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I heard this sentence in a documentary: "If I shoot you, this is a crime. If I expose you to toxic products, this is legal. But which is the difference?". Is this correct??Thanks

Inchoateknowledge · Accepted Answer

ok by me

BarbaraPA · Answer

What is the difference, not which.

Also, I would write "it" [is a crime] instead of "this." But that could be a matter of style. The "which" I consider incorrect.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

But some people would argue that, in careful writing, you should not start a sentence with 'but' in this way.

Best wishes, Clive

Phoenix PR · Answer

I'd be interested in knowing more about this documentary!

In the great majority of cases, it's true that "If I shoot you, it is a crime." Two exceptions (and there may be more): (1) I shoot you in self-defense, or (2) I'm a prison employee in a state/country where capital punishment is allowed and I carry out your death sentence by firing squad.

"If I expose you to toxic products, it is legal." Hmmm... this is more problematic.

If I merely open a jar of something that's toxic, that's not a crime. It may be a stupid thing to do since we both could be inhaling the fumes.
If I throw the contents of the jar at you, that's considered a crime.
If I (as the head of a major corporation) expose you (the general public) to toxic products, that's definitely a crime.

Marta-K21 · Answer

Thanks!!

I only asked for the grammar... If you (Phoenix) are interested: "The Corporation" (3 parts). I didn't understand all things but it was interesting... Probably, the sentence was only an exaggeration to show the problem we have.

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