What is the mistake in this sentence?

Question

Could anyone please help me with this sentence? I think there is something wrong with more easily. Is the structure allowed like this? Perhaps more easily should go in end position? If so, what is the grammar rule?

With the computer the weaker pupils can avoid more easily confrontation with their teacher.

Thank you in advance!

Dokterjokkebrok

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Could anyone please help me with this sentence? I think there is something wrong with more easily. Is the structure allowed like this? Perhaps more easily should go in end position? If so, what is the grammar rule?

With the computer the weaker pupils can avoid more easily confrontation with their teacher.

I wouldn't really say this sentence has a mistake.

I would definitely put a comma after 'computer', but I wouldn't say it is mandatory.

I'd put 'more easily' after 'can'. But I wouldn't say it's wrong where it is.

Best wishes, Clive

Kimlrobles · Answer

Because the verb takes on a direct object, the best place to put the adverbs is in the end position.  You may also put them between the verb phrase can avoid.

Dokterjokkebrok · Answer

Thank you!<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Ferdis · Answer

My reference book says, "An adverb modifying a verb phrase goes after the first word in the phrase (was extremely surprised, has often been said, would certainly have asked) unless, in verb phrases of three or more words, it modifies only the participle (had been justly accused, would have been officially ruled)." Hence, 'can more easily avoid'.

CalifJim · Answer

dokterjokkebrokWith the computer the weaker pupils can avoid more easily confrontation with their teacher.

This sounds like German word order. English does not place adverbs between the verb and its object unless there are so many words in that portion of the sentence that placing the adverbs elsewhere would impair the meaning. You'll have to place more easily before avoid or at the end.

Note the same mistake in the examples below:

... throw more forcefully the ball ...
... prepare quickly a nice meal ...
... review carefully the rules ...

CJ

Ferdis · Answer

CalifJimThis sounds like German word order.

Off-topic side note: with German (and Dutch) word ordering the problem does not occur because a verb phrase is split into two separate parts. For example, using a Dutch/German word order (V2) this sentence becomes something like, "The students can more easily confrontation with their teacher [or here: more easily] avoid."

CalifJim · Answer

ferdisOff-topic side note: with German (and Dutch) word ordering the problem does not occur because a verb phrase is split into two separate parts. For example, using a Dutch/German word order (V2) this sentence becomes something like, "The students can more easily confrontation with their teacher [or here: more easily] avoid."

I'm aware of that. Nevertheless, there is an adverb (more easily) between a verb (can) and a direct object (confrontation). German speakers are used to the pattern Verb + Adverb + Object regardless of the fact that "even more Verb" comes later. This interferes with English. The "problem" isn't with either one language or the other, but in the movement from one to the other.

CJ

Kimlrobles · Answer

Oh Good! Now that you're off topic, would you offer your sound advice on this post, (missing image) 884933.

Edit: Stay in hospital or stay at hospital. CJ

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