Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sam555]

But it is precisely that assumption which must now be discarded so that we can think strategically about our new relationship to the environment.



Which words does the author emphasize?And how to change it into normal order? Thanks.

[CP]

We have to get rid of that assumption so that we can think of new strategies to deal with the environment.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[sam555]

It is emphatic use,but which word dose the author emphasize,"precisely" or "assumption"? I am confused.
For example:
" It was last summer that I graduated from the university."

So it emphasizes "last summer"and we can change it into "I graduated from the university last summer."

[Lorikeet]

If I say it, I emphasize both of them.

[sam555]

If both of them,how to change it according to my example?

[Lorikeet]

CP gave you an example of another sentence that meant the same thing. I'm sorry, I don't understand why that didn't answer your question.

[lotus]

Hi Sam555,

Here's the way I would say it, with emphases.

But, it is precisely that assumption which now must be discarded so that we can think strategically about our new relationship with the environment.


--lotus
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda

[sam555]

Tanks for your helps.But if I say
But assumption which must now be discarded precisely so that we can think strategically about our new relationship to the environment.

Is that right?

[Lorikeet]

No.

[lotus]

Hi Sam555,

Your question should be whether you want to emphasize "assumption" or "discarded", not "precisely" or "assumption."

Your example was:
It was last summer that I graduated from the university.
I graduated from the university last summer.

Emphasis is on the first part of the sentence.

Take your original sentence:
But it is precisely that assumption which must now be discarded (so that we can think strategically about our new relationship to the environment).

Remove the dependent clause in parenthesis:
But it is precisely that assumption which must now be discarded.

Remove the conjunction "but":
It is precisely that assumption which must now be discarded.

Change the order and edit for emphasis:
You must now discard that precise assumption.

Put everything back in the original sentence:
But you must now discard that precise assumption so that we can think strategically about our new relationship to the environment.

Do some editing for clarity:
You must now discard that old assumption, so that we can think strategically about our new relationship with the environment.

You have now changed the emphasis from "assumption" to "discard."

In your original sentence, "precisely" describes assumption and not discarded. Therefore, moving it adjacent to discarded will not change the emphasis. It simply becomes misplaced, and destroys the sentence.


--lotus
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda