English for Research: Usage, Style, and Grammar

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A.Wallwork - English for Research Usage, Style, and Grammar - 2013

18.3 ensure it is clear which noun an adjective refers to

YES
NO
1 His swimming costume, which was large, old and red, was made in England and from cotton. It was found in … A red old English cotton large swimming costume.
= His large old red English cotton swimming costume was found in …
2 The low stock size of edible Asian
species has led to the need for new resources overseas. The stock low size of Asian edible
species has led to the need for new resources overseas.
2 All the ready-to-eat jellyfish
products that were examined had been contaminated. All the examined jellyfish ready-to-
eat products had been contaminated.
2 The mean daily air temperature was measured. The mean air daily temperature was measured.
3 They were colored red and white . They were red and white colored .
4 The female’s first choice was … There is only one female involved. The fi rst female’s choice was … This implies that there was at least a second female involved. A variety of choices were offered both to the male and the female. Interestingly, the fi rst female’s choice was …
5 Products sold in Chinese communities in France . Products sold in French Chinese communities.

167
18.3
ensure it is clear which noun an adjective refers to
If an adjective is followed by two nouns, it may not be clear to the reader if the adjective only refers to the first noun, or both to the first and second nouns. If there could be ambiguity, then you need to rearrange the phrase. If the adjective (e.g. new ) only refers to the first noun (e.g. teachers ) either (1) change the order of the nouns, or give each noun a different adjective.
2. If the adjective refers to both of the nouns, and if you think there could be ambiguity, then (1) put the adjective before both nouns, or (2) rearrange the sentence.

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