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SuperESL Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
having been
Hello,
Say I have received offers of admission from two universities and I have to write to turn down one of them. I write in the letter:
"I regret to inform you that I have decided to accept an offer from the University of XYZ............
Though I was unable to accept it, I was greatly honored by the offer from the University of ABC. I am very grateful to you and your colleagues for (being / having been) willing to take a chance on me."
2 Questions:
Is the tense choice of past tense (in 'Though I was unable to accept it') correct? I am writing this letter after I have already made up my mind, so the decision-making process was already in the past.
Also, should I use 'being' or 'having been' here? And what are the implications when I choose one over the other?
Thank you for your attention.
Say I have received offers of admission from two universities and I have to write to turn down one of them. I write in the letter:
"I regret to inform you that I have decided to accept an offer from the University of XYZ............
Though I was unable to accept it, I was greatly honored by the offer from the University of ABC. I am very grateful to you and your colleagues for (being / having been) willing to take a chance on me."
2 Questions:
Is the tense choice of past tense (in 'Though I was unable to accept it') correct? I am writing this letter after I have already made up my mind, so the decision-making process was already in the past.
Also, should I use 'being' or 'having been' here? And what are the implications when I choose one over the other?
Thank you for your attention.
Top answer
If you're dealing with a large university, particularly one that didn't spend time actively recruiting you, chances are that nobody cares and that the only person who will read your letter is a clerk. "
- If you're dealing with a large university, particularly one that didn't spend time actively recruiting you, chances are that nobody cares and that the only person who will read your letter is a clerk.
- "
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4 Answers
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If you're dealing with a large university, particularly one that didn't spend time actively recruiting you, chances are that nobody cares and that the only person who will read your letter is a clerk.
Never explain; never complain: "I am unable to accept your offer of admission."
Never explain; never complain: "I am unable to accept your offer of admission."
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Grammar is only one part of language, albeit an important one. The first consideration should be making sure your words match your audience.
That said, use "I am unable to accept it." Your nonacceptance is current right now, no matter when you made your decision. The better choice between "being willing" and "having been willing" is the former. The University is still willing to take a ch
That said, use "I am unable to accept it." Your nonacceptance is current right now, no matter when you made your decision. The better choice between "being willing" and "having been willing" is the former. The University is still willing to take a ch
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SuperESLIs the tense choice of past tense (in 'Though I was unable to accept it') correct? I am writing this letter after I have already made up my mind, so the decision-making process was already in the past.Yes.
SuperESLshould I use 'being' or 'having been' here?'having been' is more accurate if you consider the time seq
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