Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marlen]

Hello,


Are the parts in bold print correct or how would you put it?

Without any possibility of practising a profession, women were forced to get married in a suitable rank and depended on their husbands.


Surprisingly it is not only spoken about an absolutely restricted life, but also about very brave and self-confident characters who could also act in nowadays life.

Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.
Marlen

[MrPedantic]

Hello Marlen

Maybe:

1. "Without any possibility of practising a profession, women were forced to marry someone of a suitable rank, after which they were dependent on on their husbands."

But the first clause is a little awkward; so you might want to consider rephrasing it with "since" (e.g. "Sinc they had no possibility...").

2. "Surprisingly, it is not only said of people who had an absolutely restricted life, but also of those very brave and self-confident characters who could play an active role in the modern world too."

(I'm not absolutely sure of your intended meaning in #2; so let me know if I've misinterpreted it!)

MrP

[Marlen]

Hello MrP,

In the second sentence it should be something like:

Surprisingly, the book not only tells about restricted lives, but also about very brave and self-confident characters who would fit into our modern world too.

I was wondering whether it is not only spoken about could be used as well. But since it confused you I guess it wouldn't be that good.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Marlen

[MrPedantic]

Hello Marlen

In that case, my #2 version with "it is not only said of" is incorrect!

Your version on the other hand is more or less ok:

"Surprisingly, the book not only talks about restricted lives, but also about very brave and self-confident characters who would fit into our modern world too."

(Or is it part of an exercise where you have to introduce a passive structure?)

Bye,
MrP

PS: By the way, I've just noticed a careless mistake in my sentence #1 �

"Without any possibility of practising a profession, women were forced to marry someone of a suitable rank, after which they were dependent on on their husbands."

� change to just one "on".

[Marlen]

Hello MrP,

As the sentence is part of a report, I would like to know how you would put the sentence into the passive.

Suprisingly, in the book it is not only talked about ....?

Thanks for your reply.

Marlen