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New2grammar Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

sometimes

Sometimes, the door is open. Sometimes, it's not.

I heard this in a movie. I think it's more accurate if the second 'sometimes' is replaced with 'the other times' to cover all times. Would you change it?

Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

Hello N2G, I wouldn't change it myself. 1. Sometimes X is Y.

  • Hello N2G, I wouldn't change it myself.
  • 1.
  • Sometimes X is Y.
  • At other times it's not.
  • 2.
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2 Answers
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Hello N2G,

I wouldn't change it myself.

1. Sometimes X is Y. At other times it's not.

2. Sometimes X is Y. Sometimes it's not.

#1 seems simply to state a truism. However, you might use the #2 form when you wanted to remind your interlocutor (gently) that there is an alternative to "X being Y".

MrP

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