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Equilibrium8 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Is there a _ (prep) the __? Q&A pattern
The question, "Is there a cup on the table?" would usually have "Yes/No there is/isn't..." as an answer.
Would "No, it's a glass." be an appropriate answer for this question?
I think that "Is that a cup on the table?" would be the correct question for this answer, but I'm wondering if it could be used with the first question.
Would "No, it's a glass." be an appropriate answer for this question?
I think that "Is that a cup on the table?" would be the correct question for this answer, but I'm wondering if it could be used with the first question.
Top answer
' Your use of 'that' is a good step in that direction.
- ' Your use of 'that' is a good step in that direction.
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6 Answers
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You would need a fuller context for 'No, it's a glass' to be a natural response to 'Is there a cup on the table?' Your use of 'that' is a good step in that direction.
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Thanks, that confirms what I thought. I beleive the lack of congruency would be:
"Is there..." is questioning the existence of an object in that place, while;
"Is that" is questioning the identity of the object.
Do you agree?
"Is there..." is questioning the existence of an object in that place, while;
"Is that" is questioning the identity of the object.
Do you agree?
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Sorry to harp on this point. What context would be needed for the "no" answer to work?
I know it is not correct, but I have no argument for why.
These are two similar questions:
Is there a blue bat in the car?
No, there are two bats in the car.
OR
No, there are two blue bats in the car.
I am trying to convince someone that these are
I know it is not correct, but I have no argument for why.
These are two similar questions:
Is there a blue bat in the car?
No, there are two bats in the car.
OR
No, there are two blue bats in the car.
I am trying to convince someone that these are
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I think there is some confusion with Q&A patterns such as:
Are there four bats in the car?
No, there are six.
It seems to be acceptable when there is more than one. Although, technically there ARE four bats in the car.
Are there four bats in the car?
No, there are six.
It seems to be acceptable when there is more than one. Although, technically there ARE four bats in the car.
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