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Postmodernbliss Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Using comparative language
Many kind thanks in advance for anyone who can help me understand how the following three sentences are correct in regard to use of comparative language:
1. Sarah's files were destroyed in the office fire, just like her co-worker's (was or were? - why?)
2. Ray was as tired as, if not more tired, than Marvin (was?). My textbook answer key doesn't use 'was'. Please explain.
3. Chloe has applied to as many companies, if not more than, Joanne has. Why is 'has' hanging on here at the end of the sentence.
Some of the aforementioned sentences are confusing to me in regard to use of these comparatives.
Again, many kind thanks to anyone who can assist me.
Best regards.
1. Sarah's files were destroyed in the office fire, just like her co-worker's (was or were? - why?)
2. Ray was as tired as, if not more tired, than Marvin (was?). My textbook answer key doesn't use 'was'. Please explain.
3. Chloe has applied to as many companies, if not more than, Joanne has. Why is 'has' hanging on here at the end of the sentence.
Some of the aforementioned sentences are confusing to me in regard to use of these comparatives.
Again, many kind thanks to anyone who can assist me.
Best regards.
Top answer
1. Sarah's files were destroyed in the office fire, just like her co-worker's [files] were . 2.
- 1.
- Sarah's files were destroyed in the office fire, just like her co-worker's [files] were .
- 2.
- Ray was as tired as, if not more tired than, Marvin (was).
- -- 'Was' ('be') in this kind of structure is optional.
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2 Answers
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1. Sarah's files were destroyed in the office fire, just like her co-worker's [files] were.
2. Ray was as tired as, if not more tired than, Marvin (was). -- 'Was' ('be') in this kind of structure is optional.
3. Chloe has applied to as many companies as, if not more than, Joanne has.-- With verbs other than 'be', omission of the verb often creates ambiguity.
2. Ray was as tired as, if not more tired than, Marvin (was). -- 'Was' ('be') in this kind of structure is optional.
3. Chloe has applied to as many companies as, if not more than, Joanne has.-- With verbs other than 'be', omission of the verb often creates ambiguity.
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