0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Sentence structure

Is it correct to say: "I am going to buy Sally a poster for her wall."
Or
"I am going to buy a poster for Sally's wall."
  

Top answer

They're both fine. The second one could suggest that you're going to sneak into her room and mount it without her knowledge.

— Avangi

  • They're both fine.
  • The second one could suggest that you're going to sneak into her room and mount it without her knowledge.
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.

6 Answers
0
They're both fine.

The second one could suggest that you're going to sneak into her room and mount it without her knowledge.
0
0
I see no significant difference in meaning between the two versions.
0
0
Anonymous "I am going to buy Sally a poster for her wall."
In this phrase you are buying a poster for a person called Sally to put on her wall.
Anonymous"I am going to buy a poster for Sally's wall."
In this phrase you are going to buy a poster for a wall that belongs to Sally.

Both the sentences are correct.
0
0
Hi, Louise,

Do you have an opinion on the real life situations (or intentions) in which the speaker might choose one over the other?

Rgdz, - A.

Edit. Not wishing to color your opinion, (but) I find a certain arrogance in the second version.
0
0
Hello Avangi

I think it depends on how it is said and the context of the situation. Imagine if the speaker were Sally's parent. Sally is a student in digs and the wall has a horrid stain from a previous tenant. So the parent says - "I am going to buy a poster for Sally's wall". The intention is benevolent rather than arrogant.

I can see why you might find it arrogant.
0

Related Questions