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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Verb with/without an object

Some verbs can be used with or without an object. If something can be said in either way, is there a preference?

For example:
- The hood should lift when unlocked.
- The hood should be lifted when unlocked.

Another question. Should I use "lift up"/ "lifted up" in the sentence above instead of the "lift"/"lifted"?
  

Top answer

Anonymous - The hood should lift when unlocked. I take this to mean that the hood can be lifted but not as an instruction to do so. Anonymous - The hood should be lifted when unlocked.

— RayH

  • Anonymous - The hood should lift when unlocked.
  • I take this to mean that the hood can be lifted but not as an instruction to do so.
  • Anonymous - The hood should be lifted when unlocked.
  • I take this as an instruction to lift the hood or to ensure that it is lifted when it is unlocked.
  • Your use of "lift" is correct.
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3 Answers
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Anonymous- The hood should lift when unlocked.
I take this to mean that the hood can be lifted but not as an instruction to do so.
Anonymous- The hood should be lifted when unlocked.
I take this as an instruction to lift the hood or to ensure that it is lifted when it is unlocked.

Your use of "lift" is correct.
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Thank you, everyone!

I think my explanation was inadequate.

The hood should lift up automatically when unlocked so the user would know that it is unlocked.

>Your use of "lift" is correct.

Is this still correct in this case?

Also, is "lifted" incorrect?
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AnonymousI think my explanation was inadequate.
So it was. Given your clarified meaning I would say that both of your original sentences are ambiguous. You have however provided a solution, namely this from your post (as edited):
The hood should lift up automatically when unlocked.
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