0
Jooney Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Infinitival constructions

Hi,

A: To fail the test is impossible for every student.

B: For every student to fail the test is impossible.

C: The test is impossible for every student to fail.

Q1) What's the difference in meaning between A and B?

Q2) What's the meaning of C?

Any feedbacks are welcome. Thanks.
  

Top answer

A is probably the least clear in meaning because it separates "for every student" and "to fail the test". It can mean each (not just every) student will not fail the test or that all the students cannot fail the test (some may fail). B is clearer and indicates that some of the students will pass the test.

— Lakshwadeep

  • A is probably the least clear in meaning because it separates "for every student" and "to fail the test".
  • It can mean each (not just every) student will not fail the test or that all the students cannot fail the test (some may fail).
  • B is clearer and indicates that some of the students will pass the test.
  • C is similar in meaning to B, but because "test" now comes first in the sentence, it gives the meaning that the test is designed so that some students will pass.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
A is probably the least clear in meaning because it separates "for every student" and "to fail the test". It can mean each (not just every) student will not fail the test or that all the students cannot fail the test (some may fail). B is clearer and indicates that some of the students will pass the test. C is similar in meaning to B, but because "test" now comes first in the sentence, it gives th
0
0
Hi,

As I see it, there's no a real difference among your three sentences. Eventually, they have the same meaning.

However, there are grammar errors in your sentences.

In my opinion, this is the best of the three: It's impossible for each student to fail the test.

Sentence A is O.K, however I would use the gerund - failure.

Sentence B is incorrec
0
0
Thank you Lakshwadeep and Anonymous for answering my questions.

I'd like to hear from other native speakers since we have different opinions on this.
0
0
I have another question.

It's impossible for every student to fail the test.

Can this sentence mean either A or B?

A: Every student will not fail=Nobody will fail

B: Some of the students will fail.
0
0

Hello I'm English and taking linguistics at degree level and I would like to shed some light. All 3 sentences hold both implicit and explicit differences which means that neither A, B or C are the same. I would have to disagree with anyone that says they contain the same meaning. I have added brackets to make the sentences easier to interpret.

A. [To fail the test] [is impossible for ev

0

Related Questions