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LeGion12359 Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Simple Grammar

The original version could not be so altered and still be in publication.
Can I say the above sentence like this without changing its meaning:
The original version could not be so altered and could not still be in publication?
I know it's odd but whether it's possible?
  

Top answer

The original implies that alteration is the reason why it could not still be in publication. The second version has lost this sense. I find the sentence a bit hard to fit to a context.

— GPY

  • The original implies that alteration is the reason why it could not still be in publication.
  • The second version has lost this sense.
  • I find the sentence a bit hard to fit to a context.
  • It's also not clear whether "so" means "to a great extent" or "in the way previously mentioned".
  • In context things may be clearer.
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5 Answers
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The original implies that alteration is the reason why it could not still be in publication. The second version has lost this sense.

I find the sentence a bit hard to fit to a context. It's also not clear whether "so" means "to a great extent" or "in the way previously mentioned". In context things may be clearer.
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LeGion12359without changing its meaning: The original version could not be so altered and could not still be in publication?
No. That changes the meaning because of the scope of the logic of the modal and the negation.

This is the way that logic has to be constructed:

could not (BOTH): [1. be so altered AND 2. be in publication ] (at
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CalifJimNo. That changes the meaning because of the scope of the logic of the modal and the negation.This is the way that logic has to be constructed:could not (BOTH): [1. be so altered AND 2. be in publication ] (at the same time)Similarly:You can't leave the room and still be in it. (Correct)Not:You can't leave the room and you can't still be in it. (Not correct)
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LeGion12359 So, the second clause: "..........and still be in publication" is also a finite one as 'couldn't applies to both?
Right. It's not two clauses though. The whole sentence is one finite clause. It has a compound complement of could. couldn't (X and Y)

CJ
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CalifJimRight. It's not two clauses though. The whole sentence is one finite clause. It's a compound complement of could. couldn't (X and Y)
Alright, thank you Teacher.
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