Grammar question

Don't is a contraction of the words "do not", and so the sentence would read "When even a ripple do not disturb us". This doesn't sound correct as it is in the wrong tense. Putting "doesn't" (contraction of does not) would be correct. The ripple does not disturb you.

"When not even a ripple disturbs us" is perfectly fine, and more poetic might I add.

The second one is OK.

The first one should grammatically be "when even a ripple doesn't disturb us", but it doesn't mean quite the same and it seems a less likely thing to want to say.

Ok, thanks, I believed the first was the best option, so I must change my mind about it.

AnonymousDon't is a contraction of the words "do not", and so the sentence would read "When even a ripple do not disturb us". This doesn't sound correct as it is in the wrong tense

It's not actually the wrong tense, it's the wrong number.

When even a ripple does not ...
When even ripples do not ...

I think the sense of "a ripple" here is like "a whisper" or "a murmur", so the number is correct.

Yes, you're right, is only a part of a whole sentence, like "we must to still our mind; when not even a ripple can disturb us, we'll find the self"

jordicuestI think the sense of "a ripple" here is like "a whisper" or "a murmur", so the number is correct.

Whether it's a ripple, a whisper, a murmur or "a" anything else, "don't" is the wrong number. It has to be "doesn't" per my previous reply.

Ok, I understand: is third person, so it needs "does/doesn't". Thanks!

jordicuestOk, I understand: is third person, so it needs "does/doesn't". Thanks!

Not because it's third person, but because it's third person singular.