Share

Question

I've read that 'I'd like to share my feelings with them' is OK but 'I'd like to share their feelings with them' is not. Would you agree or disagree? If you agree, why does 'I'd like to share their feelings with them' sound strange?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I agree.  It is their option to share, not yours. 'I'd like them to share their feelings with me" is OK.

Taka · Answer

Good. Thanks, MM!

Taka · Answer

MM, what about this?

I'd like to share in their feelings.

And I've found this example in my English-Japanese dictionary. Do you think this example sounds OK?

My parents share my joys and sorrows.

Mister Micawber · Answer

I don't like 'in' particularly, though I suppose it is in use.  The 2nd sentence is common enough.

Taka · Answer

Mister Micawber The 2nd sentences is common enough.

Then why does 'I'd like to share their feelings (with them)' sound awkward whereas 'My parents share my joys and sorrows (not theirs)' sounds fine?

CalifJim · Answer

I'd like to share my feelings with them.

- tell them (that plurality of persons) how I feel.

I'd like to share their feelings with them.

- tell them (one group) how they (another group) feel. (Obviously them and they can't be the same group.)

It's strange because we don't normally think that we know another person's feelings well enough to explain them to others. Hence, anything that isn't a matter of a person sharing his own feelings with another (or with others) doesn't seem quite right (when 'share' means 'tell' or 'explain' - but see below).

My parents share my joys and sorrows.

My parents are empathetic. They feel joy when I do. They feel sorrow when I do.

This is a different meaning of 'share' (feelings). Here it doesn't mean that your parents tell others about your joys and sorrows or try to explain these feelings that you have to others.

CJ

Taka · Answer

Thanks for the great explanation, Jim!

Share

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions