of/of

[lori_martinz]

Should I repeat the preposition "of", in a list of objects, after a -ing form.

-requiring the opening of the sternum or of the thoracic cavity.

instead of

-requiring the opening of the sternum or the thoracic cavity.

Or is the sentence completely wrong???


Thanks

[David L.]

What are you actually trying to say?
You would access the thoracic cavity through the sternum, or by using rib retractors. Why else would you open the sternum?

[lori_martinz]

Originally Posted by David L.

What are you actually trying to say?
You would access the thoracic cavity through the sternum, or by using rib retractors. Why else would you open the sternum?

No, the patient's undergone surgery previously. I just couldn't find a suitable, easier sentence to replace a grammar doubt:
Can I omit the particle "of" in the second object?
Is the grammar construction correct?

thanks

[David L.]

Purely grammatically, yes, it is preferable to omit the second 'of'.