0
Mentee Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

Are the following sentences gramatically and semantically sound?

The following are my attempts at framing a sentence. Please suggest if the problem areas (highlighted in red) are problem areas or whether they are OK. I am aware of the differences in BrE and AmE where the verb 'cycle' is open to interpretation. I wish to use it for the action of riding a bicycle. Anything more straightforward and simple is more than welcome. I have to explicitly mention 'He cycled from the train station to the bus depot...' in compliance with the translation project I am currently working on. Thank you very much for your time.
  1. He would cycle from the train station to the bus depot supplying his products to the shops on the way.
  2. He cycled from the train station to the bus depot selling his products to the shops on the way.
  3. He cycled from the train station to the bus depot and supplying his products to the shops on the way.
  4. He cycled from the train station to the bus depot and sold his products to the shops on the way.
  

Top answer

1 I'm not fond of the practice, but many native speakers substitute would for used to to express customary action in the past. 2 & 4 These seem most natural to me. 3 supplying is incorrect

— Philip

  • 1 I'm not fond of the practice, but many native speakers substitute would for used to to express customary action in the past.
  • 2 & 4 These seem most natural to me.
  • 3 supplying is incorrect
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
1 I'm not fond of the practice, but many native speakers substitute would for used to to express customary action in the past.
2 & 4 These seem most natural to me.
3 supplying is incorrect
0
0
"Anything more straightforward and simple is more than welcome."
Many Americans would say "he biked", not "he cycled".

N°1 is OK, as long as he is supplying pre-sold products to the stores and not stopping to conduct a sale.
N°2 and N°4 are both OK.
N°3 is not correct.
0
0
Philip and John, my heartfelt thanks to both of you. Emotion: smile
Your suggestions are extremely valuable to me.
I made a blunder in sen
0

Related Questions