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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Rather than
Hello,
Is there a general rule in 'rather than' statements that repetition can be avoided at all times? For instance: The probe went in and through time rather than (through) space. I am assuming (through) can be avoided. But is it always the case in rather than, or can repetition be okay sometimes?
2) When we use 'by then', should it always be past perfect. He still harbored the grudge although his wife (had) abandoned it by then. Is (had) necessary?
3) Legend has it that Jesus can/could save you from your sins.
Is it 'can' or 'could' in present tense? Both seem okay because, while can is appropriate due to tense, could seems appropriate because it is rather tentative.
Thanks,
Is there a general rule in 'rather than' statements that repetition can be avoided at all times? For instance: The probe went in and through time rather than (through) space. I am assuming (through) can be avoided. But is it always the case in rather than, or can repetition be okay sometimes?
2) When we use 'by then', should it always be past perfect. He still harbored the grudge although his wife (had) abandoned it by then. Is (had) necessary?
3) Legend has it that Jesus can/could save you from your sins.
Is it 'can' or 'could' in present tense? Both seem okay because, while can is appropriate due to tense, could seems appropriate because it is rather tentative.
Thanks,
Top answer
1) Repetition is OK, but generally it is avoided if reasonable for matters of style. 2) When we use 'by then', should it always be past perfect. He still harbored the grudge although his wife (had) abandoned it by then.
- 1) Repetition is OK, but generally it is avoided if reasonable for matters of style.
- 2) When we use 'by then', should it always be past perfect.
- He still harbored the grudge although his wife (had) abandoned it by then.
- - - Yes, I think you have hit on a neat little guideline: 'by then' usually calls for the past perfect.
- 3) Legend has it that Jesus can/could save you from your sins.
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3 Answers
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1) Repetition is OK, but generally it is avoided if reasonable for matters of style.
2) When we use 'by then', should it always be past perfect. He still harbored the grudge although his wife (had) abandoned it by then. Is (had) necessary?-- Yes, I think you have hit on a neat little guideline: 'by then' usually calls for the past perfect.
3) Legend has it that Je
2) When we use 'by then', should it always be past perfect. He still harbored the grudge although his wife (had) abandoned it by then. Is (had) necessary?-- Yes, I think you have hit on a neat little guideline: 'by then' usually calls for the past perfect.
3) Legend has it that Je
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Thanks, M. I am not sure I understand #3. What if it is something that exists still and not a belief? Rumor has it that Attorney John can win any case. I assume it is 'can' in this case because it is a rather definite statement. Could you clarify?
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'John' is a first name. We do not use titles with first names.
Rumor has it that Attorney Smith can win any case.-- He probably can.
Rumor has it that Attorney Smith could win any case.-- He could if he were given one.
Rumor has it that Attorney Smith can win any case.-- He probably can.
Rumor has it that Attorney Smith could win any case.-- He could if he were given one.
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