0
Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Awkward Sentence?
Hello,
I was wondering whether anyone here could settle a friendly argument. Is the following sentence, which appeared on a high school English exam in Korea grammatically incorrect, awkward, or perfectly fine as is:
"They found the sweater which was sure to be sold out."
Several people feel that this sentence is awkward and would read better as, "They found the sweater which they were sure was sold out." Or perhaps as, "They found the sweater which they were sure would have been sold out."
Others have suggested that it is grammatically incorrect but when challenged to explain why could not cite any rules of grammar to support their claim, instead relying on the fact that it "just feels wrong." At issue seems to be the use of the words "to be". Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I was wondering whether anyone here could settle a friendly argument. Is the following sentence, which appeared on a high school English exam in Korea grammatically incorrect, awkward, or perfectly fine as is:
"They found the sweater which was sure to be sold out."
Several people feel that this sentence is awkward and would read better as, "They found the sweater which they were sure was sold out." Or perhaps as, "They found the sweater which they were sure would have been sold out."
Others have suggested that it is grammatically incorrect but when challenged to explain why could not cite any rules of grammar to support their claim, instead relying on the fact that it "just feels wrong." At issue seems to be the use of the words "to be". Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Top answer
I agree with the opinion that it is grammatically correct but awkward. [ 'sure to be + past participle' is a common formula; there's nothing wrong with that. They believed that the lost child was sure to be found soon.
- I agree with the opinion that it is grammatically correct but awkward.
- [ 'sure to be + past participle' is a common formula; there's nothing wrong with that.
- They believed that the lost child was sure to be found soon.
- He felt that the lesson was sure to be understood by all the students.
- ] CJ
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
I agree with the opinion that it is grammatically correct but awkward.
['sure to be + past participle' is a common formula; there's nothing wrong with that.
They believed that the lost child was sure to be found soon.
He felt that the lesson was sure to be understood by all the students.]
CJ
['sure to be + past participle' is a common formula; there's nothing wrong with that.
They believed that the lost child was sure to be found soon.
He felt that the lesson was sure to be understood by all the students.]
CJ
00
Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it is a nonsense sentence. Sack the examiners.
0
Related Questions