0
Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Can't and Don't when the subject is an object / thing
I have a sentence that I think is right
"Hearing aids don't work well over the phone." (1)
but someone wants me to change it to
"Hearing aids can't work well over the phone." (2)
I strongly feel that (2) is incorrect but I don't know why. "Can't" in this case seems to be the wrong fit. Presumably, the person asking for the change wants to emphasize that there's no possibility of that thing working out. I've tried thinking about it over and over again and it (2) really sounds wrong. Can someone help me figure it out?
"Hearing aids don't work well over the phone." (1)
but someone wants me to change it to
"Hearing aids can't work well over the phone." (2)
I strongly feel that (2) is incorrect but I don't know why. "Can't" in this case seems to be the wrong fit. Presumably, the person asking for the change wants to emphasize that there's no possibility of that thing working out. I've tried thinking about it over and over again and it (2) really sounds wrong. Can someone help me figure it out?
Top answer
Anonymous I strongly feel that (2) is incorrect but I don't know why. #2 is a common learner's choice where the native speaker uses #1, that is all. The native speaker simply states the situation.
- Anonymous I strongly feel that (2) is incorrect but I don't know why.
- #2 is a common learner's choice where the native speaker uses #1, that is all.
- The native speaker simply states the situation.
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
AnonymousI strongly feel that (2) is incorrect but I don't know why.#2 is a common learner's choice where the native speaker uses #1, that is all. The native speaker simply states the situation.
00
Related Questions