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Subject:RE: Another Grammar Question From:dthomps -at- foundationsoft -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 13 Jun 2002 16:54:52 -0400
You have a split infinitive in the first version of the sentence. The verb
is "are included" ("are" being a form of the infinitive verb "to be"). By
placing "only" between the words "are" and "included," you've split your
infinitive! While this is nit-picky and I often find myself doing it, it's
technically not correct. My vote would be for the second sentence as long as
the meaning is correct. I do find it easier to understand as well.
HTH!
Dannette Thompson
Technical Writer
Foundation Software, Inc.
The #1 Accounting Software for Labor-Intensive Contractors
800-246-0800
I have a summer student helping me with my Help system. She is an
university graduate and has a lot of writing expertise.
She pointed out a sentence she felt may be wrong. We took out my Gregg
Reference Manual. We are still stumped.
My sentence: Factors that are the same across all pipelines and internal
companies are only included in this form.
Summer Students: Only factors that are the same across all pipelines and
internal companies are included in this form.
I don't feel the sentence meaning is changed when the word "only" is moved.
I feel my sentence may be correct, but her sentence sounds better. I also
feel this may be a style issue.
According to my reference manual, the adverb "only" should be placed as
close to the mord modified. When I look at my sentence, I see "only" is
placed beside the verb "included".
Which sentence should we use?
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