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More Level 5 Exercises

Joke # 9
Answer Key for Level 5
     Words that remained  to be explained (and some for which a better explanation can now be provided) are in 18-point bold black, with their functions indicated after them. The font size of words aleady analyzed has been decreased. 

Spaces Missing between Words? (Click here for an explanation.)

 
   
     A sailor's wife approached the pastor {of her church} just [as

he was stepping {into the pulpit},] and handed him a note. The

note said, ["Harold Peat, having gone (Noun Absolute

Adverbial to "requests" Note #1) {to sea}, his wife requests the 

congregation to pray {for his safety}."] /

     The minister hastily unfolded the note, / and {with his mind} {on

the sermon} [he was about to make,] he announced: ["Harold Peat

having gone to see his wife, requests the congregation to pray  {for 

his safety}."] /
 

Source unknown

Notes

1. Normally there would not be a comma after "Peat." It is probably there because the joke depends on the distinction between "Harold Peat" as the subject of a finite verb and "Harold Peat" as the head of a noun absolute.
 

Progress
Total Words = 77 Words %
L1: In Prep Phrases  20  26
L1: + Adj & Adverbs 14 44
+ L2: S / V / C 26 78
+ L3: Clauses 3 82
+ L4: Verbals 13 99
+ Eight Other 1 100

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