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nawee · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 400

Hello,

I came cross this sentence in an error identification exercise.

Although (A)[it took a similar course toward Japan as most typhoons
that visit the nation in autumn], (B)[Typhoon No. 22 was
characteristically powerful].

It has been suggested that "as most typhoons" is incorrect. But personally, I think that "characteristically" doesn't make sense in this sentence. I think "uncharacteristically" would be more logical with "although" as the conjunction.

Can someone help please?

Many thanks in advance,

Nawee

myprofe

Although (A)[it took a similar course toward Japan as most typhoons
that visit the nation in autumn], (B)[Typhoon No. 22 was
characteristically powerful].

I think the mistake is that you have to say:

as most typhoons do - or - like most typhoons (do)

With "as" the auxiliary "do" is necessary but with like it is optional
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nawee · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 400

And "characteristically" makes sense in this sentence?

Although it took a similar course toward Japan as most typhoons
do, Typhoon No. 22 was characteristically powerful. Generally, typhoons lose a lot of their strength on their way to Japan, but Typhoon No. 22 maintained its power.

If so, why use the conjuction "although"?

myprofe · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 11:00 pm Post subject:

nawee · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 400

"It was not normal that, having taken a similar course, this typhoon maintained its intensity. This justifies the use of "although"."

Then why is it not: "Although it took a similar course as most typhoons do, Typhoon No. 22 is UNcharacteristcally powerful."?

Isn't Typhoon No. 22 behaving UNcharacteristically by maintaining its tensity?

Nawee

myprofe · Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:21 pm Post subject:

nawee · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 400

I'm sorry if it appears I'm beating a dead horse over this. When I can't get my head around the logic, it bugs me.

If you say that Typhoon No. 22 was characteristically powerful, then it means that Typhoon No. 22 behaves characteristically for 2 reasons:

1. took a similar course as other typhoons
2. was powerful

Then why would "although" be to link these two ideas that are not in conflict with each other?

Nawee

myprofe · Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 12:49 am Post subject: logic

The typhoon took a path toward Japan. This is normal.
The typhoon was powerful. This is normal.
When he reached Japan it was still powerful. This is not normal.

So, we can say: Although it took a similar course toward Japan as most typhoons do, Typhoon No. 22 was uncharacteristically powerful when it reached Japan.
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I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!