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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
reflexive pronouns
Is it acceptable to use a reflexive prounoun when the subject of the sentence is 'inferred', as opposed to being the same?
eg. A study of the universe is really a study of ourselves.
eg. A study of the universe is really a study of ourselves.
Top answer
Hi, Yes, it is. Clive
- Hi, Yes, it is.
- Clive
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17 Answers
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Aspara Gus The subject is study, not we.I think this is one of those situations in which normal usage ignores abstract logic. The sentence seems natural enough to me.
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fivejedjonI think this is one of those situations in which normal usage ignores abstract logic. The sentence seems natural enough to me.I see what you mean. But I am kind of strict, maybe too much so. Just because a usage, phrase, etc. sounds natural and is common doesn't make it right. Take reason why for example, rolls right off the tongue.
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Aspara GusJust because a usage, phrase, etc. sounds natural and is common doesn't make it right.Just because an expression doesn't fit the rules of logic doesn;t make it wrong.
Amn't I? is logically correct, but unacceptable in standard English; aren't I is logically wrong, but absolutely correct and natural in standard English.
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fivejedjon…aren't I is logically wrong, but absolutely correct and natural in standard English.It isn't so much illogical but ungrammatical and therefore not correct English. Just because it's standard doesn't mean it's correct. Are I does not conform to the rules of grammar; it's not a matter of logic.
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Hi,
I find a lot depends on how the question about a sentence is phrased.
In this case, the question was 'Is it acceptable . . . . ?' To me, it's acceptable if I think it would sound right to what I think of as reasonably educated English speakers.
I find a lot depends on how the question about a sentence is phrased.
In this case, the question was 'Is it acceptable . . . . ?' To me, it's acceptable if I think it would sound right to what I think of as reasonably educated English speakers.
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Aspara GusI wouldn't do it. The subject is study, not we.You lost me. Please explain your objection.
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enoonYou lost me. Please explain your objection.Reflexive pronouns should be used to reflect or intensify a name or a pronoun already present or implied in the sentence. In the original poster's example, ourselves replaces a personal pronoun, rather than reflects an overt or implied one, as in the sentences Arm yourself and You should arm your
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Aspara GusReflexive pronouns should be used to reflect or intensify a name or a pronoun already present or implied in the sentence. II posit that the pronoun "we" is implied in the sentence. After all, who else is studying the universe? The reflexive is far better stylistically than using the alternative -- "us."
A study of the univers
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