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KaaJee Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
used to + e.g.
I don't know if it is right if I write something like this. (I'm talking about the usage of "used to + verb + e.g. + verb" not about the situation.)
On sundays it was she who used to sing those songs, i.e. cried.
That is, "cried" is not the same tense as "used to sing". Therefore should I rather write "i.e. used to cry"? If it is so, can I abbreviate writing "i.e. sang"?
On sundays it was she who used to sing those songs, i.e. cried.
That is, "cried" is not the same tense as "used to sing". Therefore should I rather write "i.e. used to cry"? If it is so, can I abbreviate writing "i.e. sang"?
Top answer
". These have different meanings and usages, but neither appears to fit your example sentence, regardless of tense. "
- ".
- These have different meanings and usages, but neither appears to fit your example sentence, regardless of tense.
- "
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4 Answers
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Initially you ask about "e.g.", but your example uses "i.e.". These have different meanings and usages, but neither appears to fit your example sentence, regardless of tense. I'm wondering if you mean something like "On Sundays it was she who used to sing those songs – or rather cry them."
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Yes, I wanted to write "i.e.", not "e.g.", thanks and sorry very much.
Plus I haven't manage to put it into a normal situation, however, I think if I had to manage, than "used to... i.e. + simple form of the verb (without repeating "used to")" would be the right choice. After all it is so in you sentence, and I think that from this viewpoint it is the same that "i.e." or "rather" is written, i
Plus I haven't manage to put it into a normal situation, however, I think if I had to manage, than "used to... i.e. + simple form of the verb (without repeating "used to")" would be the right choice. After all it is so in you sentence, and I think that from this viewpoint it is the same that "i.e." or "rather" is written, i
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Normally it is unnecessary to repeat "used to". However, if you intend "used to" to be assumed then you need to use the infinitive form (that would follow "used to"), not the past tense.
"On Sundays he used to 'tell us stories', i.e. bore us to death." -- this is assumed to mean "i.e. (he) used to bore us to death".
"On Sundays he used to 'tell us stories', i.e.
"On Sundays he used to 'tell us stories', i.e. bore us to death." -- this is assumed to mean "i.e. (he) used to bore us to death".
"On Sundays he used to 'tell us stories', i.e.
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