Not only but /help
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Message from baodali posted on 21-01-2015 at 15:40:10 (D | E | F)
Hello,
today,I read a statement:
"These peculiar forms not only seemed designed to shock people emotionally, but to give them electric shocks as well."
in my opinion,it is more proper to put "not only" in front of "to shock people...," .I am not sure whether my rewrite is right or not.
Can you help me please?
Thanks for any reply.
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Edited by lucile83 on 21-01-2015 16:12
Message from baodali posted on 21-01-2015 at 15:40:10 (D | E | F)
Hello,
today,I read a statement:
"These peculiar forms not only seemed designed to shock people emotionally, but to give them electric shocks as well."
in my opinion,it is more proper to put "not only" in front of "to shock people...," .I am not sure whether my rewrite is right or not.
Can you help me please?
Thanks for any reply.
-------------------
Edited by lucile83 on 21-01-2015 16:12
Re: Not only but /help from dsmith78, posted on 22-01-2015 at 09:23:55 (D | E)
Hello,
'Not only....but (also)' is a two part conjunction and there is no particular rule on the position of the first part. It could be before the verb like the original text or after the verb in your correction. We could even change it to the beginning of the text:
"Not only did these peculiar forms seem designed to shock people emotionally, but to give them electric shocks as well." (Not only + auxiliary + subject).
As with many things, it's a matter of style and preference.
Hope that helps!
Re: Not only but /help from baodali, posted on 22-01-2015 at 14:38:48 (D | E)
Dear friends
I am very happy
I have acquired much English knowledge from this forum where there are many enthusiastic professional persons.
Thanks to everyone!
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Edited by lucile83 on 22-01-2015 17:16
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