

I'm not 100% sure that this is complete though.

T
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