3

The sentence in question:

It is in chaos do we find reality.

I wouldn't have posted this question if the sentence were worded like this:

We find reality in chaos.

or

In chaos (do) we find reality.

But the construct of the original sentence, which is a cleft sentence whose complement clause is inverted, seems new to me and I'm not sure if it's grammatical (although my ears say it is). So, is it grammatical?

Improve this question
  • 4
    Not to my non-native ears. I keep wanting to correct that sentence to “It is in chaos that we find reality”. Where did you find it? – Gilles 'SO- stop being evil' Nov 19 '13 at 13:27
  • @Gilles: That's a nice one. The sentence was posted by a friend on Facebook. – Sherlock Nov 19 '13 at 15:11
  • It doesn't even sound grammatical to my native ears, I agree with Gilles. – user2844787 Nov 24 '13 at 4:36
  • @Gilles is correct. You need the relative pronoun that to precede the relative clause do we find reality. – Giambattista Nov 29 '13 at 1:32
  • It has a nice sound to it, though. – snailplane♦ Dec 7 '13 at 2:25
3

Your syntax is off. You need that in this case. Do is only needed for emphasis. You've also got it phrased as a question.

It is in chaos that we do find reality. Do is an emphatic here.

-or-

It is [only] in chaos that we [do] find reality.

-or-

It is in chaos that we [do] find reality.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

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