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Question

Hi there,I don't understand the structure of the following sentence.To summon, as required when exercising the above-mentioned powers and functions, persons concerned to testify or give evidence.many thankspete

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I don't understand the structure of the following sentence.

To summon, as required when exercising the above-mentioned powers and functions, persons concerned to testify or give evidence.

It's not a sentence. There is no subject or main verb. It's just a long phrase. The underlying structure is just 'to summon persons'.

Here's a rough outline of the meaning.

Perhaps, say this magic word to summon persons.

Summon them when you are execising the above-mentioned powers.

The persons you summon will be concerned (in what, we are not told).

You are summoning them to testify/give evidence.

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Clive,

The whole sentence is:

The legislative council of the government shall summon, as required when exercisnign the above-menteioned powers and functions, persons concerned to testify or give evidence.

Questions

1. Can I use 'will' instead of 'shall'? What is difference between 'will' and 'shall'?

2. What is the structure of 'as required'? What does it mean?

3. Can I change 'persons concerned' to 'the appropriate persons'?

pete

Clive · Answer

Hi again,

The whole sentence is: Thanks. It's always much better toshow us the complete sentence.

The legislative council of the government shall summon, as required when exercising the above-mentiioned powers and functions, persons concerned to testify or give evidence.

Questions

1. Can I use 'will' instead of 'shall'? What is difference between 'will' and 'shall'? "Shall' is seldom used in N. America. However, it is found in legalistic English like this when talking of reuirements and obligations.

2. What is the structure of 'as required'? What does it mean? It means 'in the manner that the council is required to use when the council exercises these powers.

Compare the instruction on a bottle of medicine: 'Take as required'. This means 'take this in the way that the doctor (or possibly the patient) requires it to be taken.

3. Can I change 'persons concerned' to 'the appropriate persons'? Generally speaking, yes, lthough one might argue about the more subtle differences in meaning.

Best wishes, Clive.

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