word order

Question

Pls consider the two sentences below.1. Consequently, to form a  complete picture of the problem, it was necessary to perform a mechanical  characterization of every part involved: ...2. Consequently, to form a  complete picture of the problem, it was necessary to perform a mechanical  characterization of every involved  part: ...Are they both correct?thx,Tom

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I only like #1, Tom-- I cannot tell you why.

Yoong Liat · Answer

Hi Tom

To me the other sentence is not correct. Only "Consequently, to form a complete picture of the problem, it was necessary to perform a mechanical characterization of every part involved: ..." is correct.

J Lewis · Answer

I prefer "every part involved". Past participles can come before or after the noun; Here it's better after, because coming before it seems to be an intrinsic qualityof the part rather than its situation at the moment.

Cool Breeze · Answer

Mister MicawberI only like #1, Tom-- I cannot tell you why.

Hi Mister Micawber

I wish I were as handsome as you! One of the pitfalls of English is the fact that some past participles can be used as adjectival attributes while others can't. There is no rule or reason or logic behind it. Some just are used that way while others aren't.

We can say: a written report, for example, but involved isn't usually used in the same way. It is used in the way you prefer in your post as a clause equivalent; in other words, something has been left out:

The people (who were) involved raised their hands.

I'll soon change all that in my post in the Linguistics Discussion Forum, though.

(The Change English As You Wish thread.)

Cheers
CB

Goodman · Answer

AnonymousPls consider the two sentences below.

1. Consequently, to form a complete picture of the problem, it was necessary to perform a mechanical characterization of every part involved: ...

2. Consequently, to form a complete picture of the problem, it was necessary to perform a mechanical characterization of every involved part: ...

Are they both correct?

thx,
Tom

Hi,

Here is my 2 cents...

I would like for you to account for every part (that is) used in this project.

I would like for you to account for every used part. (old part which has been used)

As you can see, the word order can alter the core meaning of the sentence. However, there are cases which make no difference.

This project concerns every employee involved.

This project concerns every involved employee.

word order

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