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Azz Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

The book to read

Can one say
a. I have the book you gave me to read tonight.
b. I have the book you gave me to be read tonight.

c. I have the book to read tonight.
d. I have the book to be read tonight.
?

The sentences are mine.

In (c) and (d) the context will clarify what book we are talking about. The book has obviously been mentioned before.

I think (a) and (c) are correct and could mean either
1. Tonight I can read the book (you gave me).
or
2. Tonight I have to read the book (you gave me).

(b) and (d) sound wrong to me.

Am I right?

Many thanks.
Happy Holidays.
  

Top answer

azz 2. Tonight I have to read the book (you gave me). I don't see that at all.

— Mister Micawber

  • azz 2.
  • Tonight I have to read the book (you gave me).
  • I don't see that at all.
  • azz (b) and (d) sound wrong to me.
  • Not wrong, just less common and/or a bit awkward—as passive voice usually is.
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1 Answers
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azz2. Tonight I have to read the book (you gave me).
I don't see that at all.
azz(b) and (d) sound wrong to me.
Not wrong, just less common and/or a bit awkward—as passive voice usually is.
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