rec.puzzles Archive

What is the shortest sentence containing all four phrases and three subordinate clauses identified in...

language/english/sentences/supersentence

Problem

What is the shortest sentence containing all four phrases and three subordinate
clauses identified in English grammar?
Show solution
The subordinate clauses:
1. adverb
2. adjective
3. infinitive
4. noun
The phrases:
5. gerund
6. participial
7. prepositional

[1] Whoever rebels, [2] daring [3] oppose [4] by [5] fighting [6] when
oppressed, [7] which overcomes, conquers. (11 words, Lederer, Verbatim XVI,
4, p. 6, 1990) 

[1] However painful, try [5] helping [3] prove [4] supersentences [2] you're
[6] disgusted [7] by prevail. (10 words, Straight, Verbatim XVII, 3, p. 22,
1991)