0
New2grammar Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
grateful to her and my children
reporter: I can't imagine how impossible the job is. As secretary general, you constantly travel and are almost always away from your family. How does your family take it?
UN secretary general: I must give credit to my family. Most wives would have left their husbands for being away for an extended period of time on a regular basis. I'm touched by her understanding and really grateful to her and my children.
Are there any mistakes?
Thanks.
UN secretary general: I must give credit to my family. Most wives would have left their husbands for being away for an extended period of time on a regular basis. I'm touched by her understanding and really grateful to her and my children.
Are there any mistakes?
Thanks.
Top answer
" - A. While I can understand your point of view, native speakers usually take "I can't imagine" to express disbelief (or wonderment) at your situation, rather than sympathy for it. - A.
- " - A.
- While I can understand your point of view, native speakers usually take "I can't imagine" to express disbelief (or wonderment) at your situation, rather than sympathy for it.
- - A.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
8 Answers
0
In this situation a native speaker would say, "I can imagine how impossible etc." - A.
While I can understand your point of view, native speakers usually take "I can't imagine" to express disbelief (or wonderment) at your situation, rather than sympathy for it.
- A.
While I can understand your point of view, native speakers usually take "I can't imagine" to express disbelief (or wonderment) at your situation, rather than sympathy for it.
- A.
00
Does the original make sense at all? Techically, it's not right but it can be right, I think.
00
In my opinion, it's correct grammatically and logically, but leaves us confused, as we feel you must intend the opposite of what we normally take these expressions to mean. (I'd say they're akin to idioms.) - A.
00
A pilot is doing a stupid stuff.
What would you say?
I can't imagine he is risking his life like that.
I can imagine he is risking his life like that.
What would you say?
I can't imagine he is risking his life like that.
I can imagine he is risking his life like that.
00
The first one. (How can he be so stupid as to do what he's doing? I just can't believe it!)
"I can imagine" means "I can picture some [extreme] aspect or consequence (previously unmentioned) of what we're discussing."
"I can't imagine" means "I'm completely surprised and amazed by what you're telling me." (It's almost beyond the capabilities of my imagination!)
"I ca
"I can imagine" means "I can picture some [extreme] aspect or consequence (previously unmentioned) of what we're discussing."
"I can't imagine" means "I'm completely surprised and amazed by what you're telling me." (It's almost beyond the capabilities of my imagination!)
"I ca
00
Thank you, Avangi. I think I understand "can't imagine" usage. However, "can imagine" is still unclear to me. Could you give me a couple examples?
00
New2grammar "can imagine" is still unclear to me. Could you give me a couple examples?A man, upon seeing his 18-year-old niece for the first time since she was five: "Ah, such a beauty. I can imagine all the boys are seeking your attention.
Three hundred horse power? I can imagine what your fuel bill must be!
It's sort of an ext
00
I think I sort of understand their uses. I just need more practice. Thanks, Avangi.
0
Related Questions