4

It is a highly unusual form of melody, one that occurs only in this composer's work

In the above sentence, what is the referent of the pronoun one? Is it melody or the entire prepositional phrase form of melody? Or, perhaps the referent is the subject of the sentence, it? I frequently hear the rule that the referent has to be the prior proximate noun.

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    You're misunderstanding/misquoting that "rule" about "prior proximate noun". In this case, as Barrie says, "one" references the whole noun phrase preceding - which has already been equated to "it" anyway. So semantically speaking it's splitting hairs to choose between "it" and "a highly unusual form of melody", but if you want to be grammatically precise it's the latter.
    – FumbleFingers
    Jul 3, 2012 at 20:55

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

I would say that the referent was the entire noun phrase a highly unusual form of melody. The head word is form and it is postmodified by of melody. A paraphrase would be a highly unusual melodic form.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.