|
|
 #2 (permalink) Mon Oct 23, 2006 8:21 am Word order (direct object before subject & verb) |
|
|
.
It would sound fine if you were setting up the other half of a contrast, which is what is going on in your extract, and is one reason for fronting information: to give it prominence.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
|
 Mister Micawber
Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005
Posts: 13015
|
|
| #3 (permalink) Mon Oct 23, 2006 8:58 am Word order (direct object before subject & verb) |
|
|
The full context:
| Quote: |
Mrs Vanderlyn was usually at a disadvantage when left alone with members of her own sex. …
Lady Julia was a woman whose manner were either very good or very bad. In this occasion she disliked Mrs Vanderlyn, and was bored by Mrs Macatte, and made no secret of her feeling. …
Mrs Macatta was a woman of a great earnestness of purpose. Mrs Vanderlyn she dismisses immediately as a useless and parasitic type. Lady Julia she tried to interest in a forthcoming charity entertainment which she was organizing. Lady Julia answered vaguely, stifled a yarn or two and retired into her own inner preoccupation. Why didn’t Charles and George come? How tiresome men were. Her comments became even more perfunctory as she became absorbed in her own thoughts and worries.
The three women were sitting in silence…
|
Mister Micawber, I know that the above is fine, as Christie’s texts have been time-tested :)
And I understand the purpose of word inversion, as in Russian it is used much more wide and fluently.
My question was purely 'grammatical', as written English is usually quite strict about the word order
(in compare :) ) and it’s extremely easy to mix up 'acceptable style' and just a grammatical error.
You have answered my question about 'acceptability', thank you.
But I am afraid, I won’t still dare to use the style (and do so fluent with grammar) by myself. :(
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water… |
|
Tamara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 25 May 2006
Posts: 1577
Location: UK
|
 |
| #4 (permalink) Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:22 am Word order (direct object before subject & verb) |
|
|
Hi Tamara
I'd say that you should look at this structure as a structure "for special occasions only". It can be used emphatically. In my example, I think you can also see the contrast that MM mentioned (and that your example also illustrates):
Mary: I've heard a few unusual things about some of the people who work here. Do you know anything about Jane Doe?
Janet: No, not much. She tends to keep to herself.
Mary: What about Sue Smith? Do you know anything about her?
Janet: Sue? Oh, yeah! Her I know plenty about! Just wait till you hear what Sue has done to me! You're not going to believe it!
Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
|
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA
|
|
| #5 (permalink) Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:31 am Word order |
|
|
Hi Tamara,
You say:
| Quote: |
| as written English is usually quite strict about the word order |
That I don't agree with. With that I don't agree. I don't agree with that. Agree with that I don't.
That's one of the beauties of the language, in my book. You can take liberties but as Amy hints, you have to make sure that what you write is appropriate, relevant and fits the occasion. And that's the problem.
Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple |
|
Alan
Co-founder
Joined: 27 Sep 2003
Posts: 13891
Location: UK
|
|
| #6 (permalink) Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:15 am Word order (direct object before subject & verb) |
|
|
| Alan wrote: |
| Agree with that I don't. |
Thanks, Alan. It's amazing! :) :D
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water… |
|
Tamara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 25 May 2006
Posts: 1577
Location: UK
|
|
| #7 (permalink) Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:21 am Word order (direct object before subject & verb) |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Her I know plenty about! |
Amy, it's the same as I would say it in Russian.
But it is still saying... speaking English.
But I meant not the direct speech (as in your and Alan examples), but narrative statements. In writing.
As in Christie's text.
When you describe something not from the first person and without obvious feelings.
But thanks, I seem to have understood the contrast-point... in general :)
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water… |
|
Tamara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 25 May 2006
Posts: 1577
Location: UK
|
|
|
| "thank you" + infinitive | Phrasal verb "accounting for" |
