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Sb70012 Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Alex ......... so much.

Alex ......... so much.

a)ought to not smoke
b)ought not smoke
c)ought not to smoke (Answer Key)
d)none

Hello,
I have asked this question in WR forum but I have received different answers.
Some said "only C is correct"
Some said "B and C are correct"
Some said "A, B and C are all correct"

I am confused now. Would you please be kind enough to help me with this? What's your opinion? I'll be grateful if you give some more guidance on this question.

Thank you.
  

Top answer

sb70012 a)ought to not smoke Split infinitive. Most grammarians frown on this, and in this case, I completely agree. " "to" is required.

— AlpheccaStars

  • sb70012 a)ought to not smoke Split infinitive.
  • Most grammarians frown on this, and in this case, I completely agree.
  • " "to" is required.
  • sb70012 c)ought not to smoke The only choice left.
  • ( d) would mean that there is no negative form.
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2 Answers
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sb70012a)ought to not smoke
Split infinitive. Most grammarians frown on this, and in this case, I completely agree.
sb70012b)ought not smoke
The modal auxiliary is "ought to." "to" is required.
sb70012c)ought not to smoke
The only choice left. ( d) would mean that there is no negative fo
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AlpheccaStarsSince the negative is meaningful, the answer must be ( c).
Though I don't share your dislike of the split infinitive, I agree that this is the answer looked for.
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