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Liveinjapan Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

Third world standards

Can I say:

The condition here is third world standards.

Thanks
LiJ
  

Top answer

It sounds odd, LiJ. Standards are something we are compared to, not what we are. And in this context, condition is usually plural.

— Mister Micawber

  • It sounds odd, LiJ.
  • Standards are something we are compared to, not what we are.
  • And in this context, condition is usually plural.
  • Giving us: The conditions here are of third-world standards.
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6 Answers
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It sounds odd, LiJ. Standards are something we are compared to, not what we are. And in this context, condition is usually plural. Giving us: The conditions here are of third-world standards.
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Mister MicawberIt sounds odd, LiJ. Standards are something we are compared to, not what we are. And in this context, condition is usually plural. Giving us: The conditions here are of third-world standards.

Thanks, Mister.

Do you mean 'third-word standards' is a bit obscure?
I've learned if the noun is obscure/ab
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No, I do not mean that the phrase is obscure. I am not aware of any 'be of + N' guideline for that situation either; I merely wrote one more natural way of expressing your point. I could also write that 'my boa constrictor is of Brazilian origin and of a reddish-brown colour'.
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Mister MicawberMy boa constrictor is of Brazilian origin and of a reddish-brown colour.
Got it! Thanks, Mister.
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Wouldn't be surprised to see this, in an informal setting, as:

The conditions here are third-world.
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Marius HancuWouldn't be surprised to see this, in an informal setting, as:

The conditions here are third-world.

Now, I fully understand what Mister and Marius said. Thanks, Marius.

I think 'third-word' is an adjective and standard is a noun.
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