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Musicgold Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Sentences Feb 5
Hi,
Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?
1. This is a weekly report. We can’t not publish it three times in a row. (I am trying to say that we can’t go without publishing this report for three weeks in a row)
2. We can’t take a three week long break in publishing this report ( again I am trying to convey the same thing as sentence #1.)
3. She was an actress in the 40s. She is quite old now. She won’t be around for long. (I am not sure if the underlined part is courteous. )
MG.
Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?
1. This is a weekly report. We can’t not publish it three times in a row. (I am trying to say that we can’t go without publishing this report for three weeks in a row)
2. We can’t take a three week long break in publishing this report ( again I am trying to convey the same thing as sentence #1.)
3. She was an actress in the 40s. She is quite old now. She won’t be around for long. (I am not sure if the underlined part is courteous. )
MG.
Top answer
1. Your explanation of what you are trying to say flows much better than the original sentence. 2.
- 1.
- Your explanation of what you are trying to say flows much better than the original sentence.
- 2.
- ) 3.
- It doesn't sound very courteous, but it might be okay as long as "she" doesn't see it.
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5 Answers
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1. Your explanation of what you are trying to say flows much better than the original sentence.
2. We cannot afford a 3-we
2. We cannot afford a 3-we
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2. We can’t tolerate a three week long hiatus in publishing this report.
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MusicgoldWe can’t not publish it three times in a rowThis would be okay in conversation, because the emphasis would make the meaning clear. But the other versions are better in writing.
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I think the first sentence is a double negative; therefore, it is grammatically unacceptable. The second I guess is ok. The third sentence: I don't like the fact that you are saying that someone probably will die soon. Let's not scare the elderly; they know their fate, but please, don't put it in writing. How about this euphemism: She was an actress from the forties; she is quite old now. Let
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Anonymous I think the first sentence is a double negative; therefore, it is grammatically unacceptable.Your understanding of the double negative if flawed. A double negative is perfectly acceptable when it's intentional.
"I don't have nothing" to mean I don't have anything is non-standard.
However:
A: I have nothing!
B: You don't hav
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