H
Hasan
Is that correct? He was looking at the picture thoughtfully.
Jan 26, 2025 10:30 AM
Answers · 13
S
Simon White
Professional Teacher
2
Yes, although better syntax is “he was looking thoughtfully at the picture” By the way, in your question say “is THIS correct?” Use this because the sentence comes BEFORE what you’re asking us about. If you’d posted the sentence you wanted checking first and your question AFTER it, then you’d say “is that correct?”
Jan 26, 2025 1:52 PM
Hasan
Thank you for your help
Jan 26, 2025 4:03 PM · Reply
Simon WhiteHasan
you’re welcome
Jan 26, 2025 4:35 PM · Reply
J
Jonathan
1
Perfect. You can place "thoughtfully" anywhere in the sentence: "Thoughtfully, he was looking at the picture" ("thoughtfully" modifies "he") "He, thoughtfully, was looking at the picture" ("thoughtfully" modifies "he") "He was thoughtfully looking at the picture" ("thoughtfully" modifies "looking") "He was looking thoughtfully at the picture" ("thoughtfully" modifies "looking") He was looking at the picture thoughtfully. ("thoughtfully" modifies "looking") He was looking at the picture, thoughtfully. ("thoughtfully" modifies either word) The decision where best to place "thoughtfully" depends upon which word you wish it to modify. Do you want it to modify "looking" (the way he looked)? Do you want it to modify "he" (the thoughtful person)? You should place it closest to the word you want it to modify.
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Jan 27, 2025 1:13 PM
Jonathan
Correction: "thoughtfully" cannot modify "he" because an adverb cannot modify a noun. However, my analysis is still good if you replace "modify" with "emphasize". For example, the sentence "Thoughtfully, he was looking..." puts a bit more emphasis on "he" even though "thoughtfully" modifies "looking".
Jan 27, 2025 1:16 PM · Reply
Hasan
Jonathan, thank you for help.
Jan 28, 2025 8:29 AM · Reply
P
Pete from Boston
Professional Teacher
1
100% correct.
Jan 27, 2025 8:03 AM
Hasan
Pete from Boston, Thank you for your help
Jan 27, 2025 8:42 AM · Reply
Pete from BostonHasan
My pleasure
Jan 27, 2025 8:43 AM · Reply
F
Invitee
Fatima
Professional Teacher
1
Yes Hasan! It's correct! You can also say: He was looking thoughtfully at the picture.
Jan 26, 2025 4:19 PM
Hasan
Fatima, Thank you for your help
Jan 27, 2025 8:44 AM · Reply
M
Momo☆小茉
1
Yes
Jan 26, 2025 2:46 PM
Hasan
Thank you for your help
Jan 26, 2025 4:03 PM · Reply
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H
Hasan
Language Skills
Arabic, English
Learning Language
English
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