used for stylistic purposes against Grammar rules? more examples

Correct its grammar. "比如在 LOTR 里，Frodo 觉得任务实在太难了，他对导师 Gandalf 说，“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”"

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Here is the corrected version:

"比如在《指环王》里，Frodo 觉得任务实在太难了，他对导师 Gandalf 说：“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” Frodo 说道。

“我也是，”Gandalf 说道，“所有活在这样的时代的人都是这么想的。但这并不是他们能决定的。我们唯一能决定的，是如何利用我们被赋予的时间。”"

I've adjusted the punctuation and the flow for clarity and natural expression in both Chinese and English.

4o

 

You said:

grammar error? "I wish it need not have happened in my time,

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

The phrase "I wish it need not have happened in my time" contains a slight grammatical issue. The more grammatically correct version would be:

"I wish it had not happened in my time."

The verb "wish" typically requires the past perfect ("had not happened") to express regret about something in the past. However, the original phrasing is still understandable and might be used for stylistic purposes.

4o

 

You said:

stylistic purposes? against Grammar rules? more examples?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Yes, "I wish it need not have happened in my time" could be considered a stylistic choice rather than strictly following standard grammar rules. In this case, the phrasing is slightly archaic and has a poetic or literary quality, which is common in works like The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien, the author, sometimes employed more formal or archaic language to give the dialogue a timeless or epic feel.

The phrase "need not have happened" uses "need" as a modal verb, which isn't commonly done in this context in modern English. While the grammatically correct version would be "I wish it had not happened," Tolkien's choice emphasizes the sense of inevitability and the burden of the situation, contributing to the mood and tone of the narrative.

Examples of Stylistic Choices that Bend Grammar Rules:

1. Shakespeare's English:

   • "If music be the food of love, play on." (Twelfth Night)
     • Modern grammar would demand "If music is the food of love," but the subjunctive mood gives it a more lyrical and timeless quality.

2. Biblical Language:

   • "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13)
     • In modern English, this would be "You shall not kill," but the use of "thou" and "shalt" gives the command a sense of gravity and divine authority.

3. Poetic Expressions:

   • "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep." (Robert Frost)
     • While not ungrammatical, the sentence structure prioritizes rhythm and flow over the strict rules of sentence construction.

4. Archaic/High Fantasy Writing:

   • "May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring)
     • The word order here is slightly unusual in modern conversation, but it adds an air of solemnity and importance.

Stylistic choices like these are often intentional and used to evoke a certain atmosphere, even if they deviate from what is considered "proper" modern grammar. They are not necessarily against the rules but stretch them to enhance the literary effect.