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Alc24 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

BE or NO BE

This is a translation from french

would it be :

I've never seen anyone be on the toilet for so long/I've never seen anyone on the toilet for so long.

thanks
  

Top answer

Grammatically, the 'be' is basically acceptable, but seems awkward. Most native speakers would use 'stay' or 'sit', or some other verb. Eliminating the be is another option, and your second sentence seems much less awkward.

— Old Man Gordon

  • Grammatically, the 'be' is basically acceptable, but seems awkward.
  • Most native speakers would use 'stay' or 'sit', or some other verb.
  • Eliminating the be is another option, and your second sentence seems much less awkward.
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2 Answers
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Grammatically, the 'be' is basically acceptable, but seems awkward. Most native speakers would use 'stay' or 'sit', or some other verb. Eliminating the be is another option, and your second sentence seems much less awkward.
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I would use something more like "I've never known anyone to...." I'm sure the original "see" isn't to be taken literally, but I don't like the possible mental image.
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