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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Vulgarity which some might justify as we being laid-back.

Hi all

Is this grammatical?

We should never appreciate this kind of tastelessness and vulgarity which some might justify as we being laid-back.

Thank you

PBF
  

Top answer

Yes, it's grammatical! "Our being laid-back" might be a bit easier to swallow. " Some might consider the essential version incorrect from a symantic point of view, but I don't think it's a grammar issue.

— Avangi

  • Yes, it's grammatical!
  • "Our being laid-back" might be a bit easier to swallow.
  • " Some might consider the essential version incorrect from a symantic point of view, but I don't think it's a grammar issue.
  • "Appreciate" is the wrong word, in terms of my understanding and use of it.
  • I know people say things like, "I don't appreciate your using obscenities in front of my children," but I think that's lower register.
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3 Answers
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Yes, it's grammatical! "Our being laid-back" might be a bit easier to swallow.
I'd make the "which" clause non-essential by placing a comma after "vulgarity." Some might consider the essential version incorrect from a symantic point of view, but I don't think it's a grammar issue.

"Appreciate" is the wrong word, in terms of my understanding and use of it. I know people say things
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Hi,

The implication is that we are commenting on the conduct of other people, and not on our own conduct.

So, I'd say

. . . which some might justify as we (their) being laid-back.

I wouldn't bother with saying 'their'.

Best wishes, Clive
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That's a great simplifcation, Clive. It reads much better. I had taken the "we" as meaning we as a group, but it did seem strange, and out of character with the rest of the sentence.
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