0
Musicgold Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Are these sentences natural? Feb 10

Hi,
Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?
1. Please send me a copy of the file by email so I would have a copy in case the system didn’t work when I log in.
2. I always like to save my work before I leave. You never know what they will do to the system overnight.
3. Both my sisters are down with cold. ( I wanted to say that they are sick)

Thanks,
MG.

  

Top answer

Musicgold Are the following sentences natural to a native ear? The first one isn't really natural, but the others are fairly natural. In general the lack of contractions where they are possible is unnatural.

— CalifJim

  • Musicgold Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?
  • The first one isn't really natural, but the others are fairly natural.
  • In general the lack of contractions where they are possible is unnatural.
  • Here's how I would say them: 1.
  • Please send me a copy of the file by email so I can have a copy in case the system doesn’t work when I log in.
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
MusicgoldAre the following sentences natural to a native ear?
The first one isn't really natural, but the others are fairly natural. In general the lack of contractions where they are possible is unnatural. Here's how I would say them:

1. Please send me a copy of the file by email so I can have a copy in case t
0
0
Thanks CJ.
I have a follow up on #1. What if I want to speak about a situation is that is not very likely to occur. Can I use the following?

1b. Please send me a copy of the file by email so I could have a copy in case the system didn't work when I log in.
0
0
MusicgoldWhat if I want to speak about a situation is that is not very likely to occur. Can I use the following?

1b. Please send me a copy of the file by email so I could have a copy in case the system didn't work when I log in.
You can, but in all honesty it doesn't sound as natural as the version with "can" and "doesn't".

It's because of t
0

Related Questions