Use of "granted"

Question

Hi,I've run into this sentence:My thoughts are on track - a little one-lane highway granted, but they are on trackCould you tell me if I can put the bold part of the sentence this way: "Though it is a little one-lane highway"Thanks !

Soka · Accepted Answer

MrPernicketyHi,

I've run into this sentence:

My thoughts are on track - a little one-lane highway, granted, but they are on track

Could you tell me if I can put the bold part of the sentence this way: "Though it is a little one-lane highway"

Thanks !

I guess you missed a comma over there.
My thoughts are on track ,though it is a little one-lane highway,but they are on track

Sounds perfect to my ears!

Avangi · Answer

Hi, Mr. Pernickety,

My ears balk a little bit at the double conjunction. I think I could keep the "but" if it begins a new sentence.
Well, I suppose a semi would do the trick.
But, as S. shows, the dash must fall by the wayside when you add "though."

(I agree about the missed comma.)

Geez, how about writing the whole sentence out the way you intend? The more I look at it the less sure I am about what you mean.
Though it is a little one-lane highway, my thoughts are on track? This would be okay.

Well, the problem with it is that reversing the order screws with the train of thought. "My thoughts" might have another meaning.

RayH · Answer

I'm with Anangi on this one, you need to clarify exactly what you mean to say.

MrPernickety · Answer

Hi, guys,

Thanks for your replies !

AvangiGeez, how about writing the whole sentence out the way you intend? The more I look at it the less sure I am about what you mean

In all fairness, the sentence at hand was not conceived by me, but by some author. I'm interested in the meaning of "granted". The whole sentence reads: My thoughts are on track - a little one-lane highway granted, but they are on track

I'm just wondering if I could rehash it this way:

My thoughts are on track, though it is a one-lane highway

In passing, are you saying that the sentence at issue is open to several interpretations ?

Thanks again !

RayH · Answer

MrPernicketyThe whole sentence reads: My thoughts are on track - a little one-lane highway granted, but they are on track

Okay, I think I see what the author means. He is saying that his thoughts are like a "little one-lane highway", that is, presumably, not entirely clear, or fully formed. "granted" means "conceded" or "acknowledged" or "stipulated" or "admitted."

So, he is saying that even though he admits that his thoughts are not the best quality they are, at least, heading in the right direction.

Avangi · Answer

The original sentence is clear to me. It's a little bit cute, but I like it.

You may notice that Soeleen's rendering was quite different from your most recent version. If we accept that your instructions would allow her version, then I'd say that your instructions are ambiguous.
I felt the whole thing could be clarified if you wrote out the version you were asking about.
Your new version works, but I'd keep the "little." Without it, you miss the mark.

"Granted, X" = "I'll give you X" = "I'll admit X" = "albeit X"

She's a wonderful woman - granted, a bit ugly, but wonderful, nonetheless.

Edit. Ray's synonyms are better!

MrPernickety · Answer

Thanks for assistance!

Now I have an understanding of this word, not very good, granted, but enough to tide me over. ))

Avangi · Answer

You're doing very well.

You might wish to think about the way the dash is used in your original excerpt.
Opinions differ on it's use, but I'm not sure the punctuation in you very last sentence will fly.
It reads well, and is perfectly clear; but I think there's a limit to how much you can do with a comma. Perhaps someone else can advise you. I'm not very good with punctuation.

Use of "granted"

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