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Lewis Mathews Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
When do we use the S V IO DO form?
My student asked me a very good question that I haven't been able to come up with a clear answer for yet:
Why do we say: I told her a secret.
But we wouldn't say: I recommended her the band.
Does anyone have a good explanation for when this pattern is used, and when it isn't?
Why do we say: I told her a secret.
But we wouldn't say: I recommended her the band.
Does anyone have a good explanation for when this pattern is used, and when it isn't?
Top answer
I don't believe there's a rule, Lewis. It is idiomatic for each verb. 'I told her a secret.
- I don't believe there's a rule, Lewis.
- It is idiomatic for each verb.
- 'I told her a secret.
- I said some bad things to her.
- I asked her about her past.
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2 Answers
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I don't believe there's a rule, Lewis. It is idiomatic for each verb.
'I told her a secret.
I said some bad things to her.
I asked her about her past.
I demanded that she leave him.'
'I told her a secret.
I said some bad things to her.
I asked her about her past.
I demanded that she leave him.'
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That's what I already told her, but I was hoping to find a more satisfying answer for her, after the fact.
Thank you for the great example sentences of all the various forms we use. I'll be sure to show her.
Thank you for the great example sentences of all the various forms we use. I'll be sure to show her.
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