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Musicgold Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Are these sentences natural? July 25

Hi,

Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?

1. These machines need to be broken in before they start delivering stable output.

2. Do you smell a stink in here?

3. Isn’t this going to be a long weekend for you guys?

Thanks,

MG.
  

Top answer

Hello MG Number two is not what a native speaker would say. Do you smell something bad in here? Does it stink in here?

— JohnParis

  • Hello MG Number two is not what a native speaker would say.
  • Do you smell something bad in here?
  • Does it stink in here?
  • Is there a bad smell in here?
  • seem closer to what you may be looking for.
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5 Answers
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Hello MG

Number two is not what a native speaker would say.

Do you smell something bad in here?

Does it stink in here?

Is there a bad smell in here?

... seem closer to what you may be looking for.

John
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Hi,

Here's another opinion.

Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?

1. These machines need to be broken in before they start delivering stable output.

We usually don't talk about
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Thanks folks.

Clive 1. These machines need to be broken in before they start delivering stable output.
We usually don't talk about 'breaking in' a machine.You sometimes 'warm up' an existing machine for a few minutes afteryou turn it on.For a new machine, we often speak of 'setting it up correctly'.With cars, we used to spe
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Hello again, MG

My non-objection to the use of "broken in" was based on my professional experience. Autoclave Sterilizers (used in hospital operating rooms and other places where equipment needs to be steril) have what the manufacturer describes as a breaking in period of several days before the machine is considered qualified for use. It has to do with breaking in the seals that are use
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