"...like/as never before..."

Question

0Can I say 'This is hurting me like never before' the way we say 'Satellite technology offers the opportunity, as never before, for continuous television coverage of major international events' ?02br02br00Thanks02br02br00PBF0-

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

0 01blockquote

01cite10Peaceblinkfriend12cite10Can I say 'This is hurting me like never before' the way we say ...12blockquote

10 Yes. It's not very formal English, of course, but you can say it.02br
00CJ 0-

Anonymous · Answer

Of course you CAN; that is, you have the ABILITY to say it.  However, if you want the blessing of those who speak correct English, you would say "MAY" (to request permission, as in "Mother MAY I?") rather than "CAN".

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousOf course you CAN; that is, you have the ABILITY to say it. However, if you want the blessing of those who speak correct English, you would say "MAY" (to request permission, as in "Mother MAY I?") rather than "CAN".

When someone asks if a sentence can be said, they are not asking for permission, as "may" would do. They are asking if the sentence is correct. "can" has been used this way for centuries.

CJ

"...like/as never before..."

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