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Brief Complication
- Thread starter Dimandja
- Start date
mscallisto
Technical User
Complicates what? Complicates matters.
CajunCenturion
Programmer
I don't think the sentence is grammatically correct. You have a transitive verb without a predicate object.
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To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
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sleipnir214
Programmer
Yourdictionary.com lists "complicate" as both an transitive and intransitive verb. I guess that if in the original wording one were to interpret "complicates" as an intransitive verb, the sentence is grammatically correct.
The original phrasing really doesn't scan well in any case.
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The original phrasing really doesn't scan well in any case.
Want the best answers? Ask the best questions!
TANSTAAFL!!
SantaMufasa
Technical User
I know that the copy-writer of the original snippet was attempting clever word smithing, but the reactions here suggest that s/he failed. Not only did s/he misuse the verb, "complicates", but they broke a time-honoured rule of effective writing: "Avoid weak, passive voice."
If s/he must write about this event, why not crisply say, "The death of the prime suspect complicates a murder investigation"?
No misuse of "complicates"...no weak, passive voice.
![[santa]](/data/assets/smilies/santa.gif "[santa] [santa]")
Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
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If s/he must write about this event, why not crisply say, "The death of the prime suspect complicates a murder investigation"?
No misuse of "complicates"...no weak, passive voice.
Mufasa(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
Do you use Oracle and live or work in Utah, USA?
Then click here to join Utah Oracle Users Group on Tek-Tips.
- Thread starter
- #7
I agree, rafiki yangu (Swahili for 'my friend') Mufasa. This snippet was (still is) a lead-in to a "Law and Order" episode. I guess, the writer wanted to emphasize the core and appeal of that show: murder investigation.
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I would just note that I read the post and really didn't find anything particularly wrong with it... So I did not see the reason to post that opinion*.
~Thadeus
* This highlights an issue with Forum postings in general. Non-posting is often later referred to (by the poster) as apathy or collusion.
1. My thoughts may have already been expressed by the one dissenter that posted.
2. My thoughts don't really have a basis in anything I can write intelligently about. At least without a very long-winded backstory. Maybe they are esoteric, maybe just confused thoughts that don't want to take the form of an argument.
Just two reasons with probably many more.
SilentAiche
Technical User
The investigation thought Cate did something well?
Tim
SilentAiche
Technical User
P.S. - where I'm from, a Brief Complication is sometimes called a "wedgie."
Tim
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