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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Complicated question

Salam,

This example: How did you get the promotion, if not by flattering the boss?

It's a rhetorical question where one person accuses another. Is there a better way of putting it? Does it sound awkward because of the 'if not'?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Anonymous How did you get the promotion, if not by flattering the boss? It sounds perfectly natural to me, but "if not by" is a bit upper register. It's certainly not awkward.

— Avangi

  • Anonymous How did you get the promotion, if not by flattering the boss?
  • It sounds perfectly natural to me, but "if not by" is a bit upper register.
  • It's certainly not awkward.
  • Are you looking for a more casual expression?
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2 Answers
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AnonymousHow did you get the promotion, if not by flattering the boss?
It sounds perfectly natural to me, but "if not by" is a bit upper register. It's certainly not awkward.

Are you looking for a more casual expression?
0

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