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Another questions about collocation - ".....In conclusion, people’s motivation to learn some historical facts about their houses can range from the desire to be safe to the acquisition-?? of a special connection with their ancestors. "........ I am not sure it is correct to say so - "...the acquisition of ...connection with ancestors"..... Is correct or incorrect? Could you help please...
Mar 31, 2023 8:15 PM
Answers · 5
1
The phrase "the acquisition of a special connection with their ancestors" could be grammatically correct, but it may not be the most appropriate collocation to use in this context. Here, "acquisition" usually refers to the act of obtaining or gaining something. However, when used with "connection," it can sound awkward or even unnatural. Instead, you could use a different verb-noun collocation that conveys a similar meaning, such as "forging a connection" or "developing a connection" with their ancestors. This would make the sentence sound more natural and better convey the intended meaning. So a possible alternative sentence could be: "In conclusion, people's motivation to learn historical facts about their houses can range from the desire to be safe to forging a special connection with their ancestors."
March 31, 2023
1
Yes, it is correct. People want to "acquire" a connection. Since "desire" is a noun, it sounds best to also use a noun form "acquisition". "Aquire" might not be the best verb to use but it certainly makes sense. Better verbs might be: form, make, develop, or discover. Whichever one you use, you want to turn it into a noun: "from the desire to be safe to..." ... forming a connection ...making a connection ...developing (or "the development of") a connection ...discovering (or "the discovery of") a connection
March 31, 2023
1
Better to say " from the desire to be safe to the wish / desire for a connection with their ancestors." Acquisition here sounds too formal. Usually we acquire things or skills, but not connections. It's not technically wrong it just sounds better.
March 31, 2023
thank you both, Ahmadi and Jonathan!
April 1, 2023
thanks a lot!
March 31, 2023
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