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Tenacious Learner Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Please evaluate this question

Hi teachers,
The context:
They are in a lorry. The driver is talking to Alex.
‘Well, I’ve got some sandwiches. Here you are. Now, get in the back quickly, Alex. Before we see a police car.'

I know 'a' is correct. What about 'b'? What puzzles me is the word 'before'. Can I answer a Why-question with 'before' at the beginning?
a) What did the driver tell Alex to do before they saw a police car?
To get in the back quickly.
b) Why did Alex have to get in the back of the lorry quickly?
Before they saw a police car.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Tenacious Learner Can I answer a Why-question with 'before' at the beginning? No. Before would answer a When question.

— Blue Jay

  • Tenacious Learner Can I answer a Why-question with 'before' at the beginning?
  • No.
  • Before would answer a When question.
  • -Why did Alex have to get in the back of the lorry quickly?
  • -Because he had to get in before they saw a police car.
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6 Answers
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Tenacious LearnerCan I answer a Why-question with 'before' at the beginning?
No. Before would answer a When question.
-Why did Alex have to get in the back of the lorry quickly?
-Because he had to get in before they saw a police car.
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Hi Blue Jay,
Thanks for your help.
Blue JayNo. Before would answer a When question.
That's right.
Blue JayWhy did Alex have to get in the back of the lorry quickly? -Because he had to get in before they saw a police car.
If that is the short answer, how will the long answer be? Could you finish it?
He had to get in the
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How about He had to get in the back of the lorry quickly because he had to get in before they saw a police car.
Tenacious LearnerIs it really logical to have a 'Why' question with that answer?
Why not?
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Hi Blue Jay,
Thanks for your reply.
Blue JayHow about He had to get in the back of the lorry quickly because he had to get in before they saw a police car.
Sorry it may be because it is too early in the morning around here for me.
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Tenacious LearnerBut having twice 'he had to get in' puzzles me.
It sounds repetitive, I know. I am not sure quite what you are trying to do with these questions and answers, so I'm trying to stay close to the original text. If you don't mind some variety you could say He had to get in quickly in case a police car came by.
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Blue JayI am not sure quite what you are trying to do with these questions and answers, so I'm trying to stay close to the original text.
Hi Blue Jay,
Thanks for your comments. Those question are for a listening exercise. The students have the questions, but the don't have the text until they have answered all of them.
Blue JayIf you
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