0
GainRain Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Comma, ellipsis

"He is here not to hinder the team, but to help the team."
"He is here not to hinder, but to help the team."

Could the second sentence be an acceptable shorter version of the first?
  

Top answer

I most respectfully suggest that your first sentence does not sound "natural" because you have repeated the word "team" two times. " I think that the sentence would read better as: He is not here to hinder, but to help the team.

— Anonymous

  • I most respectfully suggest that your first sentence does not sound "natural" because you have repeated the word "team" two times.
  • " I think that the sentence would read better as: He is not here to hinder, but to help the team.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
I most respectfully suggest that your first sentence does not sound "natural" because you have repeated the word "team" two times.

I also feel uncomfortable with your placement of "here."

I think that the sentence would read better as: He is not here to hinder, but to help the team.
0
0
Would:

He is not here to hinder the team, but to help the team.

be better?
0
0
Great question! I think you are asking whether or not there should be a comma. Right?

Hopefully, one of the experts will soon answer you.

I think that a comma is helpful, for you want a slight pause in order to show the contrast.

For example, you could write it this way: He is not here to hinder -- but to help the team.

I have just noticed that you want to use
0

Related Questions