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Park sang joon Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

From behind them, [to] the east, came the biggest explosion

From behind them, to the east, came the biggest explosion yet: a terrific shotgun-blast of sound.
<From "CELL" by Stephen King>
I'd like to know why "to" is used here, not "from."
And I'd like to know if I can replace "a shotgun-blast of sound" with "a sound like shotgun-blast."
Thank you in advance for your help.
  

Top answer

1. Maybe he didn't want to repeat 'from' but we can't be sure. 2.

  • 1.
  • Maybe he didn't want to repeat 'from' but we can't be sure.
  • 2.
  • You can, but it would convey a slightly different meaning.
  • a shotgun-blast of sound = sound generated by a shotgun blast a sound like a shotgun blast = a sound resembling a shot gun blast but not necessarily produces by a shotgun
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3 Answers
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1. Maybe he didn't want to repeat 'from' but we can't be sure.

2. You can, but it would convey a slightly different meaning.

a shotgun-blast of sound = sound generated by a shotgun blast

a sound like a shotgun blast = a sound resembling a shot gun blast but not necessarily produces by a shotgun
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Thank you, Ivanhr, for your so very kind answer. Emotion: smile
Then I'd like to know if I can use "to" as an alternative of "from."
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Usually no, but some contexts may allow that either is used.

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