Usage of adverb and conjunction

Question

India rejected an Australian request to join maritime exercises along with the U.S. and Japan this June, and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said quite plainly last month that there was no plan to “militarise” the Quad.

I took this line from a newspaper.

I think the usage of "this June" may be incorrect. (because it is used after the conjunction "along with")

Also, the usage of the adverb "quite" is unnecessary.

Can anyone please explain it?

David Hatton · Accepted Answer

'This June' is perfectly okay. It refers to this particular month and is used in place of 'in June', which I'm sure you would agree sound right. The conjunction does not affect anything - 'A, along with B, will be doing something in the summer'. 'A, along with B, will be doing something this summer.'

As for 'quite'... I can see where you're coming from as it seems tautological

As for 'quite'... I can see where you're coming from as it seems tautological, as it is emphasising something which is already clear, but there's nothing wrong with it. We often refer to something using 'quite' for emphasis, such as 'I'm quite sure, thank you', or 'you're quite right'. It is an odd word as it can mean two contradictory things (completely, partially) but when it's used to emphasise something it is often used with words which would otherwise provide the same meaning. 'Quite plainly' simply enforces the fact that the words were spoken in this way.

Clive · Answer

this June is ok. Parse the sentence this way.

India rejected an Australian request to join maritime exercises [along with the U.S. and Japan] [this June], and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said quite plainly last month that there was no plan to “militarize” the Quad.

quite adds a little more emphasis.

Usage of adverb and conjunction

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions