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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

The use of except

Which one is the best answer and why?

Thank you in advance.

Pumas never attack a human being except ___ cornered.
a) they are b) being c) that they are d) when they are
  

Top answer

Hi, Pumas never attack a human being except __ cornered. a) they are b) being c) that they are d) when they are D. Except 'at the time they are cornered.

— Clive

  • Hi, Pumas never attack a human being except __ cornered.
  • a) they are b) being c) that they are d) when they are D.
  • Except 'at the time they are cornered.
  • It's like 'I never get wet except when it rains'.
  • Clive
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4 Answers
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Hi,

Pumas never attack a human being except __ cornered.

a) they are b) being c) that they are d) when they are

D.

Except 'at the time they are cornered.

It's like 'I never get wet except when it rains'.

Clive
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Thank you, but is answer b) also a possibility if except is treated as a preposition and being/their being cornered is treated as passive gerund?
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Hi,

is answer b) also a possibility if except is treated as a preposition and being/their being cornered is treated as passive gerund?

You mean

Pumas never attack a human being except being cornered.



No, you can't say that. You need something in the same category as a human being, eg a child.

You could say
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I see your point. It's a very clear explanation! I should have thought about it before asking. Thanks a lot Clive!!!

cubra
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