Clarification/Follow-up by riccioni on 06/03/04 3:43 am:
Dear Ali:

Thank you very much for your prompt response.

In the example "My husband does a lot on his part to keep our marriage peaceful and happy. We both do our part[s?], but I credit him with doing more than his share when I am troubled," why is the "s" between [] followed by the question mark?

Again, many, many thanks for your kind help.

Regards,
Paolo

Clarification/Follow-up by riccioni on 06/03/04 5:57 am:
Dear voiceguy2000:

Thank you very much for your prompt response.

You wrote:

We have studied the plane's flight recorder, and found no evidence of any error on the pilot's part [alt: on the part of the pilot]. Accordingly, we are closing the investigation.

My question is:

Would you please explain/clarify what "[alt: on the part of the pilot]" means?

Again, many, many thanks for your kind help.

Regards,
Paolo

Clarification/Follow-up by voiceguy2000 on 06/03/04 7:51 am:
My entry in the brackets was an alternate version of the phrase. "Alt: " is an abbreviation for "alternate."

It simply was to let you know that you could equally well write "on the pilot's part" or "on the part of the pilot." The two versions would be interchangeable.

This interchangeability applies only when a noun, rather than a pronoun, is being used (i.e., on [noun]'s part). We would not replace "on my part" (pronoun) with "on the part of me," and so on. The substitution can be made in order to produce a sentence that flows more smoothly or creates a more dramatic effect.

Slightly awkward: The photos triggered deep-seated resentment on the general public's part.

Possibly better: The photos triggered deep-seated resentment on the part of the general public.

Not so good: Experts predict that high fuel prices will lead to new behavior on many car owners' part.

Better: Experts predict that high fuel prices will lead to new behavior on the part of many car owners.

Better still (in this particular case): Experts predict that high fuel prices will lead to new behavior by many car owners.