0
Park sang joon Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

The analyses of a text #1

Philip loves a woman so much, she is now away.
....................................
He wrote to her next day, sent her a five-pound note, and at the end of his letter said that if she were very nice and cared to see him for the week-end he would be glad to run down; but she was by no means to alter any plans she had made. He awaited her answer with impatience. In it she said that if she had only known before she could have arranged it, but she had promised to go to a music-hall on the Saturday night; besides, it would make the people at the boarding-house talk if he stayed there. Why did he not come on Sunday morning and spend the day? They could lunch at the Metropole
[Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham]
1. I'd like to know if "it would be better" is implied after "that."
2. And I'd like to know why it is "why did he not come," not "why didn't he come."
Thank you in advance for your help.
  

Top answer

1. No. If she had only known before, ( then ) she could have arranged it.

  • 1.
  • No.
  • If she had only known before, ( then ) she could have arranged it.
  • 2.
  • Author's choice of style.
Free · every Monday

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
1. No. If she had only known before, (then) she could have arranged it.

2. Author's choice of style. Your version is more informal.
0
Thank you, GPY, for your so very helpful answer. Emotion: smile
2. I'd also like to know if "why did he not come" refers to a suggestion like
0
park sang joon2. I'd also like to know if "why did he not come" refers to a suggestion like "why don't you come."
Right. The direct question would be "Why don't you come on Sunday morning and spend the day?" (i.e. inviting him to come).

Related Questions