0
English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Structuring this sentence
I borrowed a phone to call my parents in London, who then cancelled my credit card, because I was leaving the next day, so I couldn't alert the credit card company myself.
1) Is this grammatical?
2) Is it ambiguous?
3) Which of these below is the best?
4) Any better version?
a) Unable to alert the credit company because I was leaving the next day, I borrowed a phone to call my parents, who then cancelled my credi card.
b) Because I was leaving the next day, I was unable to alert the credit card company, so I borrowed a phone to call my parents, who then cancelled the credit card for me.
c) Because I was leaving the next and was therefore unable to alert the credit card company, I borrowed a phone to call my parents, who then cancelled the credit card for me.
Thanks a lot.
1) Is this grammatical?
2) Is it ambiguous?
3) Which of these below is the best?
4) Any better version?
a) Unable to alert the credit company because I was leaving the next day, I borrowed a phone to call my parents, who then cancelled my credi card.
b) Because I was leaving the next day, I was unable to alert the credit card company, so I borrowed a phone to call my parents, who then cancelled the credit card for me.
c) Because I was leaving the next and was therefore unable to alert the credit card company, I borrowed a phone to call my parents, who then cancelled the credit card for me.
Thanks a lot.
Top answer
I don't see much difference between a, b, and c, except that I like the "for me" showing that it was on your behalf. Generally, try not to stitch together more than two conjunctions. If you add a subordinate clause in, one conjunction is probably more than enough.
- I don't see much difference between a, b, and c, except that I like the "for me" showing that it was on your behalf.
- Generally, try not to stitch together more than two conjunctions.
- If you add a subordinate clause in, one conjunction is probably more than enough.
- As a result, a, b, and c are all better than the original.
- Either of these would work as well.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
I don't see much difference between a, b, and c, except that I like the "for me" showing that it was on your behalf.
Generally, try not to stitch together more than two conjunctions. If you add a subordinate clause in, one conjunction is probably more than enough. As a result, a, b, and c are all better than the original.
Either of these would work as well. (I took out the "who
Generally, try not to stitch together more than two conjunctions. If you add a subordinate clause in, one conjunction is probably more than enough. As a result, a, b, and c are all better than the original.
Either of these would work as well. (I took out the "who
00
Thanks. I think you made a typo.
In both of your examples, is your verb meant to be present simple: 'made'?
In both of your examples, is your verb meant to be present simple: 'made'?
00
Oh, I sure did. More than one, actually. Sorry about that. I will fix!
0
Related Questions