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Teo Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Slow and steady wins the game.

1. Slow and steady wins the game.

2. Being healthy is more important.

3. *Healthy is more important.

Since sentence #3 is ungrammatical, why is #1 acceptable?
  

Top answer

The proverb in #1 is an old one, probably referring to the Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Hare. There is evidently an early reference in a 1762 poem by Robert Lloyd. Its age may rationalize its grammar.

  • The proverb in #1 is an old one, probably referring to the Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Hare.
  • There is evidently an early reference in a 1762 poem by Robert Lloyd.
  • Its age may rationalize its grammar.
  • PS: It's usually ' slow and steady wins the race '.
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1 Answers
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The proverb in #1 is an old one, probably referring to the Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Hare. There is evidently an early reference in a 1762 poem by Robert Lloyd. Its age may rationalize its grammar.

PS: It's usually 'slow and steady wins the race'.

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