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Taka Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Busy

I had been so busy because there were so many things to do. So I guess I was mentally exhausted when I met her.

About the part in bold, is it OK as it is? Or is 'because...' unnecessary because it sounds redundant (i.e when you are busy, obviously you have many things to do)?
  

Top answer

Taka redundant Not exactly redundant. I think "so many things to do" means "so many things I had to do" or "so many requirements to do so many things", so the focus is on the obligations that accumulated and forced this busyness. This contrasts with (possibly enjoyable) activities that the speaker wanted to do to pass the time.

— CalifJim

  • Taka redundant Not exactly redundant.
  • I think "so many things to do" means "so many things I had to do" or "so many requirements to do so many things", so the focus is on the obligations that accumulated and forced this busyness.
  • This contrasts with (possibly enjoyable) activities that the speaker wanted to do to pass the time.
  • Redundant (and inane) would be more like: I was busy because I was doing a lot of things.
  • / I was idle because I wasn't busy.
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4 Answers
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Takaredundant
Not exactly redundant. I think "so many things to do" means "so many things I had to do" or "so many requirements to do so many things", so the focus is on the obligations that accumulated and forced this busyness. This contrasts with (possibly enjoyable) activities that the speaker wanted to do to pass the time. Redundant
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So it sounds fine. Good.

Thanks, Jim!
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Just for confirmation, Jim.

The 'because' clause doesn't have to be the past perfect as the mail clause, does it?
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TakaThe 'because' clause doesn't have to be the past perfect ...
No. It's OK as is.

CJ
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