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Park sang joon Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
And [though] you would call it a burden, a sacrifice, you are mistaken
The Count Olaf was determined to adopt two orphan siblings for their inheritance.
Count Olaf: Mr. Poe. I will raise these orphans as if they were actually wanted. And though you would call it a burden, a sacrifice, you are mistaken, sir. You should be ashamed of yourself. The idea! (He babbles.) Anyway, where do I sign for the fortune, I mean, children?
<Of the movie "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events">
I'd like to know why "thought" is used, not "if."
Thank you in advance for your help.
Count Olaf: Mr. Poe. I will raise these orphans as if they were actually wanted. And though you would call it a burden, a sacrifice, you are mistaken, sir. You should be ashamed of yourself. The idea! (He babbles.) Anyway, where do I sign for the fortune, I mean, children?
<Of the movie "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events">
I'd like to know why "thought" is used, not "if."
Thank you in advance for your help.
Top answer
Dear Park It's a good question. Count Olaf already knows Mr Poe's opinion (that it's a burden) in this case, or at least he is sure that he knows it. He is speaking of a present fact, not a conditional event.
- Dear Park It's a good question.
- Count Olaf already knows Mr Poe's opinion (that it's a burden) in this case, or at least he is sure that he knows it.
- He is speaking of a present fact, not a conditional event.
- It sounds a little old-fashioned but it's good formal English and still OK to speak or write in this way.
- Kind regards Michael
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3 Answers
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Dear Park
It's a good question. Count Olaf already knows Mr Poe's opinion (that it's a burden) in this case, or at least he is sure that he knows it. He is speaking of a present fact, not a conditional event. It sounds a little old-fashioned but it's good formal English and still OK to speak or write in this way.
Kind regards
Michael
It's a good question. Count Olaf already knows Mr Poe's opinion (that it's a burden) in this case, or at least he is sure that he knows it. He is speaking of a present fact, not a conditional event. It sounds a little old-fashioned but it's good formal English and still OK to speak or write in this way.
Kind regards
Michael
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Thank you, Michael, for your so very kind answer. 
I think a concessive clause should contrast with a main clause.
But here,
I think a concessive clause should contrast with a main clause.
But here,
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Good point again. The sentence is not expressing causation. Think of "though" in this case as similar to "while".
It still is a concessive clause. The main point is that the Mr Poe is mistaken about it being a burden, even though he describes it in that way. Does that make sense now?
Kind regards, Michael
It still is a concessive clause. The main point is that the Mr Poe is mistaken about it being a burden, even though he describes it in that way. Does that make sense now?
Kind regards, Michael
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