Language & Grammar discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Grammar Central
>
Ask Our Grammar "Experts"
For those of you who want a humourous take on this, have a look at my latest Sunday Scribblings post: http://writersnoteobook.blogspot.com/...
Thanks Paul, but I know what the word "conjunction" means, and I certainly don't recommend making a habit of starting sentences with them. However, such usage is common (though not frequent) throughout the ages, both spoken and written, by great writers (and bad). The purpose of language is to be understood and ideally to convey meaning in an elegant way. Grammar is a means to that end, not an end in itself. However, in schools and grammar books, it is easier to teach a "rule" than to teach discernment, so that is often what happens.
Sometimes it sounds better, to start with a conjunction, and if it's good enough for Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens and others, it's fine by me too.
But Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas any more.And Dorothy, what are you going to do about it?
Venial sins at worst.
Mod
Ruth wrote: "English is my husband's second language, too, but he speaks and writes it better than many native speakers. He started learning it in school in the 6th grade. In med school he was given the choice ..."Ruth, when I lived in Europe, I found that almost all the Scandinavian people spoke wonderful English. Better than Americans! I think the educational system in Scandinavia is very, very good.
Paul wrote: "Cecily wrote: "And it's fine to start a sentence with a conjunction too." I don't want to be prescriptive here, but if we think about what a conjunction is actually used for, then it is often not..."
I think, strictly grammatically speaking, there should be a comma in that first sentence:
<<>>
If a conjunction joins two independent clauses, then a comma is required before the conjunction:
I like playing the piano, but I hate the violin.
I'm pretty sure this is correct. Thoughts?
David wrote: "But Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas any more.And Dorothy, what are you going to do about it?
Venial sins at worst."
Starting a sentence with a conjunction is well accepted in fiction writing, David, if it fits the style of the dialogue or the narrative voice of the writer.
Although playing the piano amuses me, the moment I touch a violin I run screaming from the room.Much more fun, and uses a subordinated clause.
Mod
"I am appalled"What part of speech is "appalled", please?
Mod
Rowena wrote: ""I am appalled"What part of speech is "appalled", please?
"
I think it's an adverb because it modifies the verb "am."
Mod
Well, an adjective modifies and noun or a pronoun, and an adverb modifies a verb or an adjective. I think this is modifying the verb, "am" and detailing what state of being the person is in, i.e., an appalled one.
Main Entry: ap·pall
Variant(s): also ap·pal \ə-ˈpȯl\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ap·palled; ap·pall·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French apalir, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + palir to grow pale, from Latin pallescere, inchoative of pallēre to be pale — more at fallow
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb obsolete : weaken, failtransitive verb : to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay
An intransitive verb is one that does not take a direct object.In "She grew up," "grew up" is the verb, so I guess "am appalled" is the intransitive verb in that sentence.
Thanks, Carol.
Mod
It's similar to saying "The writer is talented." Talented would be an adjective referring to the subject (writer).
Right?
If the verb "to be" is functioning as a linking verb in "In am appalled," then "appalled" would be the subject complement. Or the adjective complement. I guess.
I asked the dean of a university. Both examples are subject complements.NE is right. Both refer to the subject in the sentence. Both verbs are intransitive.
Mod
The dean is my writing partner and best friend.
It pays to know people in high Places. hee hee!!!
Yes, sometimes it does, Carol. LOL If I ever have a grammar question, he knows the answer. It's easier than leafing through my grammar books. ;)
Newengland wrote: "Wow, you keep a Dean around to ask? You are clearly in the mix. I feel out of it, by comparison. (Or maybe you live in a university town and I live in a cow town -- sigh)."Oh, don't feel out of it, NE! "His" university town is simply a cow town that provides space for a university. He even had to go to a nearby town for his birthday as he said they didn't have any good restaurants there. He's been my writing instructor, writing mentor, and now, writing partner, or I wouldn't know him. At least I don't think I would.
Mod
How now brown cow?
I like cow towns, too. I like the little out-of-the-way places. I'm definitely not a "big city person."By the way, he also said if I truly thought that was a adverb, I could be dangerous. LOL Looks like I'd better start rereading a grammar book! :) Seriously.
What a bunch of cow pokes. I want big city lights with no traffic. (time to wake up Carol,you were dreaming again)
Mod
And 10 minutes from the heart of a major city.
Ah the call of the waves. That speaks to me also Ruth.I always wanted to live in San Clemente.
Both big cities and small towns have a lot to offer. I like being out a bit, but close to a big city. I don't want to live right in a big city. I love the quaint towns near a big city, but those are usually so pricey. I understand why.Right now, my husband and I are looking at a place with all Spanish architecture, lots of palms, even brick streets, gated community. It seems to be a world of it's own, yet it's close to the city and all the shops. I suppose we'll move there if we decide we can afford it. I know I'd love it. Year round warmth and beauty.
carol (akittykat) wrote: "Ah the call of the waves. That speaks to me also Ruth.I always wanted to live in San Clemente."I always wanted to live in Paris - until I did. Blah! Too crowded, and bad winter weather. No ocean or sea. The south of France is so much nicer, but visiting Paris is great. All the art and architecture, though I like Florence a little better.
Mod
Mod
Still, I think perfection would be living on the outskirts of a small college town with all the amenities -- restaurants, theater, museum, bookstores, music stores, farmers' markets. That's all I need, really. That and early retirement so I can make it reality.
That sounds idealic for me also ,but I think I need the ocean and warmth also.
Mod
Did I ever say I like it here?
In more ways than one. It is boooootiful there,but a little to chilly for me. I would be a bear and hibernate till spring.
Mod
Mod
Carol,Thank you very much.
carol (akittykat) wrote: "
Main Entry: ap·pall
Variant(s): also ap·pal \ə-ˈpȯl\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ap·palled; ap·pall·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French apalir, from Old French, from a- (from ..."
Thank you. So, in the sentence "I am appalled", "appalled" is the adjective complement?Shakes head. This is much too sophisticated for eleven yr olds! I'm very concerned that her teacher will expect a dumbed-down answer.
Gabrielle wrote: "If the verb "to be" is functioning as a linking verb in "In am appalled," then "appalled" would be the subject complement. Or the adjective complement. I guess. "
I would call this "predicate adjective." I think what's confusing is that the modifier "appalled" is also a participial having an -ed ending. In this case, it's a participial adjective, but following a linking verb it's better thought of as a predicate adjective.
Then what is consider a college town Ruth? I like everyone's suggestions for best places to live. I am happy that everyone is generally happy where they are. I guess the old adage is true, Home is where the heart is.
Thank you, Tyler, and thank you New England (first to mention an adjective).
Mod
carol (akittykat) wrote: "Then what is consider a college town Ruth? I like everyone's suggestions for best places to live. I am happy that everyone is generally happy where they are. I guess the old adage is true, Home is..."That's true, Carol, home is where the heart is, but I wish my "home" were warmer in the winter! LOL
Mod
I would define a college town as one where there is frequent and interesting cross-fertilization between the town and the college.
I would have thought the term would have been cross-pollination. You know what I think fertilizer is, but that might be the correct terminology also. ha ha
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Language & Grammar
Books mentioned in this topic
Little Women (other topics)A Tale of Two Cities (other topics)
Twilight (other topics)
The Associated Press Stylebook (other topics)
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You (other topics)
More...
I don't want to be prescriptive here, but if we think about what a conjunction is actually used for, then it is often not good usage to start a sentence with one. A conjunction is used to join two utterances and to show their relationship. Some examples:
I like playing the piano but I hate the violin.
I like playing the piano and the violin.
I like playing the piano because it soothes my nerves.
In some cases where we have more than two utterances, they are often written as two or more sentences. See the following example where we have three utterances:
I like playing the piano.
The piano soothes my nerves.
The violin excites me.
This could be written as two sentences, the second sentence starting with a conjunction: "I like playing the piano because it soothes my nerves." But, in my opinion the three utterances belong together in one sentence: "I like playing the piano because it soothes my nerves; but the violin excites me."
Now, I'm sure you've noticed that I began my sentence above with 'but' - a conjunction. As I say, we can't be prescriptive about this, especially in more complex constructions. All I want to say is: reflect on the words you use and why you are using them and write accordingly.