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How do you calculate the percentage of prepositional phrases and infinitive phrases?
sanjay
Expert
3 answers 
Sanjay's question refers to an answer of mine, where I cite the Chicago Manual of Style's advice concerning usage of prepositions. CMoS seems to calculate their recommendation thus:
w = total number of words
p = number of prepositions (this number includes both prepositions that stand alone and those that introduce phrases; it also includes "to" except when it is used as an infinitive marker)
% of prepositions = p/w
Because infinitive markers add to the bumpy rhythm that prepositional phrases cause, I add those into the calculation.
i = number of infinitive markers ("to")
% of prepositions and infinitives = (p+i)/w
I hope this helps.
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answered Nov 01 '12 at 17:52
Jeff Pribyl
Grammarly Fellow
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Whew! Now I've got a handle on this.
add commentI'm not sure why you would want to. Give a little more context, Sanjay.
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answered Nov 01 '12 at 16:03
Lewis Neidhardt
Expert
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This study seeks (to investigate) whether the bilingualism that is promoted is effectively implemented (to achieve) higher educational outcomes
This study seeks to investigate from teachers experiences in teaching English second language learners using English as a medium of instruction whether the bilingualism that is promoted by South African language policy is effectively implemented to achieve higher educational outcomes in our education system.
http://answers.grammarly.com/questions/8594-incomplete-comparison/
add commentThe next question is, 'Calculate each as a percentage of what?' The 'what' is the critical number. If the percentages are in relation to one another, you could add the total number of prepositional phrases and infinitive phrases together, and divide the total into each one.
p=total number of prepostional phrases
i=total number of infinitive phrases
% of infinitive phrases = i/(p+i)
% of prep. phrases = p/(p+i)
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answered Nov 01 '12 at 16:15
Lewis Neidhardt
Expert
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I did get you, sir. Could you show me with the above example?
I am sorry, I did not get you.
I got it. Thanks.
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