I would agree but would add that ther second propsotional phrase is actually part of the first one. In other words, the adverbial prepositional phrase in the first sentence is not "throughout the course," but "throughout the course of this paper." When I am teaching it, I usually use the term "nesting." One prepositional phrase can nest inside another one. The same pattern holds for the second sentence.
This "of" construction is sometimes called "genitive of" because it can be paraphrased by a possessive construction. "Throughout this paper's course;" "a gender role conflict's scope."
Nested prepositions aren't at all limited to that: "A bird in a nest on the branch of a tree in a hole in the ground" (If I remember the child's poem right.)
The first sentence is also interesting because the subject is juxtaposed. The non-juxtaposed version would be "To examine what parameters of masculinity will be addressed throughout the course of this paper is prudent." I'm not in love with
either version. I know it's out of context, but it seems harder to follow than the content warrants. (Who is doing the examining or the addressing? The same person who is saying it's prudent to do so? How about. "Out of prudence, I'll explain the parameters
of masculinity I'll be addressing in the paper." The clearer it gets, the easier it is to amend it.
Craig
Hi,
I would interpret the first prepositional phrase in each pair as an adverb answering the question “how” or “when”. The second prepositional phrase then works as an adjective, modifying the object of the first prepositional phrase and answering the question “which”.
Sherry Saylors
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of John Chorazy
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2014 9:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: modifier question
Hello to all... I'm hesitant on describing this construction (similar in both examples) and would be happy for your input. I see the two separate prepositional phrases in each sentence but want
to be sure I'm identifying their individual roles (adverb/adjective?) correctly. Thank you and best wishes...
...
it is prudent to examine what parameters for masculinity will be addressed throughout the course of this paper
...
... can often be explained within the scope of a gender-role conflict...
--
John Chorazy
English III Honors, AP Lit
Advisor, Panther Press
Pequannock Township High School
973.616.6000
Noli Timere
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