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Maj Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
Silence
-I need silence to concentrate.
-I need some silence to concentrate.
Are these two sentences possible?
-I need some silence to concentrate.
Are these two sentences possible?
Top answer
" is common. " This is not commonly said. However, "I need some quiet," is common.
- " is common.
- " This is not commonly said.
- However, "I need some quiet," is common.
- I need some quiet time to reflect/concentrate/study/think.
- Silence is absolute.
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3 Answers
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Maj,
"I need silence to concentrate." is common.
"I need some silence to concentrate." This is not commonly said.
However, "I need some quiet," is common. I need some quiet time to reflect/concentrate/study/think.
Silence is absolute. No noise.
Quiet is little or no noise. It is not absolute.
Hope that helps.
MoutainHiker
"I need silence to concentrate." is common.
"I need some silence to concentrate." This is not commonly said.
However, "I need some quiet," is common. I need some quiet time to reflect/concentrate/study/think.
Silence is absolute. No noise.
Quiet is little or no noise. It is not absolute.
Hope that helps.
MoutainHiker
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Right, I suppose I'd say absolute silence, i.e. no fireworks or dogs barking.
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Yes, both are possible, but I'm not sure what you are focusing on. The word "some" is bothering you, maybe?
Whatever the case, the first sentence is a general statement. It says that, in general, as a rule, I need silence to concentrate. (on every occasion)
The second is a specific statement. It says that, on this particular occasion, I need some silence to concentrate. (
Whatever the case, the first sentence is a general statement. It says that, in general, as a rule, I need silence to concentrate. (on every occasion)
The second is a specific statement. It says that, on this particular occasion, I need some silence to concentrate. (
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