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On Thu, 01 Feb 2018 23:39:13 +0000, Peter Humphrey wrote: |
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> > > The Romans were very practical people who didn't waste time or |
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> > > effort, but got on with the job & built an empire which lasted 500 |
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> > > years . |
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> > |
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> > built an empire THAT lasted 500 years |
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> |
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> Nope. Philip was right the first time. They built an empire, and it |
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> lasted 500 years. Your version implies that they built an empire that |
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> lasted 500 years, as distinct from one that didn't. |
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In that case the which should be preceded by a comma, as that part of the |
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sentence is optional, only adding extra detail. However, here the fact |
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that the empire lasted 500 years is the point and should be included in |
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the main statement with that. |
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The rule of thumb I was taught is that if you can dispense with the |
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second part without significantly changing the meaning, use which, |
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otherwise use that. Since the 500 years is crucial, the latter applies. |
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-- |
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Neil Bothwick |
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You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to |
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skydive twice. |
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