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Taka Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

supposed

So today it may be seen a great many of our superstitions about birds and animals are based on their supposed wisdom, cunning or magical powers rather than their inferiority in the scheme of things.

About the 'supposed' above, does it refer to 'wisdom' only, or the entire series of items, 'wisdom, cunning or magical power'?
  

Top answer

It refers to all, they're all presumed/assumed/supposed/imaginary : birds' supposed wisdom, cunning or magical powers

— Marius Hancu

  • It refers to all, they're all presumed/assumed/supposed/imaginary : birds' supposed wisdom, cunning or magical powers
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18 Answers
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It refers to all, they're all presumed/assumed/supposed/imaginary:

birds' supposed wisdom, cunning or magical powers
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Maybe "cunning" is the bothering factor.


After carefully reading, I also think it mostly likely refers to all.

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In theory, it could be taken either way. However, due to the context, it is clear that it applies to all (unless you believe that birds really do have magical powers?)
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Yes, as Nona mentions, the decision in this case is more of context, than of grammar.
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An aside: By the way, sup-pos-ed has three syllables in this usage.

CJ
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CalifJimAn aside: By the way, sup-pos-ed has three syllables in this usage.

CJ

Hi CalifJim

Those who compiled Webster's don't insist on three syllables:

sup·posed (sà p$zdÆ, -p$Æzid), adj.
1. assumed as true, regardless of fact; hypothetical: a supposed case.
2. accepted or believed as true, without
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[-zid ]sounds nice. This is the first time I've noticed its pronunciation. Emotion: star

PS, Sorry for the bad English "most
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part of the guide to pronunciation is a mess when transferred on to this forum
That's OK. I get the point. (You learn something new every day, right?
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CalifJim
part of the guide to pronunciation is a mess when transferred on to this forum
That's OK. I get the point. (You learn something new every day, right?
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Nona The BritIn theory, it could be taken either way. However, due to the context, it is clear that it applies to all (unless you believe that birds really do have magical powers?)
Right!

Thank you, nona!

(As Maple says, I was a bit confused because the collocation 'supposed cunnning' somewhat seemed strange to me)
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