0
Bagle Lawyer Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
"politically not enforceable" vs. "not politically enforceable"
Hi,
This is my first post in this forum, which I have found to be a tremendous resource for problems with English grammar. Here comes my own question.
Earlier today, I realized that in the case of certain composite expressions, you would rather say "more politically palatable" than "politically more palatable".
However, googling doesn't help with my newest problem, which relates to negating simliar composite expressions. Should I say "not politically enforceable" or "politically not enforceable"?
Thanks,
Ben
This is my first post in this forum, which I have found to be a tremendous resource for problems with English grammar. Here comes my own question.
Earlier today, I realized that in the case of certain composite expressions, you would rather say "more politically palatable" than "politically more palatable".
However, googling doesn't help with my newest problem, which relates to negating simliar composite expressions. Should I say "not politically enforceable" or "politically not enforceable"?
Thanks,
Ben
Top answer
I would say "not politically enforceable" or, better yet, "politically unenforceable". But note that without context, these are guesses. The choice may depend on the rest of the text in which this expression occurs.
- I would say "not politically enforceable" or, better yet, "politically unenforceable".
- But note that without context, these are guesses.
- The choice may depend on the rest of the text in which this expression occurs.
- CJ
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
I would say "not politically enforceable" or, better yet, "politically unenforceable".
But note that without context, these are guesses. The choice may depend on the rest of the text in which this expression occurs.
CJ
But note that without context, these are guesses. The choice may depend on the rest of the text in which this expression occurs.
CJ
00
"poltically unenforceable" sounds much better! thanks a lot!
however, there are, of course, certain words, which you cannot negate that easily. e.g., viable
Example: The exemption method is politically not viable."
In my eyes, it gets even more complicated if you try to include a noun (Is this bad English and should I rather stick with the adjectives???):
Ho
however, there are, of course, certain words, which you cannot negate that easily. e.g., viable
Example: The exemption method is politically not viable."
In my eyes, it gets even more complicated if you try to include a noun (Is this bad English and should I rather stick with the adjectives???):
Ho
00
Yes. When the negative form of the adjective doesn't exist, or is awkward, we have to resort to the first pattern ("not politically viable") or rephrase to avoid the problem, as you have done.
CJ
CJ
0
Related Questions