Correct the sentence, if wrong

Question

"I intend to send the e-mail to X, but sent you by mistake". I am bit confused with usage of 'Intend'.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Suraj Jaldu"I intended to send the e-mail to X, but sent it to you by mistake".

As shown.

CJ

Suraj Jaldu · Answer

but sent you by mistake

Was this grammatically wrong? I never thought it is wrong. Can you please explain a bit on 'Sent you' vs 'Sent it to you'.

CalifJim · Answer

The verb send can occur in two different configurations.

1. send something to somebody

My mother sent a letter to her cousin.
Jack sent the package to Virginia.
I sent the book to you.

2. send somebody something (no to)

My mother sent her cousin a letter.
Jack sent Virginia a package.
I sent you the book.

If "something" is expressed as "it", the first pattern above is normally used; it's more idiomatic.

I sent it to you. Not I sent you it.

but sent you by mistake, which you used, has the pattern sent you. Here the "somebody" is mentioned (you), but not the "something", so it doesn't follow either of the two correct patterns above.

CJ

Suraj Jaldu · Answer

Thanks CJ

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