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Averell Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Grammar problem: "The first fiction writer in the US to achieve ... "
Dear,
It's said that the following sentence The first fiction writer in the United States to achieve the international fame was Washington Irving is correct, but I couldn't understand its grammar. I think the correct one must be: The first fiction writer in the United States achieving the international fame was Washington Irving.
Please help me!
It's said that the following sentence The first fiction writer in the United States to achieve the international fame was Washington Irving is correct, but I couldn't understand its grammar. I think the correct one must be: The first fiction writer in the United States achieving the international fame was Washington Irving.
Please help me!
Top answer
Dear Averell, The sentence is incorrect. You do not need «the» before «fame». » Kind regards, Goldmund
- Dear Averell, The sentence is incorrect.
- You do not need «the» before «fame».
- » Kind regards, Goldmund
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4 Answers
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Dear Averell,
The sentence is incorrect. You do not need «the» before «fame».
You may say:
«The first writer of fiction in the United States to achieve international fame was Washington Irving.»
Kind regards,
The sentence is incorrect. You do not need «the» before «fame».
You may say:
«The first writer of fiction in the United States to achieve international fame was Washington Irving.»
Kind regards,
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Thank you, Goldmund.
I've mistyped the word the. But, I wanted to know why did they use to achieve instead of achieving. If possible, could you explain the using of to + V in this sentence. Or, give me a url where they talk about it.
Thank you very much!
I've mistyped the word the. But, I wanted to know why did they use to achieve instead of achieving. If possible, could you explain the using of to + V in this sentence. Or, give me a url where they talk about it.
Thank you very much!
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An infinitive (to achieve) can be used adjectivally. This is common after superlatives, which include "first" and "last". It can usually be paraphrased with a relative clause.
"... the first to achieve fame ..." ("... the first who achieved fame ...")
"... the situation to keep an eye on at this time ..." (" ... the situation which must/should be watched at this time...")
"... the first to achieve fame ..." ("... the first who achieved fame ...")
"... the situation to keep an eye on at this time ..." (" ... the situation which must/should be watched at this time...")
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