the most well-known being the general theory of relativity

Status
Not open for further replies.

Harry1234

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2021
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
China
Current Location
China
He made numerous contributions to the world, the most well-known being the general theory of relativity and the famous formula E=mc

Hi, how to understand the word "being" in this sentence? Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
He made numerous contributions to the world, the most well-known being the general theory of relativity and the famous formula E=mc

Hi, how to can/should I understand the word "being" in this sentence? Thanks.

The writer used "being" here because they chose not to make it into two sentences. It could have been written as:

He made numerous contributions to the world. The most well-known are the general theory of relativity and the formula E=mc(squared).

However, if they'd used "are" there as part of a single sentence, it would have been ungrammatical.
 
Thanks, emsr2d2! I have one more question: Is this part "the most well-known being the general theory of relativity and the famous formula E=mc" an independent nominative structure? Thank you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I don't know what an "independent nominative structure" is. If by that you mean is it an independent clause the answer is no.

Are you studying physics?
 
I am learning English not physics. We need to analyze the structure of the sentence. I don’t know what structure the part is, so I asked you for help. I’m not sure what grammar term I should use. I might use the wrong term. Sorry to trouble you. Is “absolute structure” correct? Thank you!
 
Well, conversation is certainly part English (and any other language).

That sentence part might have a name, but I don't know what it is.

In 70 years I haven't had to use the term "absolute structure", and I don't know where or why or when I would use it.

(I do appreciate politeness, but there is no need to put " Thank you" in every post.)
 
Since Harry1234's question concerns syntactic analysis rather than meaning and use of English, I'd suggest it's better suited to the Analysing Language section. And since it seems to be part of a coursework assignment, I'd advise we answer cautiously.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top