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Navitasan Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

A Scotsman discovered ...

Are these sentences correct:

1) Scots have made many contributions to science. For instance, a Scotsman discovered the first antibiotic.

2) Americans have made many contributions to technology. For instance, two Americans invented the plane.

I don't know why I don't like the first one. I would put it in the passive: The first antibiotic was discovered by a Scotsman.

Gratefully,
Navi.
  

Top answer

navitasan I don't know why I don't like the first one. I'm sure I don't know either. However, with your powers of analysis I don't think you'll have any trouble working out the answer yourself.

  • navitasan I don't know why I don't like the first one.
  • I'm sure I don't know either.
  • However, with your powers of analysis I don't think you'll have any trouble working out the answer yourself.
  • I suspect it's something to do with 'discover' vs 'invent' and/or something to do with 'first'.
  • You might introspect on those factors if you haven't considered them yet.
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5 Answers
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navitasanI don't know why I don't like the first one.
I'm sure I don't know either. Emotion: smile
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Thank you very much, CalifJim, for the reply and for the compliments (although I detect some sarcasm in the way they are expressed!!).

I can't figure out for the life of me what is wrong with the first one. I think I just don't like it because I don't like it. I don't see any reason that it should be considered wrong!

Gratefully,
Navi.
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navitasansarcasm
None intended.
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CJ
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My apologies.

Paranoia is when someone's analytical powers go behind the limits of sanity!

I didn't say that. My other personality did. We both have good analytical powers, and we use them against each other!

Gratefully,
Navi.
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CalifJim navitasansarcasm. None intended..CJ
I agree. I read the compliment. No trace of sarcasm on the part of CJ.

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