Sunomonoius
While reading “The Prince” (grammar) “Machiavelli never hesitates to cite the actions of the duke for the benefit of usurpers who wish to keep the states they have seized” l’m not sure what the preposition “FOR” refers to. Does this sentence mean Machiavelli doesn’t hesitates to cite about Duke, in order for the usurpers’ benefits, or is it Duke whose action is for them? + I normally perceive what “for”s are for, by the sentences and situation and etc, but I don’t have the definite technique to determine firmly when under a situation that has potentially two subjects. If possible, would you also be able to teach me how you come to know the answer? ——————————————————————————— Excerpt From The Prince Niccolò Machiavelli https://books.apple.com/ca/book/the-prince/id395534069 This material may be protected by copyright.
Oct 17, 2019 3:32 AM
Answers · 3
1
I believe your first interpretation is probably correct, although I’ll admit that it is a bit ambiguous. It could be made clearer if the for-phrase were moved to the beginning of the sentence (and followed by a comma). The complete context should make it clear whether it’s Machiavelli or the Duke who is thinking about the usurpers.
October 17, 2019
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!