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Angliholic Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

he ended up in/having a terrible accident

John drove his mother's car home from school and, because he was going too fast and taking too many crazy chances, he ended up in/having a terrible accident.

Both "in" and "having" fit equally well in the above to me, but I wonder if there are subtle nuances between them. So, I need your opinions. Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, To be neutral, I would use in . The term having (possessive meaning) sends a message that he deserves part of the blame for the accident to occur. What do you think?

— Hoa Thai

  • Hi, To be neutral, I would use in .
  • The term having (possessive meaning) sends a message that he deserves part of the blame for the accident to occur.
  • What do you think?
  • Hoa Thai
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7 Answers
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Hi,

To be neutral, I would use in. The term having (possessive meaning) sends a message that he deserves part of the blame for the accident to occur.

What do you think?
Hoa Thai
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Hoa ThaiHi,

To be neutral, I would use in. The term having (possessive meaning) sends a message that he deserves part of the blame for the accident to occur.

What do you think?
Hoa Thai

Thanks, Hoa.

I'm in lack of this English instinct, but I would take your words for it.
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But he drove too fast and he took chances! He DOES bear responsibility for it.
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Grammar GeekBut he drove too fast and he took chances! He DOES bear responsibility for it.

Thanks, GG.

Do you imply that "having" also does the trick in the base sentence?
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Grammar GeekBut he drove too fast and he took chances! He DOES bear responsibility for it.

Hi Grammar Geek,

YES! Reckless driver should take the responsibility for the accident s/he is involved in.

Maybe I was not able to express my thought. However, I see that 'he is in accident' has a neutral tone (for instance, the mother does n
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No, I agree with you. If I'm stopped at a traffic light and someone comes up and rear-ends me, I was in an accident.
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Hoa Thai
Grammar GeekBut he drove too fast and he took chances! He DOES bear responsibility for it.

Hi Grammar Geek,

YES! Reckless driver should take the responsibility for the accident s/he is involved in.

Maybe I was not able to express my thought. However, I see that 'he is in accident' has a neutral tone
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