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C2ran Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

For you to tell me.../ You telling me...

Hi,

Good day to you all~

What would be a difference between the two?

After someone saying something bad to you,

a. For you to tell me I am boring hurt my feelings.

b. You(Your) telling me I am boring hurt my feelings.

I guess people say only b.(??)

Could someone please tell the difference?

Is it because to infinitive implies a meaing toward the future and gerund the past?

Thank you in advance.
  

Top answer

Yes, I think your observation is correct. For instance, the A form would be more natural in this sort of sentence: For you to tell me I am boring would hurt my feelings.

— Mister Micawber

  • Yes, I think your observation is correct.
  • For instance, the A form would be more natural in this sort of sentence: For you to tell me I am boring would hurt my feelings.
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2 Answers
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Yes, I think your observation is correct. For instance, the A form would be more natural in this sort of sentence:

For you to tell me I am boring would hurt my feelings.
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Mister MicawberYes, I think your observation is correct. For instance, the A form would be more natural in this sort of sentence: For you to tell me I am boring would hurt my feelings.
Thank you so much for the clarification.
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