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Adjectives Quote by Mary McCarthy

“The breakdown of our language, evident in the misuse, i.e., the misunderstanding of nouns and adjectives, is most grave, though perhaps not so conspicuous, in the handling of prepositions, those modest little connectives that hold the parts of a phrase or a sentence together. They are the joints…” quote by Mary McCarthy
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“The breakdown of our language, evident in the misuse, i.e., the misunderstanding of nouns and adjectives, is most grave, though perhaps not so conspicuous, in the handling of prepositions, those modest little connectives that hold the parts of a phrase or a sentence together. They are the joints of any language, what make it, literally, articulate.”

Mary McCarthy

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Language of Literature, 1945

Misusing prepositions weakens sentence structure, as they are essential connectors that give clarity and articulation to language.

In simple terms: Prepositions are vital connectors for clear sentences.

Key Takeaway

Pay attention to preposition use.

Themes

language clarity grammar communication

Mood

analytical educational

Type

instructional explanatory

When to use this quote

  • writing essays
  • editing academic papers
  • learning a new language
  • teaching grammar

Key Concepts

syntax semantic precision linguistic cohesion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do prepositions affect meaning?
  • What strategies improve preposition usage?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on prepositions can overlook other grammatical errors.

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